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Post Ulnar Transposition and Decompression but still have pain

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Posted 11/29/2014 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Norcal & welcome to the forum. Please keep checking back because Sandur does come back from time to time & checks in. That is the person that started this thread as he seems to be more up on this surgery than anyone. If you don't get an answer in a few days you may want to consider making a separate intro post & put your questions there.

Take care.
Posted 12/30/2014 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all sorry I am not as present as I was before.

I feel better knowing that I'm not alone, but at the same time very sad for all who are going through this. I too have issues holding a pen or other small items at times. My hand writing becomes more and more atrocious the longer I write. My hand writing is almost completely illegible even to me, and I block letter print.

I am excited to be having an MRI in January as the surgeon wants to know what he is up against before he goes in. Surgery at a unknown date after that. I have started to have muscle wasting at the elbow over the ulnar joint. I am continuing to take pictures at least once a month to show the progress. In August I had a cortisone injection by fluoroscopy and since October ih vae started to develop a red patch which is growing in size over the ulnar groove area. My GP says its rust (from the oxidized blood from the injection).

My numbness In the hand is getting worse, I have actually cut my pinkie finger a couple of times and not realized it right away. The surgeron tells me he is going to try to locate a better place for the ulnar nerve, not sure where as he had already did a sub-q transposition (placed it under the muscle), and with the wating at the elbow not sure there will be enough to use.


Norcal- I'm glad they found the tumor and that it is benign. I had a pinchy type pain at the ulnar groove before the surgery. Now I have a very achy feeling In the forearm and hand (all my discomfort, pain and numbness is elbow joint down to fingers) my pinkie, pinkie side of hand and wrist is consderablly more numb then the half of the ring finger. Some nights the discomfort, aching and pain is so bad in the elbow that I take a narcotic pain med. Other wise I am on gabapentin 700mg TID. I am 23 month post surgery, I reached the maximum time frame for the feeling to return a long time ago. I hope numbness is resolved.

Hi Cheri- Congrats on beating cancer and It sounds like your surgery was a resounding success. It makes me hopeful. Not sure how long it was for you from injury or onset of symptoms to surgery. I was almost 2 years- which is what I attribute to the fact that I did not see a total benefit from it. fingers crossed this next one with be different.

Hi Von Awesome- I had bad cramping in the forearm and the hand after the surgery, but that was attributed to the muscle getting muck around in. I do find that the gabapentin has made a dent in the pain I have. When I have missed a dose I really notice the increase in discomfort. Narcotics don't do much except dull it enough that I can sleep- and those are only occasional use. I have tried all the nerve drugs that are out there. Cymbalta was the devil drug for me, awful side effects and a awful time transitioning off. Lyrica not much of a benefit. Elival made me dozy and un-functional.

