Two New Problems

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:25 pm

Hi Gloria,

Hope you're enjoying your family visit - grandkids are the best :).

Your post reminded me of a similar problem I had around 15 years ago. I'd wake up in the mornings with one or both of my hands feeling numb. When it kept happening I got really concerned and asked my doc about it. He said that I was probably bending my wrists while sleeping. Sure enough, I noticed that I had developed that habit. Once I became aware of it, I was able to train myself to stop doing it and have not had any problems since.

Love,
Kari

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:30 am

Zizzle, it sounds as if you would benefit greatly from splints or braces to wear at night. The thumb-spica brace I use has made a big difference in the intensity of pain in my thumb and wrist joint. I have considerable pain and weakness when using my right hand but I don't have resting pain when I remember to use the splint at night. Your doctor should be able to recommend the proper brace for your problem. Things only get worse as we get older and taking care of things when you are young will make a big difference down the road.

Sheila W

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:00 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Brandy,
My hand is always cold; the doctor says it's because of the nerve damage. I've been putting an ice pack on my knee and my hand. I'll have to try the bucket of ice water for both. I hate being cold, but I'm impressed that it helped you.

I switched to a left-hand mouse several years ago due to the right hand getting cold when I was on the computer. It only took a few days to adjust, like you said. It took awhile to figure out how to switch the mouse in Windows 8. I had to download a mouse/keyboard program from Microsoft in order to do it.

I still need to figure out a different way to use my laptop. I really like sitting on the couch with the laptop on a bedtray, but my arms are elevated slightly when I type.

I think I'm going to see an orthopedic surgeon for my knee. It continues to hurt after walking a couple of blocks. A woman needs to be able to shop!

DD wants to go to the aquarium in Chicago tomorrow, then the Children's Museum afterward. Long day, lots of walking. I hope they have a wheelchair at the aquarium if I need one. I'm bringing the portable stool I use in my van kitchen so I can sit when possible.

Gloria

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Thu Jul 25, 2013 6:45 am

Good Morning, Gloria. Isn't it amazing that we can now replace parts of our body that get worn out?? Knee replacements are miraculous. My late DH had one and was slowly walking up and down the stairs the day after surgery. Learning to use the left hand is a real challenge. Writing left handed is still tough and mostly illegible.

Don't miss the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It is fabulous!! We went to my DH's reunion a few years ago and he made sure I saw the aquarium. He was a diver, enthusiastic fisherman and boater all his life and loved everything to do with the water. Me, not so much but the aquarium was spectacular.

Your trip sounds wonderful and I hope you continue to do well.

Sheila W

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:00 pm

All great advice!
I really want to say more, but I had a horrible fall today and am sort of bashed up. I think tiredness and some depression over the death of my (estranged) sister on Wednesday night. Long, sad story.
Typing is hard, even on my ergonomic keyboard, and my speech recognition program is not working right now. I love t, and use it as much as possible.
Another solution for you.
Positioning at the computer is very important. Send me a pic of you at yours, and I will try to make (helpful) suggestions.

Be better.

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 8:25 am

The most difficult thing about getting older is losing family and friends. I'm sorry for you loss and understand how families can become estranged. It has happened in my family as well.

I'm seeing a hand surgeon on the 31st to find out if there is a way to "fix" my thumb/wrist pain and weakness. I'm at the end of my rope with the pain and inability to carry out simple tasks using my right hand. It isn't carpal tunnel and I don't know if it is fixable. It is worth a try. Lesley, perhaps there is a surgical solution to your pain.

Take extra care and get well,
Sheila W

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:51 am

Sheila, I have a similar issue. I'm looking forward to seeing if you get your problem solved. Good luck with your visit!

