hands......grrrrrr.....

[IFjane]

Thank you all so much for your feedback. I do not relish the thought of surgery so I am willing to try almost anything. Heading out this morning to get fish oil and vitamin B.

What I do know is that nerve damage is irreversible so all I can do is hope to control the numbness and pain. Mr. Silver, thank you for the thoughts on my desk ergonomics. I have addressed that and really have no discomfort typing. However, I don't sit and type all day - I am up and down and in and out of my office. I spend as much time in the field as I do here. What does hurt is having to write anything more than my signature - hand goes numb almost immediately when I pick up a pen (I use the really big fat ones) and holding the phone. *sigh*

Again, thank you for the feedback and alternatives to surgery!

[Moptop]

Hi - I think you should be able to do something about your phone - it's a heavy thing and obviously isn't helping your CPS.

Why not look into the possibility of a hands-off type - my late M.i.L. had terrible arthritis and had a special phone installed though I don't know about the cost. It made her life more worthwhile!

LOL

Chris.

[OakLeaf]

Are you using a night splint? Fortunately I only get mild CTS, but sleeping in a splint for a few days is usually all it takes.

Also, clicking a mouse button puts a lot of stress on my wrist nerves. I'm much happier since I set up my touch pad for tap-click.

+1 on the B6 and Omega-3s.

And BTW, nerve damage is *not* irreversible. Nerves take a long, long time to heal, but with the exception of some parts of the spinal cord, they *do* heal. I've bruised nerves twice, and cut a minor sensory nerve, with full recovery in all cases.

[IFjane]

Are you using a night splint? Fortunately I only get mild CTS, but sleeping in a splint for a few days is usually all it takes.

Also, clicking a mouse button puts a lot of stress on my wrist nerves. I'm much happier since I set up my touch pad for tap-click.

+1 on the B6 and Omega-3s.

And BTW, nerve damage is *not* irreversible. Nerves take a long, long time to heal, but with the exception of some parts of the spinal cord, they *do* heal. I've bruised nerves twice, and cut a minor sensory nerve, with full recovery in all cases.

Yes, I am using night splints (both hands), but notice little difference. Both go numb during the night, no matter what position I am in. For the record, this has been brewing for a long time. It has just recently - since early Sept. - gotten really bad.

I use a laptop exclusively with a touch pad - and have the whole thing set up ergonomicly so my hands are in the correct position.

Thanks for the input on nerve damage - I had been told (not by a dr, but by a friend who has had the same problem) that it was. So much for assumptions, huh?

[karen]

About your hands going numb at night... Do you sleep on your stomach or side with your arm under your pillow?

I did this, too, and I know it's comfortable, but try not to do this (as you're trying to fall asleep, anyway)!! Keep your arms by your side if you're on your stomach. If you're on your side (or back), I'd recommend a pillow or body pillow to keep the circulation moving in the arm on top. Injuries need fresh blood to heal... decreased blood flow at night is bad