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Ulnar Nerve Problems

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Posted 4/19/2019 9:51 AM (GMT 0)
I had an ulnar nerve release about 30 yrs ago and had it again about 2 yrs ago. The nerve problem returned (I do have complicating reasons including bone spurs etc. with inflammatory arthritis) and I had an ulnar nerve release again. I had relief with it and then developed radial nerve entrapment and had that released about a year ago. Success with that. My elbow became bad again at the ulnar nerve and my ortho surgeon ordered a neck MRI which showed a cervical mess and I was referred to a NS for a 4 level ACDF last summer. So, here I am back again with ulnar nerve pain! I know repeated procedures have less chance of success. I have significant nerve pain (I am taking lot of Gabapentin which helps a bit) and I am wondering about a nerve transposition (if that is what can be done...waiting for my appt). Any advice? Thanks!

And, Karen, I saw your comment to TN and sending warm and gentle hugs and thoughts to you. I am sorry to hear.
Posted 4/24/2019 11:01 AM (GMT 0)
Have you been evaluated for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? My ulnar nerve transposition (sub muscular) was due to an injury to the sheath that keeps it in place. This was done in '96. I still have numbness and tingling, severe achiness (think 'flu' times 1000) when I overuse the forearm. No zaps anymore, so at least there's that.
Posted 4/24/2019 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pitmom, thanks for the info. I have an appt w/my previous hand/elbow surgeon next week and I will definitely ask him about this possibility. I see you are still having so many issues with your arm. Sorry to see that. Sometimes I feel like I want to chew my arm off like a wild animal. I am also so very frustrated at having so many things to try and correct but I try not to think about it all at once...one body part at a time.

I see that syndrome is a decompression thing which I do seem to lean towards.

Would you say you are happy you had the transposition or not a question since it was done following an injury? I am confused.
Posted 4/26/2019 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't really have a choice on the surgery. The nerve was getting more damaged anytime I bent and straightened my arm!

Yes, there are still issues...but that's life. As I said, the zaps have stopped...which is the best thing EVER!

I've had to modify some things...resting my arm on the edge of the desk or table...I actually choose which vehicle I drive by how my arm feels on the armrest! "Cold" reads as 'wet'..."Hot" is still read as 'hot' though, which is a good thing. I can feel 'itch' but I cannot feel 'scratched'...drives me crazy! I've learned that if the left arm is itchy I scratch it just a bit, but then scratch the right arm, to help my brain recognize the 'relief'. Sort of like what therapists do with the mirror for phantom pain in amputee patients.

At one point, I saw a surgeon about a revision surgery. He frankly told me that it was 70/30, NOT in my favor. I opted not to try.
Posted 4/26/2019 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Pitmom, thanks for the reply. People are resilient. Sounds like you have modified things to deal with what you have to. I appreciate the info! I see the Dr next week so I will be interested to hear what he says...It is invaluable to hear from people living with conditions not just from the Drs. Thank you!
Posted 5/23/2019 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Darla,
I realize you posted this nearly a month ago, so I hope this can help you. Maybe you can ask your surgeon about an endoscopic release as it's less invasive, and they don't move the nerve.
Posted 5/23/2019 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Q22 and thank you! I have had the release before and the Dr is reluctant to do it again because the scar tissue I build is what causes the problem so I only get temp relief. He ordered PT and I have a nice guy who comes to the house and is using a little massage and a little MPS device which is something to help break it up. I hope it helps. The Dr did not favor the transposition. Thanks again! How are you?
Posted 5/23/2019 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Darla,
I hope the PT helps you. You may want to put a caster oil wrap around your elbow as it's supposed to help with scar tissue. Maybe you can wrap your elbow in caster oil overnight. Ask your PT about it.

My elbow is feeling much better, but my ulnar nerve is not completely healed. I can still feel pressure on it when I write, for example, or hold onto a stair railing. The neurologist said last week that since it's a peripheral nerve, it can continue healing.

I've been battling wrist tendonitis in the same arm since early November. My ulnar nerve was getting irritated too in my wrist.
First went to a chiropractor & hand therapist which helped a little. Then, since early March, I've been going to a different chiropractic clinic where they also do massage therapy. They also started having me see their PT who did dry needling to release trigger points. Dry needling hurts, but I seemed to feel better immediately after. He released a nasty trigger point in my arm and shoulder. The PT said that sometimes massage can't get deep enough for some trigger points.

Anyway, this clinic is helping me. Still have a long way to go, but I'm feeling much better.

Sending Healing Wishes to you.

Post Edited (Q22) : 5/23/2019 11:37:04 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/23/2019 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much and same to you!
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