I hope everyone is doing better I hope to chat with everyone soon (And I'm not sure why I don't get emails that someone has commented so I apologize for not being back sooner
And the other two posters I will respond too, I checked in today but need to head out for work. chat soon
Sandur
Posted 1/9/2015 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. Just wanted to add that I had an ulnar nerve transposition in August of 1997. The E.M.G. had shown an almost 40% loss of nerve function after a traumatic injury to the elbow. I had split the sheath open without breaking the bone. I had also suffered a 3/4 thickness tear of the rotator cuff. I was put into physical therapy for the shoulder and continued to also work, light duty, for 3 months before the shoulder surgery, then post operative p.t. for several weeks. All this time, no one knew how much damage was being done to the nerve. Finally, in August, the surgery on the elbow was performed. It was, without a doubt, the most painful recovery I have ever had. Ice was rubbed on the scar to help reduce excessive scar tissue. I was given "points", electric shocks to the length of the nerve to help 'reawaken' it. It was horrible, but worth it in the end. Remember, the nerve is now buried under muscle tissue. When you use those muscles, it will irritate the nerve. For years, whenever I bumped the muscle area, it was like hitting my 'funny bone'. While I may feel the sensation of an itch, I do not feel the sensation of scratching the itch, and must be very careful to not injure myself. Cold sensation is perceived as 'wet'. Luckily hot sensation is still perceived as hot! Other conditions can produce nerve pain. Have you all had your cervical spine checked? This is something I would recommend. I would love to tell you that I have recovered completely, but I cannot. It has taken years to learn how to sleep, how to rest my arm on the edge of a surface, how to not overuse the muscles which now protect the nerve. Most important, remember to tell health care professionals that you cannot have any venipuncture done on that arm! They could hit the nerve! Desensitization is the only thing that helped and it takes a long time. Try not to get discouraged!
Posted 1/9/2015 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Pitmom, welcome to the forum. So sorry to read about what you had to deal with for so long. We do ask all new members to make a separate intro post so that all members will see it & be able to say hello & welcome aboard. By posting on someone else's thread not many will see your post & we don't want to hijack someone's thread. Thanks.
Posted 2/9/2015 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
After years of numbness in my right forearm ( I had previous surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in same arm & assumed this condition had returned) I finally got a diagnosis & had the ulna nerve surgery 11month ago (03. 2014) I still experience tenderness at the site of surgery scar, and general discomfort/aching a lot of the time
I think from looking at others experience it is a procedure that requires a long post op recovery. Try not to be too impatient!!
The operation was as expected, no more & no less painful than I thought it would be. The worst bit was the very tight padding put on after surgery (mine was too tight- my hand went blue & ballooned in size & had to be re bandaged, which was alarming)
My hand for the 1st 2-3 weeks after surgery felt completely numb as if it didn't belong to me & it was icy cold ( I used a sock/ large mitten to try & warm my hand up) I did worry that something had gone wrong. I mentioned my worries at the post operative check up & the nurse explained that all the sensations that I was experiencing were normal & that the nerve was healing/ along with the soft tissue which was bruised & swollen both internally & externally, I had to be careful not to overuse the damaged arm whilst healing was taking place. The Healing process took quite a while, and the sensation of tingling/ pins & needles in my fingers lasted for a few months,being worse whenever something brushed against my fingertips, this has gradually got better for me. I still get a dull ache in my elbow & forearm,and especially along the site of the scar, it hurts a lot if I bang my elbow,more than it did before the operation. I do not think my full strength is yet back to normal & May never be 100% "normal". I avoid carrying heavy bags with my right arm I also avoid any repetitive actions eg; painting,sandpapering/ typing etc.I Also avoid any pressure,/weight bearing actions in order to reduce subsequent pain.
I think a lot of people expect the healing process to be a lot quicker. I did & it is only after a year that I am anywhere close to how my arm should be expected to feel.I would definitely seek further medical advice if you feel that what you are experiencing is not part of the healing process & that you have given yourself enough time to heal. I hope this helps a little bit & doesn't deter anyone from having this procedure.



smhair
Posted 2/21/2015 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
I had ulner nerve decompression a year and a half ago,it did not work and I now have severe pain in my right hand,as if it's broken, I'm oncymbalta, lyrica, morphine sulphate too,
Posted 3/3/2015 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone,

I am very happy to have found this site and these threads. Please excuse any errors I may make in my typing. I am typing with 1 finger on a kindle.

I just had ulnar nerve surgery on Friday February 27th 2015.
Let me try to give a bit of history.November 14, 2013, I picked up a 50 pound box of potatoes that broke at the right handle which shifted the weight and pulled my arm out of the socket. From the shoulder to the thumb. I'm 46 now, female, 4'10 and 120 pounds. This lifting was a work requirements. My case is worker's compensation.

I had immediate ulnar nerve pain, dislocated shoulder and hand pain. Spent 2 months with shoulder sublexed.
I won't go over all the serious pain symptoms with all of you as I know from reading your posts you understand. Sometimes the pain is so bad you are feeling incapacitated.

Nerve tests with arm straight showed nothing for ulnar regardless of pain, tingling and spasms.shoulder surgery February 14 2014. Loss of range and motion. Shoulder still pops and in pain 1 year post-op. Will need a second surgery.

June 13, 2014 ligament in thumb and wrist under thumb repaired. Loss of movement in thumb. Still complaining of ulnar pain.
January 2015 MRI on shoulder and elbow. Showed nothing. Apt with surgeon sonogram showed rolling and flattening of nerve.

February 27, 2015 ulnar surgery. I am in excruciating pain as we speak. Just since Friday I am on my third pain killer. The first two did nothing to help. I have had 10 total hours of sleep since Friday. I barely bumped my wrist and it dropped me to the floor with pain. This felt like I was being electrocuted from the tips of my fingers to the base of my head. This is not an over exaggeration. I bumped my arm on the mattress at 5am and the electricity that shot through my arm made me physically sick to my stomach. If I lift my arm in any way the pain radiates from the tips of my fingers to the base of my head. The doctor basically just says I have to toughen it out.

