Anyone have CTS?

[cabinetman]

A very common affliction in woodworkers is CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). By the time I became covered by health insurance both of my hands were severly affected. I had limited use of both hands and had ongoing pain in both hands and arms.

In 2001, I went for consultation and underwent electrodiagnostic testing. This was the worst part. The neurologist advised I came in about 10 years too late. I opted for surgery as it was explained that the surgery may prevent the condition from getting worse.

I had it on both hands about a month apart. For me the surgery was successful, as I have no pain anymore. I have limited use of both hands but still have tendonitis in both hands/fingers. I drop stuff a lot.

I can only suggest that if you have any signs of numbness, control, or pain, to see a specialist as soon as you can. The earlier it gets treated the better.
.

[RAFlorida]

A very timely post.

Loml, has that and always drop things. She didn't want the surgery back then and now they say it probably won't help her at this late a stage. I agree with you, if they feel those symptoms, get to a doctor to see if it can help. Glad that you did the wise thing and you're better for it.

[Uncle Cracker]

Had a short bout last year with a similar problem. I had no grip strength in my right hand for about two weeks. Couldn't hold a milk jug. Doc said it was an inflammation of that same nerve as is affected by CTS, gave me some drugs, and it went away. I would not want to experience it permanently, that's for sure.

[Ed62]

I've had problems with it for probably 10 years or so. Typically, it doesn't bother me during the day, but I usually wear wrist braces at night. It isn't nearly as bad as it was when I was working. I've had a number of nights when I would get up, and sit in a chair, almost crying from pain. At that time I asked the doc if it was carpal tunnel syndrome. He told me it was not, but never did any testing for it. So I suffered. Finally, I went to another doc, who did the electro testing, which confirmed the problem. The braces have been a lifesaver for me. At my age, I might get through life without the surgery.

Ed

[Schleeper]

I had the problem in my right wrist, and wore a brace to take off some of the pressure. It didn't go away until I switched my computer mouse to the left side.

[Uncle Cracker]

I had the problem in my right wrist, and wore a brace to take off some of the pressure. It didn't go away until I switched my computer mouse to the left side.

I will have to do that myself someday, which is daunting, since I make my living doing AutoCad. I have a condition called Dupuytren's Disease, where nodules build up over time on the tendons in my palm that cause my ring finger to progressively curl inwards. Surgery is the only correction, and when the contracture gets to a point, I will have to have it done. It's invasive and gruesome, and I will not be able to mouse with my right hand for as much as 6 months. So it's go lefty, or starve.

[pelligrini]

I pay a lot of attention to my computer workspace, good chairs, alignment etc.

It's not my prefered pointing device, but I switched to using a logitech 3 button trackman. That really helped with the fatigue, and eventual pain from long sessions. I've tried a bunch of different mice, even one of the vertical ones. My biggest problem is that I don't move my whole arm when using a regular mouse, it's just small wrist movements.

I couldn't imagine drawing with my left hand. Don't even want to think about it....

Woodworking has helped me. I don't spend nearly the time I used to in front of my computers, and other hand and arm muscles get used so the movement isn't always the same thing.

[TB Roye]

I have it but retireing was the best thing for it. Mine was from wiring and using crimping tools and other air tools (vibration) Also for typing and using a computer. Buiding model cars contributed to it also. I can do woodwork as long as I don't use to many hand tools, like screw drivers and small detail hand sanding. I have had one shot of Cortisone(spelling) which help greatly. I also use the braces on both wirsts at night and when I drive long distances to keep the pressure off the wirst. I gave modeling as the detail work was too painful. Pen Turning doesn't seem to bohter me. I don't have the strength in my hand I used to have and find it hard to time small hooks, when trout fishing. I usually tie a bunch hooks to various lengths of leader before I leave for a fishing trip. When it flares up I just lay off what ever I was doing for a few day and it helps. On thing I cannot do is use a paint bruch to paint trim or cutting in and 4" brush really sets thing off, 2 hours and I am done for a couple of days. Hammer are another thing I can't us to well, I loose my grip and they go flying. I have just learned to adapt to avoing surgery as long as possible. I am lucky I can do pretty much any thing I want, just takes longer and is a good excuse to get power tools. Finish, brand and staple guns are great, so are battery powered screw gun/drivers.

