I don't like doctors!

[Cryptly]

I've got chronic tendonitis in my right wrist. Had problems for years. Snapping, popping, pins & needles, pain and all that fun stuff. I've always managed to deal with the flairups, I wear a brace at work, and have a steady supply of Ibuprofin. Lately, it's been worse, I've already been out on short term disability once this year because of it.

Well. . .my Dr sends me off to a specialist. The specialist pokes my hand with a needle for a few minutes, then tells me he wants me to go through an MRI and a nerve conductivity test. . .and possible SURGERY!!! (he said something about decreased sensitivity and reaction in my hand) This is why I avoided seeing a specialist.

I know I should go through all this. . .but I don't wanna! I don't like the idea of being cut open and having somebody poking around inside my wrist. :bigcry:

I've got the tests in a couple of weeks. . .then a little over a month before I see the specialist again and find out for sure. . . ug. . . Gonna be a fun wait. . .

 

[brandy101010]

I hope everything turns out ok. Sorry you are in such pain!

 

[NewportGeckos]

I feel your pain! I am (more like "was" ) a cross country runner and developed chronic patellar tendonitis in both knees. Ibuprofin is a godsend but I still can't run yet.

I do think the surgery will help you by far in the long run and don't be afraid if that is what your doctors think will cure you! I have gotten a few surgeries myself (not on my knees yet) and have always been really happy with the results. They know what they are doing!

However, if you decide not to go through with a surgery, perhaps trying a physical therapist could help your problem. I know physical therapy helped me keep running and when I got too busy for the therapy my tendonitis came right back:main_thumbsdown:

 

[Cryptly]

I had physical therapy when I was out of work for two months. It was great while it lasted, but as soon as I was back to work it started right back up. I want to go back, but with my 4 days on/4 days off schedule and the 30 mile drive it's too much of a pain to fit in.

I really don't like the idea of surgery. The whole idea of being cut open creeps me out (even if it is outpatient surgery) Then there's the lovely recovery time for surgery. . .That's short term disability (again). . .that means lots of paperwork, crummy checks that barely cover the bills and time off of work. I like time off of work, in small doses. Anything longer than a week and I start going stir crazy.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Krystal, what ever you do don't let them cut into your wrist. I have this same problem they've done the arthrogram where they shoot dyes into the fluid chambers in my wrist to see if they leak, MRIs, etc. The only thing I will allow them to do is shoot my wrist up with cortisone, one shot last for a couple of years on me. Once they mess with your hands in any way there is not turning back. Everyone I've talked to has had nothing but bigger problems once they cut.

 

[Cryptly]

I've had the cortisone shots. They didn't seem to last too long for me. They'd take my pain levels from "screaming" to "tolerable" for a little while. I really don't want to keep having to get the shots, they HURT!!

I've heard mixed things about the surgery. My mom's friend said she had nothing but problems afterwards, and a couple of my coworkers said it worked like a charm. It seems iffy. . .another reason not to do it.

I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see what the MRI and conductivity test results are and take it from there. weee

 

[Dee]

You want to be careful with cortisone. My friend's dad had to have both hips replaced because cortisone shots destroyed them.

Surgery can help a LOT, it may seem extreme but it usually works. Don't really like it, but I'm getting closer to that step myself (arthritis, tendonitis and a ganglion cyst in my right wrist). My mom had to have a ganglion removed from her wrist and my fiance's aunt had carpal tunnel surgery, and both of them have done extremely well. I'm not saying it's a step to be taken lightly, but if it comes down to it, it can really make a difference. The way I look at it, if you're in chronic pain and your mobility is already limited, it would take a pretty big screwup on the surgeon's part to make it worse.