I FINALLY had the nerve conduction studies done on my hands/arms today--it's sure been a long wait! My left hand/arm is only mildly affected but the right hand/arm tested as being moderately affected, and the doctor who did the testing said it was median nerve impingement at the carpal tunnel. Good to know something definitive after nearly three months, although I still don't know what my treating doctor will recommend. "Moderate" means it might be treated conservatively OR with surgery, depending on a number of things. I'll see him in about a week and will know more then.
I'd heard different things about the nerve conduction studies--some people who had it said it was painful and some said it wasn't a big deal, so I didn't really know what to expect. As it turned out, it was kind of interesting. The test was done in two parts: The first part involved sticking electrodes on my arms and hands and running electrical current between points; the second part involved sticking needles into my muscles and measuring some kind of current when the muscles were engaged.
The first part of the test was more annoying than anything. Have you ever had an eyelid twitch or had your doctor hit you on the knee with a little rubber hammer? That's kind of what it felt like--the involuntary jerking or twitching as a result of the electrical stimulation. It was kind of uncomfortable but not really painful. The second part? Those needles didn't feel so great. Some didn't hurt at all, but some were a little painful. Oh, and he also stuck a few in the back of my neck. Fun, huh? Needless to say, I was glad when the test was done, although it wasn't horrible.
The funny thing was that later in the afternoon, when I laid down to take a nap, as soon as I relaxed, I started feeling involuntary twitching in a couple different parts of my body. Coincidence? I don't really know for sure, but I kind of doubt it.
Tonight I had more numbness in my hands than I have for quite awhile and my hands and arms were kind of achy. No one mentioned that the tests might aggravate my hands and arms, but that's the only thing I can think is causing it. Of course, I've done more applique lately than I'm used to, but my hands and arms didn't bother me until now. Have any of you had the nerve conduction studies and felt more achy/numb afterward? I'm curious.
Besides the nerve conduction studies, I pinned the Compass Rose quilt top and spent the evening with friends eating pizza and watching old movies--An Affair to Remember (Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr) and Midnight (another old move, this one from the late 30s and filmed in black and white).
It's been a long and busy day. I've taken some Tylenol PM and I'm heading to bed for a nice deep sleep! I hope my hands feel better tomorrow, because I've got some quilting to do!
When I had mine done, it's been 15 years at least they didn't do that second study. No sticking of pins, at nleast not that I remember. But hopedully they have proigressed. Hopefully after a good nights sleep your arms and hands will feel better.
ReplyDeleteI had mine done at least 20 years ago, and they did both parts, but in 2 different sessions. Since that time, I have slept with a splint on my right wrist, and about 4 years ago, had surgery on the left. The right will have to be done soon. I've been delaying because I just hate the thought of not being able to sew for awhile. Not a very good excuse.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I had both of those tests too a couple of years ago. You're right - the first one wasn't bad, but the second with the needles. Ouch! I don't care to repeat that again!
ReplyDeleteI wound up having the cortisone shot in the nerve for my problem and it went away and hasn't returned since!
I had those done, too, but they didn't bother me at all. Go ahead and get the carpal tunnel releases if they're offered to you. I had both hands done 20 years ago, and it was amazing the difference it made. I was finally able to take off those darn braces I had been sleeping in for years!
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon. That sounds so pathetic, but I do wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI had some of the electode stuff done when they were attempting physical therapy for my rotator cuff. I agree, sort of annoying feeling! they would hook them up and then gradually turn up the juice as I could handle it. I never thought it did anything to help my situation and after looking at the bills I chose to defer that part!!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you finally have some answers. Sorry about the testing,though...I had it done recently and it really is not too much fun.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are working towards getting the answers that you need. It does take courage to go in and have them do those things to your arm and hands, plus neck. I wished that my magic wand was not on the blink right now.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I am having heaps of trouble here, of a night my left hand is going tnumb to above the wrist, in last 5 years has moved from just the end of a finger to that. Am seeing chiropractors and masseurs, think it's like acrush injury where nerves are being pressedon near shoulder, sound similar? Are your forearms kind of tight and swollen as well?
ReplyDeleteSure makes hand work tricky!
Look after yourself, Tracey
I have had that done on my leg. Before going a specialist had presumed permanent nerve damage... guess what... they were wrong:) I was glad when that test was over! I imagine you are to.
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