No one in the other threads mentioned that felt like being electrocuted.

Please give any suggestions you may have that my have helped you right after surgery. I am desperate for sleep and any position that could help with relaxation. If stranding on my head will help I'll do it.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this. Any responses will be appreciated.

Leila
Posted 3/4/2015 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Leila, Welcome! So sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I remember sleeping with my casted arm in the sling, even though they told me not to. I believe you can never have enough pillows! Get them in all shapes and sizes and mushiness. Rolled towels were a huge help too. Just use duct tape to keep them from unrolling. I placed them behind my upper arm and one between my belly and my forearm as I laid back on probably 3 pillows, not anywhere near flat! Do you have a recliner? Might get more rest in one of those. I slept on the couch with my surgical arm on the 'inside'. Hope you get some relief and some sleep real soon! Don't skimp on the pain pills, you were given them for a reason. It's better to stay ahead of the pain than to try to chase it!
Posted 3/4/2015 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
THANK YOU!!!
Pitmom,

Thank you for your suggestions. I have not tried the towels and I'll collect the rest of the pillows in the house. I will also try sleeping in the recliner. If none of these work I'll be on the couch. I have tried sleeping laying down and on either side. I have not tried being propped up.

I don't have a brace or a cast. Just the dressing put on after the surgery.

I had my pain pills doubled, which has helped a great deal. The sad part is that my husband and I had to fight for relief.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your quick response. I am eternally grateful.

I'll try all of your suggestions and let you know how it goes. My husband is wrapping up towels as I type.

Many blessings Leila
Posted 3/4/2015 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Leila & welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have really been through the mill from all of this. Leila we do ask all new members to make a separate intro post so that all members will see it & be able to say hello & welcome aboard.

You have posted on another person's thread & not many people will see your post here, plus we don't want to highjack the original poster's thread. If you can copy & paste what you have written above that would make a perfect intro post.

The electrocuted feeling you described, yes, I have heard of people saying this after this type of surgery. It sounds like you have nerve involvement & that is what is causing this electricity feeling. Has any of the drs tried you on any of the nerve pain meds? Narcotics just do not have that much of an effect on nerve pain & this is where the meds I asked about above play a role.

I will ask the members not to post any further here & give you a chance to make your intro thread. Thanks.
Posted 3/4/2015 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Members please do not post to Leila on this thread as we do not want to highjack the original poster's thread. I have asked Leila to make a separate intro thread so lets give her the chance to do that. Thanks.
Posted 3/4/2015 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
Susie

Appreciate your request and would gladly do this if I were able. I am typing on a kindle using only one finger.

I don't know how to fulfill your request using the kindle.

I'm sorry for posting on another's thread.

Thank you for your help and understanding.

Blessings

Leila
Posted 3/25/2015 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
I had ulnar transposition surgery in 2011 and I am still in great pain. I have tried every medication and nothing helps. The area above my elbow, the incision area is so painful I sometimes have a problem with clothing touching it. Sleeping is very difficult and getting comfortable is a chore. I have tried everything known to man. This is a workman's comp issue and the case manager for the insurance company is being difficult and not approving treatment. This is a terrible issue.
Posted 3/26/2015 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi chico,

You might want to start your own thread so folks will see you are 'new'.

In my experience with workers compensation, the best thing you can do is get a lawyer. The lawyer can produce a 'letter of protection' for any doctor you need to see. This means that when the case is settled, the doctor will be paid out of the settlement and you don't have to put money out up front. In this way, you get the care you need!

Now, for the pain. Several people here have more experience with the newer nerve pain meds that were not available when I had my surgery. In order to move the nerve to a more protected area, the smaller nerves had to be severed or stretched. This is probably what is producing such sensitivity for you. In my experience, the only thing that helped was ice and massage. Numbing the nerve before massaging the area to desensitize the nerves. Unlike sensitive teeth, we cannot create a barrier. The best we can hope for is a reduction of sensitivity. I found that using my heating pad, being careful to check for redness, gave me the most relief.

