[chaos]

My thumb, tops of hands and wrists have been hurting. Everything except the thumb have gotten a little better with increased meds. I realized last night that I couldn't bend my thumb as much as the other, maybe 15-20 degree difference. No swelling, muscles/radial nerve in that area hurts, not the joints. This is on my dominant side. Having problems flipping pages, holding things. Thankfully the space bar movement is a different direction than grabbing things!

I've had a couple times I've found myself kind of leaning or falling to that side as well (the increased issues are all on my right). The neuropathy has invaded my insides, where before it was only sensory. My shoulder on that side has been hurting, where I had a past injury a few years ago. My stomach has been upset for months, I'm wondering if it's related and I have some autonomic neuropathy going on.

Is this just the natural progression of this? At this point I am having problems cleaning my house, and I know my husband is upset that I'm lying on the couch a lot. It seems anywhere I've had an injury in the past is hurting. My daughter touches my legs and I yell at her because it hurts I clap and if I hit my ring it's super painful.

I know I'm whining more than anything, but I have to wait a couple more weeks to go in and see the Neuro.

[chaos]

Anybody? Still trying to figure out why I got this, and am looking at CMT a little, it would cause the thumb thing. I see online some people use splints. I'm looking for adaptive items that will work to hold a pen. There are quite a few options, but I'm not sure what will really work.

[Kitt]

Just some information.

http://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?opt...d=10&Itemid=41

Seeing a neurologist who knows CMT and DNA blood testing (expensive), family history, etc. would help. It really doesn't sound like you have CMT but a neurologist would be the one to advise you.

Much more information concerning CMT on "PN Tips, Resources, Supplements and Other Treatments". Click on that site and scroll down some and you will find CMT.

CMT is on both sides not just one. Hope you find the answer.

[chaos]

My actual neuropathy is on both sides, just predominant in the hand on the right side. My dad is adopted, so I don't know my family history. My toes might be considered hammer toes, but I've always worn good shoes so they don't look bad, but they bend like they do in pics of hammer toes online. The past couple years they've been having spasms where they get all crossed and going the wrong way. No high step, but I walk around with very little raised step due to SI joint issues and cats in the house (I don't want to step on them).

[Susanne C.]

CMT here also. It can cause hand issues similar to what you describe, I am experiencing them myself. Like you I don't have access to my family history, but my eldest son has it as well, which pretty much confirms my diagnosis.
I am with Kitt on questioning the value of the testing, but you can come to a pretty definitive diagnosis between symptoms and neurological consult.
My toes also go through the spasms where they move on their own. I can no longer move the middle toes on my left foot at all, all the others only move slightly and it causes pain and spasms to try. My hands are starting to do the same thing.
I think that you have enough symptoms to at least suspect it. One of the things that distinguishes CMT from idiopathic neuropathy is muscle wastage and weakness.

[chaos]

Kitt or Susanne - do either one of you have to wear braces? I'm wondering if a brace on my hand would do any help. Especially for writing and doing fine motor skills tasks.

I have been stuffing my hands between pillows or on my body so they're supported in the evening and while sleeping. I got up this morning and streched, and OW! Lots of pain in my hand. Put it on my cat who purred, instant vibrating machine I guess it's good she's neurotic, she can be my little hand helper. Last night it hurt to unwrap the butter so I could make mac and cheese, it hurt to carry the pot of water. I'm glad my daughter is getting old enough to really help in the kitchen.

[chaos]

This one doesn't answer my question, but another person who had it worse in their hands and not at all in their legs.
http://forum.cmtausa.org/viewtopic.php?t=2473

My wedding ring is size 3.5. Nobody I've ever met has skinnier fingers than I. I've always had problems doing small tasks with my hands, like hand sewing. Obviously I need to do more research and get myself back to the Neuro. But interesting. I really am curious about the splints.

[Susanne C.]

Originally Posted by chaos

This one doesn't answer my question, but another person who had it worse in their hands and not at all in their legs.
http://forum.cmtausa.org/viewtopic.php?t=2473

My wedding ring is size 3.5. Nobody I've ever met has skinnier fingers than I. I've always had problems doing small tasks with my hands, like hand sewing. Obviously I need to do more research and get myself back to the Neuro. But interesting. I really am curious about the splints.

I would at least be sleeping in wrist braces. They help a lot. You can use them for using a mouse, not so great for writing, but I have knitted in them.

I have a lot of pain in my hands when I wake up. It is hard to tell how much is arthritis and how much CMT. I figure the arthritis is the one that goes away after a while.

That does sound like visible muscle wastage in your hands. My hands are much thinner than they were, but I am a very tall, big boned woman, so nothing like you describe. My rings are all much looser though. It is much more noticeable in my feet and ankles.

[Kitt]

No, I don't wear braces (wrist splints) on my hands.

That's a really old thread you have posted in your other post. A good reason for hand and wrist bracing is carpal tunnel syndrome. See #1.

http://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?opt...15&Itemid=50#1