Severed Ulnar Nerve!!!

Hi again to anybody else who comes across this forum.
21 weeks ago I I had a decompression of the right elbow as I had an ulnar nerve entrapment and a anterior interosseous nerve transfer done ( end to side)
Now I live in Australia so this is done by Hand Surgeon's /plastic Surgeon's / Neurosurgeons so immediately you don't know who to go to first.
My Surgeon who performed my operation is suppose to be one of the best In Australia as he spent many years in some unit in Kentucky that specialises in Hand Surgery of all sorts.

I am 21 weeks post Op and there has not been one bit of change to motor function that I have noticed. I even doubted that the AIN nerve Anastomosis came loose but my hand surgeon didn't think so. So I had my Neurologist order an MRI and Ultrasound of the right forearm and sadly the AIN nerve can't be seen and also my report says NO EVIDENCE OF ANASTOMOSIS FAILURE but this is like the saying of the tree falling in the wood's just because you can't hear it doesn't mean it didn't happen.

As another member here pointed out to discuss this with my surgeon as to what exactly does this AIN nerve transfer suppose to do? so I have done exactly that and the response was " it isn't suppose to do anything except keep the motor end plates alive until the native axons regenerate"

I have read people who have had this surgey have started to get results in 3 month's 6 and 10 month's so I can't believe my surgeon and we all know that Drs aren't right.

The other thing that I'd like to point out is I've been told to see occupational Therapy. In Australia occupational therapy doesn't deal with the hand is a sub speciality of physiotherapy known as hand therapy and I have been dismissed by two already as I can't do those specific excersises as the ulnar nerve innervates them. So I'm here left to wait and I'm trying to be optimistic and trying to be hopeful but it's so hard as my life is going past me and l use to be a physical person as I was heavily into body-building and my job was In Security so I can't do either of them nor do any other work as this moment I'm disabled and employers don't want disabled workers as it's a liability.
Anyone reading this will think of should see a Pyschiatrist but what is the point telling a Pyschiatrist 300$ to say my hand doesn't work that is useless.

If only I had some changes I would start to feel hopefull.

Hi Sarge.

It sucks when we don't get the best result. You can see from my signature, I've had a lot of work done on me.

After 2 surgeries on the right shoulder, my body reabsorbed what was left of the end of my collar bone. I am permanently disfigured and the tendons are literally hanging on by a thread.

I have permanent nerve damage and have mostly adjusted to the chronic pain from the ulnar nerve. I do have function, though, and feel terrible for you that yours has not returned.

I don't consider myself a particularly vain person...but...all of these scars get to me sometimes. The looks I get if my shoulders are bare...I can't even wear a regular bra, as the strap falls off no matter what I do!

I worked most of my days in 'assembly and production' or 'cashier'...both jobs relied heavily on my use of my hands and arms. Nine surgeries on my upper extremeties with limitations did not make me a sought after employee.

I felt betrayed by my body. I felt useless and unproductive. I fought addiction issues that loomed from the constant use of medications. I had to fight through 2 denials for SSD, nearly lost my home, considered dark options.

Getting into therapy was life saving for me. Over a year of twice weekly visits, I was slowly able to get my brain around being 'retired' as opposed to 'disabled'. It wasn't about 'just' not working. The loss of schedule, the loss of human contact, the loss of 'job well done', the loss of earning potential...I had to go ahead and grieve...and find new avenues for these things (well, most of them).

I was declared disabled from work as of my last day worked, 2006. My 'meltdown' came 2 years later. You may not need it now...but please don't hesitate if the time comes.

Sarge 83:
In holding onto hope that you experience recovery of your ulnar nerve, it would also be wise to
begin to work with a trusted other (psychologist, social worker, vocational counselor, pastor) on creating a back-up plan and mapping out possibilities for life if recovery does not occur or occurs to only a partial degree.

Behind very person’s face is a personal story. Most people experience unforeseen life challenges. You never know how strong you are until you are faced with a life-altering health challenge. Finding ways to cope, adapt, and adjust will help you reclaim a life with meaning and purpose.

As a physical therapist, I worked with individuals with devestating head and spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injury with quadriplegia, paralysis from the neck down. Closed head injury rendering a person with the executive reasoning of a 5 year old. The stricken were usually young men in their early 20’s who felt invincible riding motorcycles or diving from high rock ledges into a shallow river. These individuals had to relearn how to roll over, how to sit, how to eat, how to dress, and how to toilet - from the smallest and most simple of daily tasks.

From working with this population, I came to appreciate ALL that my body is doing and doing well, despite my health challenges.

