Carpal tunnel

[Linda N.]

Maggie
Thank you. I'm hoping that if I decide to get the carpal tunnel surgery that it doesn't make the arthritis worse - "this is my fear" - I ended up getting the arthritus in both hands after I had the carpal tunnel surgery done on my right hand shortly afterwards then I'm afraid if I don't have it my hands will only get worse with the arthritus and maybe progress faster and cripple up. It's a hard decision to make, I'll just have to talk with the dr. about all this. I don't like the testing they do when the stick those needle all over,its shocking and very ouchy. People have told me the the carpal tunnel and arthritus is totally two different things and that it does not relate to one another. With my arthritus I feel I do have the same symptoms,swelling and joint pain and numbness caused by this so I don't see how they don't relate. I mean really if I'm still going to have the same symptoms afterwards why should I have the carpal tunnel surgery. This is why it is so hard for me to have carpal tunnel surgery. This is why I'm so darn confused about all this stuff. Are there patients that have arthritus in thier hands that get the carpal tunnel surgery done and if so how does it help?
((Thanks everyone)) Kathy

I'm probally repeating the same things I've said before and probally asking the same questions. I'm Just completely confused!

[Linda N.]

Osteoarthritis is a joint problem, while carpal tunnel is caused by pinching of a nerve as it passes through a tendon sheath in the wrist. No relationship to each other, although you can have both at the same time. My carpal tunnel symptoms went away entirely after the surgeries (had the wrists done separately--need to have at least one working hand for personal care, LOL), but I didn't wait for long after finding out that was what was causing my symptoms--I had friends who waited too long, and their nerve damage was permanent. I now do have osteoarthritis in my hands, and it's a pain.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Linda N.]

Pat
Thank you. Sorry to hear about the O.Arthritus. I Know what you mean about that personal use. Dr. already told me I had it in one hand o.arthritis. I will see into it this winter. I just don't want to be completely down from quilting just yet- with the healing process and all.
Hugzzz Kathy

[Linda N.]

Katzz are you worried that you will not be able to quilt with you have the surgery. because when I had mine done I was not able to quilt for 2 weeks untilll the stiches came out. things are so much better now Happy

[Linda N.]

Happy
((Thank You)) "yes" I was worried about this. Thanks for letting me know it's not that bad considering it could be much worse in the future. "You guys are the best". I have never been much to keep idle hands,I gotta keep my hands busy.
Like you, this is going to be pretty hard! I'll get both hands done at the same time then I don't have to be down another two weeks. I'll update once I set up an appointment,I would like to finish up afew project first.
"Thanks everyone" Kathy