I hope you get a lawyer, a second opinion, physical therapy (I couldn't massage it myself!) and mostly, I hope you get relief!
Posted 3/26/2015 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello CHico & welcome to the forum. Please do as Pitmom suggested & make a separate intro post. Not only will more members see your post but we don't want to hijack the original poster's thread.

Thanks.
Posted 6/28/2015 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, Still trolling around still working through this. had a MRI in January 2015 and surgeon said that he needs to go back in. Operated March 4, 2015. Took almost 6 weeks for the incision to heal. It started draining at 14 days post op and would stop. Finally it closed but I developed a seroma. Second surgery on May 20, 2015. Still have the numbness in the ulnar distribution of the hand. Now due to the surgery on Feb 4/15 I now have a large area in the point to mid forearm on the ulnar aspect that is now numb on the surface of the skin. The surgeon couldn't find the nerve that innervates the skin in that are he felt it was in the scar tissue. Its not so bad of a complication as far as complications go. I have had other health issues crop up and I am less certain what belongs where. (chronic headaches, dull ache in rt ear and discomfort in rt side of throat, extreme fatigue and tiredness) I have a stiffness in the elbow joint as well as discomfort/ soreness in the joint but I have also had a positive ANA test (the ANA I am told is a test they use to dx Lupus or other autoimmunes).

This past year has been very difficult for me and these past few months have been riddled with trips to see surgeon (hes five hours away each way), work and college courses. I'm at my witts ends and not sure where or how I will get help. One theory is that the tiredness, fatigue and headaches is all related to the fact that I am taking 800mg Gabapentin TID. But the headaches started before the gabapentin and the fatigue was present in my recall but not as bad in 2013. The ear throat pain started in April after I started gabapentin. I am looking to withdraw off of it but am not certain that I will be able to escape meds altogether and may have to replace it with another med. I went off of Cymbalta to go back on gabapentin this time and I came off of Lyrica to go on Cymbalta. I have taken Gabapentin and Lyrica before at different times without having this side effect so I have no clue whats what.

Sorry for the long post. If I posted more often they wouldn't be this long or drawn out.

Painfree days to everyone.

Stacey
Posted 6/29/2015 8:08 AM (GMT 0)
Good to see you Stacy but sorry you have so much going on. The gab can cause the tired and fatigue symptoms at higher doses and your not in the stratosphere yet with those. Is there a reason you kept switching from the other meds of the class? Especially if you were not having the same issues and can you go back to one of them?

Glad you checked in even if the news wasn't great and yes visiting more often can help with support and well it's just nice to know others get it!
Posted 6/30/2015 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome back Sandur. Was hoping things had improved and 'caused' the absence. Let us know how things are going. I can only go by my own experience in that the nerve has calmed down quite a bit in almost 20 years. Perhaps you won't need so much of the nerve med. I hope they figure out the causes of your other issues soon!
Posted 6/30/2015 3:49 PM (GMT 0)

nvrthesame98 said...
Good to see you Stacy but sorry you have so much going on. The gab can cause the tired and fatigue symptoms at higher doses and your not in the stratosphere yet with those. Is there a reason you kept switching from the other meds of the class? Especially if you were not having the same issues and can you go back to one of them?

Glad you checked in even if the news wasn't great and yes visiting more often can help with support and well it's just nice to know others get it!


I keep changing meds as I try to wean off to see if I really need then to go on with life. When the pain become unbearable I return to my doctor and we try something else. I never really know how much its helping with the pain until I try to stop. I'm not sure if that make sense to anyone to do that or not. My doctor thinks that about three months post surgical I should be able to wean off the meds. I am worried that they are causing other issues in my body (long term headaches without any headache free days, pain in ear and discomfort in throat, weight gain, inability to lose weight) As well as what they are doing to my liver.
Posted 2/13/2016 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I came across this post while searching for info about a possible transposition I need. I too am in ireland and am hoping Ann D see this post and can reply. I am unsure where to get this surgery here and could appreciate some advice
Posted 2/13/2016 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rogall, I clicked on Ann D's name & she has not posted here at Healing Well since the above date. As you can see its been a long time since the above post. I suggest that you make a new post asking about hospitals & drs in Ireland, someone may or may not see it. People tend to not to read these older threads. I will lock this one so no one else will post on here.

Take care.
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