What is wrong with me?

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Jul 9, 2008 | 07:27 PM

#181

paS2K

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Philly (Narberth)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlq04,Jul 9 2008, 11:18 PM

....Jerry, based on my experience I would never rush to go under the knife for CTS. I could have sworn I had it a few years back and my wrists were extremely painful. I began to think I'd have to stop driving a stick shift and stop fishing as well. This too passed to the point I'm still doing both.....

Thanks for the thoughts, Dave, but I was really impressed with this Physical Medicine doc. He demonstrated to me unequivocally that I have lost strength in my left thumb....as compared to the unaffected right thumb. Without treatment or intervention, the muscle will continue to deteriorate. I've had some of the symptoms and periodic numbness for at least 12 months

I may also ask my two good MD friends for another opinion, but there are some really excellent hand surgeons around Philly. I'm not a big fan of 'the knife' but this CTS procedure has a high degree of success. I am also concerned that any operation take place will I still have the excellent (and $$$) BC Personal Choice health insurance....now under COBRA from my job that ended in Dec 08. Nothing is simple....

Jul 9, 2008 | 08:24 PM

#182

Kyras

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Loveland, CO

[QUOTE=dlq04,Jul 9 2008, 08:18 PM]Patty, sorry to hear you didn't find relief with the latest doc.

Jul 14, 2008 | 08:00 PM

#183

Kyras

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From: Loveland, CO

I had my second appointment today, with my rheumatologist. He diagnosed my painful left ring finger as dupuytrens contracture. I was referred to a hand specialist and have an appointment in 9 days. Glad to have an answer on that and a specialist to treat it.

Jul 15, 2008 | 04:17 AM

#184

Tadashi

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From: Montgomery, NY

Glad to hear you are making progress on getting some relief Patty

Let us know how it goes

Jul 15, 2008 | 08:36 AM

#185

Kyras

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From: Loveland, CO

^Thanks, Ellen. Three weeks to go.

Jul 23, 2008 | 05:25 PM

#186

Kyras

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From: Loveland, CO

Went to Dr. Harness today and got a long (time wise) cortisone shot in my left hand at the base of my ring finger.

May fix what he thinks is a combination of trigger finger and dupuytrens contracture.

Jul 23, 2008 | 05:40 PM

#187

Lainey

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 65,349

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From: Smalltown

And what about the RA, Patty? Is he still comfortable with that diagnosis? Still taking the medication?

Jul 23, 2008 | 07:14 PM

#188

Kyras

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From: Loveland, CO

This was a hand specialist. My RA doctor, Dr. Chang, said the results from the CCP test (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) show a strong positive for RA. He said it's not always positive when someone has RA, but that when the results are positive it's 99% correct for RA. And yes, I've been on the Plaquenil for 5 weeks now. Yesterday and today my foot and hand felt some better. I'm hoping that it's the medicine finally kicking in. The drug info says a good result can take four to twelve weeks to show up.

Jul 24, 2008 | 02:41 AM

#189

MsPerky

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 45,166

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From: Arlington, VA

The one time I had a cortisone shot (in my foot), the doc said "You can yell or do whatever you want, but don't move!" That was a bit scary, but it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Hope you get good results, Patty.