denmarc
Well-known member
A Readers Digest version of my problem:
I have for years had a problem my hands while driving. My thumb and first three fingers would get a numbing sensation while driving during longer trips. At that time, I would just shake it off and re-position my hands and that would work for a while. The only other time it would bother me is when operating a chain saw, using a hammer, etc. Not a big deal at the time. Just a bit annoying.
Fast forward:
About a year ago I mentioned to my doctor that past problem seems to be getting a little worse. He had me do a couple quick hand tests and gave me a preliminary diagnoses of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He also said I would need a comprehensive test to confirm. Involving an EMG (whatever that is). I asked how long before I need to do something about it. Answer was another question. Does it wake me up while sleeping, am I dropping things, pain when fingers are "thawing out"? Yep. The reason I mentioned it to him. Except for the dropping of items. No problem there yet. But the waking me up while sleeping and the pain is more than annoying! And now I have this tingling sensation (like an electric current) going up my left arm toward my elbow. The reason I mentioned it to him.
Fast forward to present day:
Saw my new doc (my old one moved on to other endeavors) and mentioned the numbness in my hands is still getting worse. My thumb and 3 fingers on my left hand are somewhat numb all the time now. New doc signed me up for the EMG. Can't get it done until early July.
Did I wait too long? Should my doctors have acted sooner? Should I have acted sooner? Doing research, I find that permanent damage can take place. Don't want that! It wasn't a big deal or bothered me that much before. Now it does. Suggestions?
I have for years had a problem my hands while driving. My thumb and first three fingers would get a numbing sensation while driving during longer trips. At that time, I would just shake it off and re-position my hands and that would work for a while. The only other time it would bother me is when operating a chain saw, using a hammer, etc. Not a big deal at the time. Just a bit annoying.
Fast forward:
About a year ago I mentioned to my doctor that past problem seems to be getting a little worse. He had me do a couple quick hand tests and gave me a preliminary diagnoses of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He also said I would need a comprehensive test to confirm. Involving an EMG (whatever that is). I asked how long before I need to do something about it. Answer was another question. Does it wake me up while sleeping, am I dropping things, pain when fingers are "thawing out"? Yep. The reason I mentioned it to him. Except for the dropping of items. No problem there yet. But the waking me up while sleeping and the pain is more than annoying! And now I have this tingling sensation (like an electric current) going up my left arm toward my elbow. The reason I mentioned it to him.
Fast forward to present day:
Saw my new doc (my old one moved on to other endeavors) and mentioned the numbness in my hands is still getting worse. My thumb and 3 fingers on my left hand are somewhat numb all the time now. New doc signed me up for the EMG. Can't get it done until early July.
Did I wait too long? Should my doctors have acted sooner? Should I have acted sooner? Doing research, I find that permanent damage can take place. Don't want that! It wasn't a big deal or bothered me that much before. Now it does. Suggestions?