Instead of focusing on the failings of your ulnar nerve and arm, can you begin to take inventory of skills, aptitudes, and I inate talents that you have that can help you overcome this immediate challenge which is your ulnar nerve/arm?

Is there an area of interest that would compel you to return to school/college/training to learn a new skill or vocation?

Is there an area of personal interest that you have always wanted to explore but did not owing to other commitments that may now be open to you? Ex. A passion for technology that might now gel into becoming a software code writer. Ex. A love for animals that might gel into becoming a dog walker.

I know that I have had to re-examine my life and where I thought life was taking me due to health challenges that were not under my control. I think back to the patients that I worked with as a physical therapist . . . And I refocus on what I am able to do as opposed to what I can no longer do.

Begin to write or make notation of what you can do. Put it it writing so that you can see your capabilities and talents in a new light.

Be watchful for unexpected opportunities that might present to you. New doors that open.

There is a meaningful life that awaits you. It may take time for it to materialize and it may be different than the life that you had pictured for yourself, but there is a quality life to be found. Keep faith and hope.
Karen

Sarge, I don't know where you live but here we have the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. They tested me for any other aptitude and possible schooling to change my line of work. Proofreading was one that I matched with...no hands required except for turning the page! You could even get a holder for the manuscripts! With so much being online now I guess it would be even simpler!

Seashell makes an excellent point of looking at the rest of our lives for possible income generating work.

To answer your question about the modality used by my physical therapist...he called it 'points'. Seashell may know the proper name for it. A stylus was placed incrementally along the new pathway and a zap was sent through the stylus to aide innervation. It was sort of like an E.M.G. type of zap. Hope this helps you in your quest for improvement.

Are you doing stretches of the fingers? Warm soaks in Epsom salts? My Dad had Dupytrens contractures (sp?) and his fingers were contracting (he was a draftsman by trade and a drummer and sleight of hand magician by hobby). He did not keep up with the excersizes after surgery and this destroyed him. I watched him commit 'slow motion suicide' by drinking and smoking himself to death.

I refuse to give in to the depression over my present state. While I may not be able to work, due to my physical issues, I AM STILL USEFUL! Just being here, and in other forums, sharing my experiences is a 'job' in and of itself.

One of the factory jobs I worked, the supervisor had only one hand. I've no idea what happened or if he had been born that way...but he was working in spite of his 'lack'. People have lost limbs and still continue in the work force...just in modified jobs or entirely new careers.

I saw the counselor as I was going through the process of 2 denials for SSD. The here and now IS the time to be dealt with! I encourage you to find someone professional to have at least a consultation with.

Sarge, I strongly encourage you to post in the Depression forum.

One of the other 'regulars' there is also in Australia. I've asked him to talk with you as he may know of resources available there.

Sarge:
As to a clinical modality to provide an exogenous/external electrical impulse to maintain viability of your injuried ulnar nerve, there is no one single or specific modality that is superior to another.

What is essential is that the external impulse be of sufficient voltage/Hz (about 20-30 Hz) to elicit an actual muscle contraction of the downstream muscles. That is, you want to eleicit and see a visible muscle contraction (sustained tightening of the muscle and/or joint movement of the wrist/fingers). You can use a stylus point or standard electrodes to provide the stimulus. Personally, I preferred the stylus point for neuromuscular re-education as it allows for the stimulus to be applied along the length of the injuried nerve.

Your writings are palpable for the emotional distress that you are experiencing.

I also have had personal health hurdles that were life-affecting. Adapting and adjusting was a gradual process over time. An ebb and flow.

The perforation of my intestine was severe, akin to the unzipping of the zipper of a rain jacket. My abdominal/pelvic cavities became septic. My diaphragm was also intruded with leakage of fecal material into my pleural cavity. I was given a 5 % chance of survival and experienced a transformative near death experience. To wit: I did not want to return to earth from wherever it was that I was when I was imbetween Heaven and earth. I firmly believe that I was in the presence of God/Higher Power. It was immensely comforting and enveloping. I had no pain, as I had no body form. I wanted to stay. God/Higher Power had other plans for me . . . And, so, here I am.

As I gained conscious awareness in ICU, I had to come to terms with the ostomy pouch sharing space on my abdomen and an open/gaping 14” surgical incision (no sutures, no staples) that was purposely left open to heal by secondary intention. I knew that life would never be the same.

Mention the word “ileostomy” “colostomy” or “stoma” or “ostomy bag” and most people instinctively recoil with a sense of disgust. An ostomy comes associated as a dirty bag of poop dangling from one’s abdomen, something reserved to those who are decayed and elderly, a dark secret and something to be ashamed of. I had to become my own source of solace and compassion in learning to live with an ostomy.

