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So, I have carpal tunnel syndrome...

Falkner

Falkner

Mar 5, 2008
239
2
#1
I just got back from the doc who confirmed that I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I knew I had it for a while now, but it somehow feels worse having confirmation. I guess I was hoping that I was overreacting.

I'm bummed as hell. I haven't even touched my basses in at least two months because of the sharp pains and lack of finger dexterity.

I got pills, but I have a feeling they won't do too much. The last ones he gave me when I first noticed symptoms helped a little, but not that much. As for surgery, there's no way I could afford it with no insurance and only a part time job. :(
 
#5
Has your doc got you wearing wrist braces at night when you sleep? I've done that when I had a touch of the evil biz, and he also was keen on the cortisone shots as part of the treatment. Fortunately I was able to get mine under control and avoid surgery. I wish you the best in dealing with it, because CTS stinks.
 
#6
thumpbass1 said:
Has your doc got you wearing wrist braces at night when you sleep? I've done that when I had a touch of the evil biz, and he also was keen on the cortisone shots as part of the treatment. Fortunately I was able to get mine under control and avoid surgery. I wish you the best in dealing with it, because CTS stinks.
Click to expand...

I've been wearing braces at night for a few months. I wear them most of the time around the house too. He didn't say anything about the shots (yet at least) but I don't know if I could even afford those right now.

I grew up having good health insurance all my life from my dad's job. I never needed it. Now that he divorced my mother last fall I've been missing it very very much for reasons other than this too. I'm quite depressed right about now. :hmm:
 
#8
Start reading The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health by Dr. Randall Kertz. He's a bass player and a doctor and the book has helped a lot with my Carpal Tunnel.

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#9
i used to have moderate carpal tunnel a few years ago, noticed it when i first started playing upright. the only two things i can attribute to my recovery are

1. stopping immediately when i felt any pain or when my hands felt weak
2. seeing a chiropractor

honestly a chiropractor who does wrists will do far more good in the long run than surgery or medication.
 
#11
uethanian said:
i used to have moderate carpal tunnel a few years ago, noticed it when i first started playing upright. the only two things i can attribute to my recovery are

1. stopping immediately when i felt any pain or when my hands felt weak
2. seeing a chiropractor

honestly a chiropractor who does wrists will do far more good in the long run than surgery or medication.
Click to expand...

I've heard good things about chiropractors and CT. Do you know about how much a chiropractor would cost? That's my primary concern right now. I'm just happy my doctor hands out med samples like candy or I'd have nothing right now.
 

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