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Question about weight and carpel tunnel

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Posted 4/28/2010 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if any of you guys had ever had carpel tunnel type pain that subsided after weight loss (say 15-20 lbs).  I've been told I need the surgery, but I have gained about 40 lbs in the last two years (thanks to all the meds and sedentary lifestyle changes).  None the less, I had BAD carpel tunnel when I was pregnant with my daughter and off and on when I was at my heaviest (like now!).  It did seem to lessen when I lost weight, but came back with avengence when I gained again.  I'm short, so any weight gain is sort of exemplified by that fact and 40 lbs is a lot of weight.

Have any of you had this experience and do you think a real weight loss may prevent my need for surgery.  I really don't want any more surgery, as I'm sure you can all understand.  The HGH makes me hold water really bad and that seems to make it worse, but it was also supposed to cause serious weight loss.  I've seen the water problem, but no weight loss yet (at about 4 months in).  They do suggest that the full benefit may not be seen for a year or more with proper medication injection daily.  My next blood test for that is about two months away, however, I'm considering calling and asking to do it earlier since I've been feeling pretty exhausted and way too sleepy over the last several weeks.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Posted 4/28/2010 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning retiredmom! I'm afraid that I don't have any experience with carpel tunnel, but I have had several friends that have had the surgery. Most all of them have had some success with it.

I can't answer your question, but wanted you to know that I was thinking about you, and hope you find some answers to your question.

I'm willing to bet that several of the members will know something about this problem your having.

SE :)
Posted 4/28/2010 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Retiredmom...

I think there is a definite link to weight and carpal tunnel syndrome is many people (not all definitely....I just *think* weight can exacerbate it in many people). I had horrible carpal tunnel syndrome in my last pregnancy (almost 7 years ago)... my hands would burn, swell and hurt so much that there are days when I'd be in tears over it...(and it takes a lot for me to cry over pain issues) :) Anyway, I had an EMG soon after delivery... and it showed severe damage on my right hand, moderately severe on my left. For a variety of reasons (mostly health) - I couldn't do the surgeries at the time... had to just do cortisone injections...splints...all that stuff.

Anyway, over a good period of time... it got better. I still have residual pain and definite numbness/tingling, etc. But it is nothing like it was before.... BUT, now that I'm pregnant...(and about 20 pounds up so far) - it's getting worse again....

Yes, fluid retention is a big part of it, too...

I, too, am 5'2, by the way.

I think w/ the things you have going on... I'd call and go in earlier for blood work... Maybe something will show up that will help you combat the extreme exhaustion you have... Anyway, I hope you feel better...
--Tina
Posted 4/29/2010 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
I had bad carpal tunnel symptoms but after I had surgery in both hands they disappeared, it could be i have always been overweight. I hope you have a lpd.
Posted 4/29/2010 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi R/M,
I was diognosed w/ Carpol Tunnel about 15 years ago. The doc stuck those nails in my arms & hands> ouch! and said it was pretty bad and suggested surgery. I didn't listen and still have it pretty bad! It's on my "to do list" now. Why I'm telling you this is because my weight goes up and down like the elivator in the Empire State Bld. sometimes as much as 60~70lbs. and I have never noticed any difference in the pain and numbness due to weight loss or gain! Of course this is just me and it doesn't mean it cant happen to others! The only thing I notice that affects my CT is how much I use my hands and in what way I use them!!! Unfortunately fishing kills them!!! Reeling in and casting they turn to rubber and go totally numb after a while! As you know> repeditive movements are worst!
I don't know if this will help you but I hope so!
Your C/T Buddy
Posted 4/29/2010 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all!!

I'm working on getting in to see someone soon about this. It's getting out of control, so I guess it's time.

One of the side effects of HGH is CT, so perhaps that's why it is worse. None the less, I've dropped Diet Cokes four times this week and goodness knows what else, so I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and get something done.

Pete....you know I did do the fishing thing recently and did a lot of casting.....hmmmmm...perhaps that caused this most recent BAD flare....

Thanks again all!
Posted 4/30/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Retired Mom,

I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and recently lost 45 lbs.  The weight loss did not help the numbness and pain, what did help was eliminating gluten foods.  I've switched to more veggies and its helped.  I do notice when I eat pasta or breads the pain everywhere increases.

XXOO
Patti

Posted 4/30/2010 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
HI Mom!