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:33 pm

Mzh, I know there are a couple of surgeries that work very well to correct arthritic etc thumb and wrist issues. A friend had the surgery last month where they took a tendon and somehow attached it to the thumb joint. Not a good explanation of the procedure but she is doing well with physical therapy.
However, I live alone and don't know how I would manage with a post-surgical painful right hand and a large splint/cast. How in the world will I get dressed, hook up the dog's leash, prepare my food, etc? My friend wore the cast for quite a while but her husband was able to hook her bra, button the buttons, fix her hair etc.
I'll let you know what the doc says. I really want to be able to have my hand workable and painfree again.

Sheila W

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 1:54 pm

Glad to hear there is hope for us, Sheila. I had a shoulder replacement in June so maybe the hands will be next. Then down to my knees. LOL - Marcia

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:13 pm

Yup, one piece at a time. Thank God for replacement parts. How about a replacement colon??? I'd buy one.

Sheila W

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:37 pm

LOL Sheila - you made my day - please sign me up for a new colon if you discover where they are sold

.

Love,
Kari

CaitiCakes · Post by **CaitiCakes** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:54 pm

from what it sounds like, your MD might not have been able to give you a good explanation because carpal tunnel syndrome does not affect the ulnar nerve, which is the one that goes to the fifth finger (the pinky finger, or the little finger). it only affects the median nerve, which supplies the first, second, and third fingers (thumb, index/pointer, and middle). so the finding of a mild carpal tunnel syndrome MIGHT be incidental and have nothing to do with the numbness in your pinky finger. either way, the splints still might help an ulnar nerve impingement, as well as not leaning on your wrist (especially when you start riding your bike again, as this problem is notorious in cyclers). have you had your vitamin levels checked recently? B6 supplementation is sometimes recommended for the numbness. if the knee and the numbness don't get better, physical therapy and/or acupuncture could help. good luck!

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:56 pm

Lesley,

I'm so sorry about your fall and the loss of your sister - all in a couple of days. Talk about stress.

My computer sitting position is not good. I put my old laptop on a sewing desk upstairs and I'm thinking I should try using my new one there. I hate to leave the living room, but I might have to just do it.

CataiCakes wrote:the finding of a mild carpal tunnel syndrome MIGHT be incidental and have nothing to do with the numbness in your pinky finger. either way, the splints still might help an ulnar nerve impingement, as well as not leaning on your wrist (especially when you start riding your bike again, as this problem is notorious in cyclers). have you had your vitamin levels checked recently? B6 supplementation is sometimes recommended for the numbness. if the knee and the
numbness don't get better, physical therapy and/or acupuncture could help.

The knowledge and experience on this board is amazing! I never considered my bike riding having an impact on my hands, but you're right - I do bend my wrist when I ride. I need to see if my vitamin B levels have been checked recently. I always get the niacin, riboflavin and thiamin mixed up, so I'll to find a chart which associates the numbers with the words. I think that so far, the wrist bands seem to be helping my hand, but the numbness is still in my pinky. My leg still begins to hurt after walking a couple of blocks. I've considered acupuncture and physical therapy, but first I'm going to make an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon who repaired my torn meniscus. He warned me that I had arthritis and he couldn't fix that, but I still want to know if that's what is causing the pain.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Gloria

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 8:31 pm

I thought I'd give a followup report on my knee and hand pain.

Both are doing very well without any medication or surgery. I'm very fortunate.

I'm wearing a wrist splint on my right hand every night in bed and it has helped immensely. I no longer have any pain. The numbness in my baby finger is still there, but not as noticable. I'm hoping the nerve regenerates, but I guess it takes time.

I put ice packs on my knee and refrained from walking, swimming and bicycling all summer, which was hard. I love to do all of those activities. One day, I realized that my knee wasn't hurting anymore and I started to walk a couple of blocks. It still didn't hurt, so I've been walking and riding my bike again, when the weather permits. I guess it was just inflammed, like the doctor said. I didn't go to the orthopedic surgeon because I was visiting my daughter, and now it's not necessary.

Thank you for all of your suggestions. They were very helpful, and I've appreciated your concern. I'm doing fine now.

Gloria

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:51 pm

Brandy - great advice.

I am getting more issues because of using a walker.

Everything is connected!