[Nervous1]

Hello,

I have recently started having burning pain in my right hand, but was able to make it through the day at work. (Started a couple of months ago, original diagnosis was mild carpal tunnel when I passed the Nerve Conduction Test)
I recently have had to switch to using my left hand when using the mouse and was able to make it through the day as well. But now, since I use a computer about 9+ hours a day, my right hand/arm is in real pain. Sometimes my entire right arm is affected up to the shoulder. Feels like someone is pouring ice cold water all over my arm
Not sure if this is just starting out in the right due to overuse or will I get this kind of pain in both hands and arms. Usually SFN is bilateral, so I can only hope this is entire arm pain is coming from somehere else.
Anyone else have any issues like this? I am afraid that if I keep using the mouse for 9+ hours a day I am going to render my hands useless!
I don't know what to do with this, I am becoming less productive at work and at home!
Any suggestions or comments are welcome.

[mrsD]

Well, first thing to do is invest in a good carpal tunnel wrist brace.

Wear it each night. It can take pressure off the carpal tunnel if that is your problem.

Also make sure you are using a magnesium supplement or lotion, if you don't eat foods rich in magnesium.

These two interventions can really help with simple compression.

If they don't work, then more medical intervention might be necessary.

Carpal tunnel can come from fluid retention, poor glucose metabolism, and also hypothyroidism. Low electrolytes also contribute.

[Stacy2012]

Best advice is to read EVERYTHING on this forum, especially the sticky's at top of forum.

I found even though I do not have the problems that is being discussed in every post I have some of the symptoms and have gotten soooo much help.

Most of my solutions have come from me doing my own research, not from a doctor.

good luck

[Nervous1]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Well, first thing to do is invest in a good carpal tunnel wrist brace.

Wear it each night. It can take pressure off the carpal tunnel if that is your problem.

Also make sure you are using a magnesium supplement or lotion, if you don't eat foods rich in magnesium.

These two interventions can really help with simple compression.

If they don't work, then more medical intervention might be necessary.

Carpal tunnel can come from fluid retention, poor glucose metabolism, and also hypothyroidism. Low electrolytes also contribute.

Hi Mrs D,
I am already using a wrist brace at night, but I would hardly call it a good one. I think that a good one is supposed to keep your hand stretched out a little, mine lets me curl my hand up while sleeping. I am heading to a med supply house tomorrow morning to look for a better brace.
As for the magnesium, I eat Almond butter, nuts, spinach, kale, bright colored veggies, fruit, salmon, grass fed beef, drink almond milk. Basically Gluten free/Paleo diet. I would think I am getting enough mag, but without being tested, who knows for sure. Maybe I still have a buildup of gluten in my belly and the nutrients are not really being absorbed well?
Hopefully it is not my diet, we are spending large sum of money per month on groceries, I would hate know I am just making some really expensive urine/excrement
My thyroid is being tested and I am waiting on the results of it and other tests. Pareneoplastic panel as well.
I really appreciate your response...

[Nervous1]

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

Best advice is to read EVERYTHING on this forum, especially the sticky's at top of forum.

I found even though I do not have the problems that is being discussed in every post I have some of the symptoms and have gotten soooo much help.

Most of my solutions have come from me doing my own research, not from a doctor.

good luck

Hi Stacy,

I do read the posts quite a bit, sometimes for hours. My head hurts so bad sometimes after trying to piece it all together :0
I agree with you about the docs, I basically discovered what I have on my own. My neuro said it was sciatica, looks like he won't win the cupie doll at the winter carnival.

Thanks for your reply!

[Stacy2012]

I know about the headaches, me too!!!

I have found myself to spend 7 hrs doing research on diabetes, thyroid, B12 and so many other things. When I get frustrated with information overload, which happens...I make myself a "course of action" then after reading I change it, then change it again, then finally I know its time to walk away. I stop, pray, and walk away for a day or more. Come back and start again.

It's still the most productive time since I have helped myself with my own research more than the doctors have.

And it never ends. lol. One thing always leads to another. It's like we are on the search for a treasure, ieur health, and constantly looking at a map, finding clues, and every time we find something it leads to something else. lol

[mrsD]

The wrist brace you choose should have a sturdy stiff insert
that is along the palm and wrist area.

You HAVE to sleep with something that prevents you from flexing that hand. Eventually your muscles will LEARN to hold your hand this way even during the day. (muscle memory)

I started with the braces during my pregnancy 31 yrs ago since my carpal tunnel. Compressing that nerve, can cause pain and radiate up your whole arm. My Carpal tunnel was so severe in my 5th month, I lost 80% of my functions (EMG done). That was dramatic and the braces really helped. If you lose functions, you can get a steroid injection into that wrist. I did it once, and not in my left (mine was bilateral). It helped some.
In women, who have this often at the end of the pregnancy the condition resolves pretty much. I still have some flares, but not like before. I use braces still today, usually when I overdo that hand. Gardening and sewing will set me off again. I can only sew by hand now for about 20 minutes so projects can take me a while to finish. But typing does not bother it much anymore.
It can be problematic if my blood sugars are too low, or if I cheat and have ice cream or some dessert thing which will cause a swing from high to low blood sugar that day.

I also find that the magnesium lotion, rubbed into the wrists and ventral arm areas at night reduce the minor symptoms that I have tremendously. That was an added benefit for me.