I've had surgery on both hands and it was the best thing I could have done. I had instant relief and it's never come back. It's been about a dozen years ago. I would guess that weight might make it worse but the carpul area of the wrist is a small tunnel in the wrist that is made of bones and ligaments. Through this tunnel run nerves, tendons, blood and other stuff. There are a lot of reason why these tissues swell but the biggest offender are the tendons. The problem with swelling in this area is that it's constricted...can't go anywhere. If we smack our head on something the area can swell and make a large bump. But inside this tunnel there's no where for the swelling to go and it squeezes everything that passes through there. This is where the pain and symptoms begin.

The problem with waiting for treatment is that the main nerve running through the tunnel gets pinched. Most often there is no permanent damage. But if you keep having pain from this nerve being pinched it can cause permanent damage. No matter what you do after that you will likely have pain that lingers on...less pain but it will likely be there.... like Momof6boys has. I'm just glad I didn't have damage because it was so tight in there. The doctors can tell how much pressure is going on and when it ramps up is when they suggest surgery.

When I went it I had one that was very bad and the other hurt but had to wait it's turn. The surgery is very easy and easier since I had mine. I had open surgery but now days many of the doctors use laproscopic surgery for carpul tunnel surgery. Either way it's out patient surgery. I chose local anesthetic so they only numbed my hand. They also use a kind of arm tourniquet and then numb the lower part of your arm. Different doctors like different ways. Doc and I chatted away while he was doing it. The actually surgery takes about 30 - 40 minutes. The relief is instant as the surgeon cuts the ligament that hold that tunnel on the palm side of your wrist. You'll never know that it's been cut as it heals back over but now it's larger so things don't get pinched.

OK, I've babbled on way too much but thought I'd share some of what I know. Mine was easy and I was very glad I had it done. It put an end to the problem and immediately.

Good luck and I hope you are comfortable with the decision you make.
Chutz
Posted 4/30/2010 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Chutz... you put everything into words perfectly... I agree completely - I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to deal with this because I know I have permanent damage now...

RM... let us know what happens after you go to your doctor... :)

--Tina
Posted 5/3/2010 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys! I knew I could count on you!

I went to the PCP on Friday and her office will be calling the specialist on Monday to hurry things along. Something has to give!!!


She suggested an arthritis glove until then and I can't find any here (small town), but have found some on the net. Do any of you have one and does it help?

Thanks!
Posted 5/3/2010 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
RM,

When my hands were at their worst... I tried everything and then some... the glove or braces did help a bit... what they do is give just enough compression that it helps w/ the pain a bit. I would definitely suggest trying one.

The other thing... sorry, can't remember if you've done this or not.. but while you make the decision to have surgery, or even while you are waiting for your surgery date... you might ask for a cortisone injection in your wrist. Sometimes the injections would only last a few weeks... but at least it was something.

Hope you hear from the specialist soon...
--Tina
Posted 5/3/2010 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks "other" Mom :)

I haven't done the injections because I can't use the cortizone :(

I'm sticking with the voltaren gel and the splints (but they hurt really bad some times too)....until I can get into the specialist. I've tried again today and my PCP is still trying to get through to the other office. I love small town living, but it's complicated when your looking for medical help.

I will keep looking for the gloves, since they may give some relief. I haven't been able to find them around here at all. I kind of wanted to try them on before purchase to see which size was the best fit. I have rather large hands (even before the swelling) and don't want to get anything too small (or too large for that matter).

I appreciate the info!
Posted 5/5/2010 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there Retiredmom.
Your story sounds something like mine. I'm a retired EMT and here mostly for advice on GERD and alt treatments. But I had carpal tunnel too. The problem is that ct is a disease that can come and go. Pregnancy and weight influence it just like diabetes is influenced by weight. But neither just goes away and the thing you reeeeeeally dont want to do is ignore ct. I began getting ct on my right hand years ago and my left started about a year later. I lost weight as a result of GI surgery and the ct pain eased a little but not much. So then I got the ct surgery on the right but even after 2 years the pain was only half gone. My insurance paid for it but I wont do that again. Not worth it. So I did (and still do) hand exercises and used a Carpal Therapist and I've been able to manage it ok.
I would say you should get as much info as you can about ct now. And dont think surgery is a cure-all because there are lots of other things you can do to get rid of the pain.
K
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