Tom

[rjwaldren]

+1 on the braces, a few years back I was doing a lot work that require diggins postholes.... I had to where braces that held my wrist extended if I wanted any chance of sleeping at night. It still flares up if I'm hammering and my hands go numb if I rest my wrist on anything for any length of time.

[DUD]

No but I get ESPN. Sorry bout that. Bill

[Pappy]

I was diagnosed with it by my VA doc but it has never been confirmed by testing. Tried to wear the braces to work but they limited the use of my hands and fingers too much to handle the mail. I experience some minor numbness and sometimes have trouble gripping small things. Other than the occassional annoyance from that it doesn't bother me much.

[TB Roye]

Funny story about me and CTS. About 6 years ago a section of my fence blew down in a Storm. I had my 2 boys come over help repair it , new posts and boards. While putting up the dog eared boards, I was driving nails and every third or fourth nail one of the boys would yell " Dad the hammer" and sure enough it would be laying on ground 2 or 3 feet. from me usually behind me, never felt it leave. Finially had to quit and let them finish. The next time I worked on the fence I used a scew gun.

Tom

[cabinetman]

Hammer are another thing I can't us to well, I loose my grip and they go flying. I am lucky I can do pretty much any thing I want, just takes longer and is a good excuse to get power tools. Finish, brand and staple guns are great, so are battery powered screw gun/drivers.

Tom

You're right on spot with holding on to a hammer. Over the years, holding on to routers or files for hours at a time became an isometric that was a contributor. I would get to the point that I couldn't even feel the router in my hands, and at times had trouble letting it go. Some of the results are:

I can't tell a nickel from a dime in my pocket.

I have to guess how tight arbor and collet nuts are when tightened.

Screws have to be picked up with a magnetic bit.

Have problems manipulating a pliers, hand screwdriver and most hand tools in general.

Have problems with shirts with buttons.

Tools can just fall right out of my hands, including silverware, and coffee cups. If I drink out of a glass or cup, it has to be "mug type".

Have problems opening drug or vitamin bottles with the peal off seal.

Have problems with food packaging that have "resealable" bags.

Can't feel or hold on to small parts.
.

[TB Roye]

Cab Man

I have almots all of those to some degree or another. The symptoms are not as severe as they once were before I retired. They will bother me tonight though as I spent most of the last two days doing service work on my Toyota Tacoma and LOML's Expedition. Oil and Filter, Fuel Filter and Trans Fluid and Filter and front brakes on the Toyota. There were 19 trans pan bolts on the Ford and 14 on the Toyota all done by hand with a ratchet and socket. The 2 closest Ford dealers have shut down and the Toyota dealer moved to an Auto Mall 10 miles away and is not convienent any more. Both Vehicles were over due for service and we are getting ready to go to Idaho next week and bring the oldest Grandson back with the Ford and will return him about 20th of August using the Toyota so I needed to get them service. I used to service all my vehicle but when I retired and bought the 2 news ones I decided to go to the Dealer. So now I will look for a Mechanic to take care of my vehicles. It wasn't had but my hand are bothering me now as I type. So I am out of here. The one Positive thing was our 4 year old Grand Daughter put on some old clothes and laid on the garage floor with me and kept me company. She now know some new words (just kidding) but knows what an oil pan, oil filter and oil are, she also know about gasket scrapers, ratchets and sockets. She can find a 15mm, 13mm and 12mm socket now. She thought putting the oil and trans fluid in was fun and liked all the breaks we had with milk and Hostess Cup Cakes. Time to go find the braces my fingers are going to sleep. I am right handed, type with both hands but the left hand is the worst, why I have no Idea.


Tom

[jaybee]

Too much computer keyboard, mouse, and way too much viola when younger. I ended up, over a period of 2 years with 2 surgeries 3 to 6 weeks apart on each hand. Left - carpal tunnel, dequervains (thumb), trigger thumb, one trigger finger. Right - carpal tunnel, dequervains, 2 trigger fingers. In all, I was off work for 12 weeks. Amazing what you can learn to do when your dominant hand is out of commission
I was very comfortable with my orthopedic surgeon after he showed me the carpal scars on both of his wrists - a very cool way of answering the "will I still be able to ...?" questions.