Body image difficulties accompany many people with a new ostomy.

Let alone the pervasive presence of food and eating. Much of our social culture revolves around occasions hat include food and eating. My broad intestinal resection and resultant small intestine syndrome have limited my food options. Going out to a restaurant is no longer a source of camaraderie and relaxation for me, owing to digestive difficulties. My world has constricted, smaller and smaller.

All to say . . . I do empathize with your feelings of isolation and despondency. Life is not always fair.

Owing a companion pet has been my lifeline in reclaiming a resemblance of a life. Have you considered adopting a dog or cat? Adopting a rescue dog or cat from a shelter can be a source of immense love and connection. The question then becomes, who rescues who? Are you rescuing the pet to a better life? or is the rescues pet rescuing you from the depths of chronic loss of health and loneliness?

I have written on this forum about my 16 year old tea-cup Maltese, Molly, and of the special bond between us. This little dog was the one constant that I could depend on. Mutual trust and respect. I have a new little heartbeat, Abby, who means the world to me.

The human-canine bond and human-feline bond is like no other.

A companion pet offers unconditional love. What you look like is indifferent to them. When I look into Anby’s eyes, she reflects total acceptance of me. Her spirit keeps me going.

Consider adopting a companion pet. A companion pet can offer much that human relationships lack. I am a better person for having a pet in my life. I consider Abby to be a genuine gift.

Sarge, I genuinely hope for you healing of body and an easing of the flood of emotions that you feel. I hope that you get to where you need to be.
Karen

SeaShell

Thank you for explaining to me the device that is required, it is similar to Scenar therapy which l do twice a week.
Sadly there is no muscle contraction in the hand on the ulnar aspect because those muscles have wasted and become soft only sensory I feel.

I can totally understand that you have felt at peace in your near death experience. I am familiar with the stomal bags as my had one sadly due to bowel cancer and because he had dementia he use to remove the bag and rub the faecal matter all over himself. My poor grandmother suffered years changing him and he eventually passed away from a respiratory failure.

I can imagine how people sense this thought with ostomy bags and being able to manage with that is something that would take alot do.

No life isn't fair and each person struggling with something is the biggest challenge as I don't know at this stage what my recovery realistically will be as my Surgeon is thinking of opening my forearm up to see the anastomosis as it wasn't able to found on a MRI.
He wants to be certain first before he does this so I once again am on hold.

I do own a cat and always have but I can't seem to find that love the same in animals as much as I love cats and dogs I miss human company and being isolated is most bothering.

I too when I show my hand I get remarks like "go get that checked out mate" well that's exactly what I'm doing and to be honest I'm so sick of telling everyone "what happy to your hand!" especially if that person is a fool and wouldn't understand the concept of the whole scenario.

I appreciate your input to this I can see that many people have something they lost and have to adapt to and I'm in that process.

The coming to terms part was the worst part for me as initially I couldn't even use my bad hand so all basic things were impossible. Friend who I thought were friends made foul jokes about my disability and there my haters came out as it was good to kick me when I'm down.

I'll contact this member Pitmom has mentioned to see what disabled services are available here in Sydney Australia.

Thank you for your help

Sarge, I saw your post to HT in the heart forum. He may or may not see it. I suggest that you make a post directed to him in the depression forum. He tends to pop in there more than any of the forums. If you are not sure how to make a new separate let me know I can help you out.

Sarge,

When I worked briefly as a bartender, there was an implement we used for washing the glasses...a brush on a suction cup that was placed in the bottom of the sink. If you have any stores that might carry bar supplies, it's worth looking for. Perhaps a local pub might be able to tell you where to get one. This may also be helpful for the dishes, too! I do not have a dishwasher machine!

This same implement may be useful in the shower if you attach it to the wall, for those 'hard to reach' places...armpit and 'working' arm. There is also a brush for feet that is suction cupped to the floor of the tub or shower.

I'm wracking my brain...trying to think of what I used that might be helpful to you. Non slip shelf liner can be a big help in keeping things from 'getting away' on a countertop. I also found a combination bottle opener with a nice ergonomic handle. It can open bottle cap beverages (soda, beer) as well as twist of caps of different sizes. My grip is extremely weak and this opener has been a big help...especially when I had no use of my hand.

I wonder if an electric shaver might be a good idea for you? Then, if finances allow, you could treat yourself to the barber shop once a month for a blade shave? I hated my hands and the scars and when I finally got on Disability, I would go and get my nails done. Psychologically, it gave me a boost.

