New here, with carpal tunnel issues-

Hello everybody. I'm Mary and I've come here with a question that maybe hopefully someone can answer for me. I have fibromyalgia for 8 years that started just after my son was born. Then my daughter was born 2 years ago and while pregnant I developed carpal tunnel in both hands. It's definately carpal tunnel and not FM and the doctor said it would go away after birth. But it didn't. It actually is getting worse and worse. I had a Emg test done and the surgeon said I need surgery in both hands. That scares me and I can ill afford that. But I must do something. I've been reading alot about nonsurgery treatments and there seems to be all sorts of things available, but I'd like to know what works and what doesnt because they all say they work. I'm skeptical, but I'm really not keen on cutting my wrists open. So has anybody used any nonsurgery treatments that work? I splint both hands at night and I've taken B vitamins and used CT cream, the Carpol solution, and ice followed by heating pads. But Id say none of that helps much. I appreciate any advice on this. Thanks

I've had good luck with raising my vitamin D level and using the computer mouse with my left hand for my carpal tunnel - enough to not need surgery on that for now.

Raising my D level to normal (it was only 18) seems to help with pain. I take 2000 units in the morning and another dose in the evening if I don't get enough sun. We don't store much D and there isn't enough in any food. The toxoc level is 10.000 for a long time, so 2000 seems safe for anyone in the north. I got my husband to take it too. He had a lot of ugly brown spots on his legs from hitting stuff in the greenhouse and his wounds took way too long to heal. His spots have almost gone away in only a month and his wounds heal very fast now.

It seems normal after a year to use the mouse left-handed.

I had the surgery done on my right hand, and hate to say it, but I can feel my hand now, but still have no strength in it and can feel neuropathic pain in my hand. They told me that I need to have my left had done as well, but I really don't think I am going to do it. My mother had hers done years ago and said it took a full year before she could say that she was glad she had it done. If you have any luck with alternative therapies I would definately stay with it as apposed to surgery. If you come across something that works, post it, I would like to try it!

Hi Mary...

Welcome to the board :) I'm sorry you are having problems w/ your CTS. I, too, have fibro and CTS. I was told the exact same thing... my carpal tunnel was so bad in my last pregnancy, and was told it would probably resolve once I delivered... but it didn't. For various reasons, too, I chose not to have the surgery. I had an EMG and have moderate to severe damage on one hand; severe on the other.

I've learned ways to manage the pain over the years. There are times when it's worse, and times when it's better (although the numbness/tingling is always there). You seem to be doing most of the stuff I do - splints, creams, heat/ice and so forth. The only other things that have worked for me are as follows: when the pain has been really bad, my PM doc would add a nerve medication on board and that would help some. But what really helped when the pain was at it's worst was getting cortisone injections... Most of the time, the injections would really help break the pain cycle and give me good relief.

Someone else mentioned regarding Vitamin D... I found out my levels were VERY low (a 5) some months ago. I've been on 50,000/units 2 to 3x a week. Anyway, if you do a google search of "Vitamin D deficiency and carpal tunnel syndrome" - you'll see the interesting link between the two. It might be worth it to ask your doctor to get your levels checked.

Regardless, I sure hope you get some relief, and find something that works for you! Let us know...
Good luck :) --Tina

Retiredmom...

I know we've talked about this before... but it's really interesting the things related to the Vit D deficiency.... it can flare up many things, and cause many health issues. I'm still on supplements, too... I haven't had my levels rechecked yet - and can't tell if they helped or not, because I have so many other things going on right now...

BUT... I'm glad your hands are somewhat better. :) --Tina

Momto6Boys,

I don't mean to hyjack the thread, but you are so right about the vitamin D. I can honestly say that I do "feel" better with the higher levels. It's like the difference between sitting in the chair saying "boy those squash need to be picked or they will go bad....and just letting them rot" and saying "ok, I know I will suffer, but it's time to go outside and pick squash" . You just feel more like you can get up and go do whatever needs doing. You still hurt terribly for doing it, but you find that you can get up and that it is worth the effort.

I hope you find that your levels have improved too!

I also understand about so many other things going on that it is hard to tell.

Best wishes!

I had very good success with high doese of vit D and B complex and also wearing a carpal therapist. I have to say that Im very happy and pain free now. (neck pain and back pain are another matter though) For me it was a winning combo so i dont know if it works for everybody but it seems like a 1,2,3 puch for cts.