2 completely separate issues...but seeking advice

[indysteel]

Linda, I'm sorry you're going through so much. I think the hand surgery, while scary, sounds like a good step for you, considering how much pain you've been in for so long. I know nothing of the recovery time though.

As for your foot, what imaging of your foot have you already done, if any? Xrays do often miss stress fractures until they've started to heal, but perhaps that would be a cheaper place to start. If it turns out to be a Jones Fracture (base of the 5th metatarsal) then I'd want to know if it's likely to recur based your biomechanics. There are surgical options for that if you're prone to stress fractures in that area.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, Linda, being injured s*cks - so sorry you're having to go through that.

My main hesitation on the CTS surgery would be that it won't correct whatever caused the issue to begin with. I've known people who worked in a factory with poor ergonomics, who've had surgery multiple times on each wrist, and as soon as they went back to work and started using their hands in the same way, the problem came right back again. I'm not sure what the best solution might be, since you've probably been through your bike fit six ways to Sunday already. I guess I'd really try to nail the surgeon down on how long term of a solution he thinks surgery might be if nothing else changes.

Whatever you decide I hope it gives you complete relief and that you heal up quick. (((((Linda)))))

[goldfinch]

My spouse had terrible carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel problems. He had endoscopic surgery, which has a quicker recovery and I understand better long term success than open surgery. We had to drive 150 miles to the surgery (we went to a specialist that only does this stuff ) and went there and back the same day. I just had to do the driving. He has recovered but has permanent damage due to long delay in seeking surgery. At least his condition did not continue to get worse. I think one key is not going back to riding until you are entirely recovered from the surgery. I don't know what your recovery period would be but don't push it and go back to riding before you doctor give the ok.

This is a good article: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/c...pal_tunnel.htm Recurance is rare.

[emily_in_nc]

Have you considered a recumbent bike? I know it's not the answer you want to hear, but it would certainly take the pressure off your wrists, at least as you are regaining 100% function if you have the surgery. It might be a back-up bike for you after that. Just something to think about if you haven't.

I do empathize as I have recurring/chronic pain from a pelvic fracture in 2005. I've logged many pain-free miles since then, but just as many with aching pain. It's been a long process of determining what triggers the pain and how to best avoid it through bike selection and set up (more upright is better) and ride selection (too many hills in one ride has a tendency to trigger the pain). I hope your pain will be a thing of the past soon, but it's good to have alternatives just in case.

Good luck!

[snapdragen]

Linda, have they checked your neck? My hand/arm issues turned out to be compressed discs in my neck, along with a narrowing of the spinal canal.

[nscrbug]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone! I meet with the doctor on Jan. 4th. I have MANY questions to ask, and one of them will be in regards to my neck. I do experience quite a bit of neck pain and stiffness in the last few years, so I too, have also wondered about that.

I have researched the endoscopic version of the surgery, as well. My doctor does the "open" variety, unfortunately. But, I suppose it would not be out of the question for me to find one that does endoscopic. There are a few that I did find. The downside to that, is having to go through all the preliminary evaluations all over again with a new doctor...which means more time wasted. I was really hoping to have this done sometime in January, so that I would be ready to go once riding season is in full swing. I have spoken to one gal at my gym, who had the open surgery back in August on both hands, and she is doing very well. She is a plumber (so she uses her hands for her work everyday) and says she was back at work the very next day and hasn't had any recurrence so far. Her outcome gives me a lot of hope.

A recumbent bike is not an option for me. For one, I just purchased my current bike - a custom Ti that was VERY expensive, back in February. There is simply no way I can afford another bike, nor do I want one. The stationary recumbent bikes at the gym hurt my back after riding it for just 10 minutes. I need to ride the bike I have.

Can anyone suggest some good questions to ask the doctor when I meet with him next week? I don't want to forget anything. Thanks!

Linda

[goldfinch]

My husband swapped surgeons. He did not have to do a bunch of retesting, he looked at the reports for the EMG and nerve conduction tests. Spouse switched because he did not want the open procedure and given that he had substantial nerve damage he wanted the best doctor we could find. We spent some time looking for such a person.

I would ask you doctor about recovery time and about whether the procedure he does will be entirely suitable for you, given that bike riding is extremely important to you.