Speaking of hands...have you tried parafin? Having your hand dipped into hot wax and then wrapped for a period of time? The deep heat it provides might help keep it 'looser' and be comforting.

There is a newfangled contraption available here in the US, not sure about where you are, but it helps put on and take off socks. Here, it's in the 'As Seen On T.V.' displays at the stores. Do you have those where you are?

Do you have a shoe horn to help you? They have long handled ones as well as the short ones.

On the subject of 'thehtreturns', I know he was having difficulty with his computer and a phone is too small for him to see the text well, but when he gets to the library he usually posts in the Depression 'Daily Check In' thread. It's been a few days since I've seen anything from him, but I did leave a message there for him to look for you. As Straydog suggested, perhaps if you start your own thread, he would be able to find you easier, as this thread was started by someone else.

Hoping you're having a good day today...........Dana

Pitmom

Thank you for all the brilliant little tips I will persever to find all off these handy tools.

Please tell me about your grip is it weak due to the wrist surgey or the ulnar nerve damage?

I sometimes get My mum and sister to shave my face as they help were they can. The cutting of the nails is done by my sister she's good like that.

I've not heard of that concept ever I wouldn't know where to start that as I'm in Sydney Australia and those aren't offered at any physical remedies locations.

Yes I've seen the machine for socks for some reason I can manage the socks and shoes but tooth brush shaving writing is no good.
Prior to this I use grip very strong so I've lost half of that what I can do.

I'll tell you what I've noticed, the people that I have reached out to on instagram and Facebook and some other forum's only very limited like yourself are still here with me. I found that I think most of these people have recoverd or recoverd enough so they don't care anymore to respond back and that is painful it's like now they don't care


TheHreturns I'm sure he will find me I've been looking at his posts plus you have left a message and I'm checking the depression Forum.
I really hope he is in Sydney.

Sadly I am not having a good day. I am contemplating whether to do this decompression on my left elbow as I have a mild ulnar Neuropathy there. So far I only have some burning sensations at the elbow when l bend and some burning on the ulnar aspect of the hand.

I'm petrified that the same time thing to happen to my left hand as well as my right.

If only my right recovered a little bit more I'd do the Decompression but my surgeon doesn't want to leave me without function.

Sarge, I know how down & discouraged you are & understandably so. I must caution you about the discussion of suicide is not permitted here at Healing Well. So, please refrain from posting this here. 1. No discussion of any illegal activity or threats of violence (ie. threats of suicide, self-harm, or physical harm). Discussion of medical marijuana is allowed as long as discussions have a medical focus.

You have a condition that often patients do not get the results they hoped for. Any time it involves nerves there is just no guarantee what will happen or when. They are a true medical mystery to this day.

I would continue with treatments recommended by your drs. As for the member you apparently had contact with, keep in mind on an open public forum we do not know the person. Take care.

My Apologies Stray dog I do understand that isn't permitted I tried to mention that in the most subtile way as I only knew that dark thought's could be said.

Speaking of Medical Marijuana I did try something similar which was CBD oil I have read that it has alot of benefits so I did order one but it goes very quickly and is very expensive. I feel it possibly does have some nerve inflammation benefits so I will order again.

Yes sadly nerve injuries are a mystery and all my 3 Neurologist and two hand surgeons say is wait. My main Neurologist mentioned he will put me on a course of steroids for neuritis which prob will happen but I think SeaShell and Pitmom have more information on that so I would like to see their insight.

Sorry I meant to say that the member VD I came across on another site as I saw his post on healing well so I chose to contact him which was fine for a few months but he has taken a turn against me which I don't know why as we had good discussions.

SeaShell yes you are right my Radial nerve and Median nerve work fine but I have wasting of the intrinsic muscles and hypotheaner muscles which my hand surgeon says can be built to some degree when the native axons reach my hand but I don't know with this nerve swelling I have do nerves regenerate through inflammation?

In Australia it's not allocated to psychologists who specialise in disfunction or occupational therapy I've looked there are many psychologists but it's just a broad overview.

The adaptation I have had no choice but to adapt but I struggle each day as it is terrible hard and the thought of just some improvement is there all the time and I want that so much.
That whole year window is still so many months away even though it is still be a short time it feels an eternity to me.

I know yourself and so many others here face the daily struggles which I now have to face and sometimes I don't even know how I do it.

I do look to you tube alot to find information from other members on ulnar nerve damage injuries ain nerve transfer but for some reason they don't like to respond.

There are some old forums too but are no longer active so it's hard to respond to them.

Are you able to find information on swollen ulnar nerve after decompression and any info if the nerve still regenerates through that?
It would be so helpful for me.