[robinphillips247]

March 20th I noticed my small and ring finger were numb on my left hand. I have had a history with carpal tunnel problems off and on but this was different because once it started it has never stopped. I was in the process of changing insurance companies and could not go to the Dr til early April. My doctor referred me to a neurologist who I was last week. He diagnosed ulnar nerve entrapment. He acted like it was urgent to get things going as there was loss of strength in the hand. He set up an EMG for today but cancelled it when he found out my regular doctor had found I was having vasospasms. I asked about a follow up appointment and they can not get me in for 5 weeks. The receptionist insisted that this will not be detrimental I asked her to verify that with my doctor but she never called back. I called her but she was evasive and insisted that 5 more weeks was ok I am not sure that she talked to him. I do know that I can feel it getting worse, not more painful but weaker. I can not work my hair barrettes with that hand now and Have trouble turning knobs and keys. I am 38 and I rely on my hands to pay my bills. Can some one let me know if it is really safe to wait so long? Also my reg doc started me on doxy due to a weak positive on a lyme test and nitroglycerin ointment for the vasospasms and raynaud's. I dont know if these could be contributing to the hand feeling weaker or not. Thanks you very much!

[Jomar]

What kind of work do you do?
Have you had any previous whiplash or upper body sports injuries, falls, c spine issues?

How is your upper body posture? head forward shoulders rolled forward or hunched?
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...e%20evaluation

If upper-body postures could be an issue you can start working on those right away.

just a few things-
lay on foam roll or large towels rolled up tightly - pillow if needed for neck comfort - then just relax with arms at a comfortable position

[Susanne C.]

I have ulnar nerve entrapments in both arms, as well as wrist and shoulder. They are not dangerous, as far as I know. The first time they flared up badly we were on vacation. I could not pass a plate across the table or bear any weight with my arms extended. There was some pain in the elbow and a dull ache in the entire arm. When I returned home I was unable to remove laundry from the washer, carry groceries, use a knife or spoon to cook, etc. I was diagnosed by needle EMG with carpal tunnel, which turned out to be an inadequate diagnosis. My doctor sent me to physical therapy, which seemed to help, after several months, but now I know the condition comes and goes on its own, and treatment isn't necessary.
When I went to a podiatrist with a foot infection which had gotten far established due to complete lack of sensitivity in my feet, I told him about the carpal tunnel. He said that bilateral carpal tunnel combined with my loss of sensation and unusual height wasn't carpal tunnel at all but polyneuropathy. He refused to see me again until i had been to a neurologist. She passed me on after two years to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion, but both doctors agreed that there is no treatment. I have hereditary sensory motor neuropathy- CMT type 2, axonal degeneration. I also have pinched nerves, or pressure palsies, but they come and go. I do not know of any effective treatment for them, other then time and rest, but they are not dangerous.

[mrsD]

Originally Posted by robinphillips247

March 20th I noticed my small and ring finger were numb on my left hand. I have had a history with carpal tunnel problems off and on but this was different because once it started it has never stopped. I was in the process of changing insurance companies and could not go to the Dr til early April. My doctor referred me to a neurologist who I was last week. He diagnosed ulnar nerve entrapment. He acted like it was urgent to get things going as there was loss of strength in the hand. He set up an EMG for today but cancelled it when he found out my regular doctor had found I was having vasospasms. I asked about a follow up appointment and they can not get me in for 5 weeks. The receptionist insisted that this will not be detrimental I asked her to verify that with my doctor but she never called back. I called her but she was evasive and insisted that 5 more weeks was ok I am not sure that she talked to him. I do know that I can feel it getting worse, not more painful but weaker. I can not work my hair barrettes with that hand now and Have trouble turning knobs and keys. I am 38 and I rely on my hands to pay my bills. Can some one let me know if it is really safe to wait so long? Also my reg doc started me on doxy due to a weak positive on a lyme test and nitroglycerin ointment for the vasospasms and raynaud's. I dont know if these could be contributing to the hand feeling weaker or not. Thanks you very much!

If your doctor thinks nitroglycerine gel may help, I'd suggest you also try Epsom salts soaks.

There are topical forms of creams and lotions too:
Here is a recent post --
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post880107-9.html

The magnesium in epsom salts relaxes muscles, and improves blood flow, so some symptoms may be less. It is inexpensive, and often very effective.

[robinphillips247]

Thanks every one. My primary doctor believes peripheral nerve issues as well. Seems odd that both arms, would go bad and my raynauds would get markedly worse all at roughly the same time. My energy level dropped to nothing as well.
For the record until March I was an animal welfare officer out in Colorado. In March I moved to Maryland to marry my man but it turn out we will be moving back there in July. Huge altitude differences! My old boss has offered me my job but I am not sure I can handle aggressive animals and tons of paperwork and driving with my current health issues.
Mrs D I will go get epson salt today. The Nitro has helped the circulation and I think the energy level (Iron supplements too) but not the numbness and tingling of the ulnar issue or the tennis elbow/tendonitis issue.

Thanks again!

[Susanne C.]

Paperwork can really aggravate nerve entrapments. I find grading papers very difficult. The hand and arm strength waxes and wanes, but seems to be on a downhill trajectory, so I wouldn't think handling dangerous animals will continue to be safe. I am sorry that you are faced with this.