Steroid Injection

There would usually have been some improvement by this stage so you may be someone whose CTS does not respond to steroids, though occasionally there are late responses. We can set about arranging surgery. You have a mixture of good and bad prognostic features. People who do not respond to steroids respond less well to surgery too, but on the other hand you had a previous succesful operation on the other side and grade 3 is a good point at which to operate. We have spaces for surgery soon in Faversham or you can go on the orthopaedic waiting list in Ashford. JB

Thank you for your response and for getting back to me so quickly. When I had problems with my right hand 20 years ago, I wasn't given the option of the steroid injection. I went private then and after two weeks of being off and couldn't drive, I was so much better and have been ever since. When I was offered the injection this time, I took it but unfortunately, it didn't work for me.

I was told at the time of my visit in January that there is a doctor in Ashford, near the Outlet Centre, albeit with a waiting list and was hoping to have him if possible. I am not sure what to do next as in wait to hear from someone with a date or do I need to contact them direct. I know that surgery really is my only option as this past week has been particularly bad especially yesterday when driving a fairly long distance.

There is a GP surgeon doing lists at St Stephen's Health Centre in Ashford but at present he is only contracted to the Ashford clinical commissioning group, and you belong to South Kent Coastal commissioning group. I will need to get permission from SKC to send you to him. Alternatively, you could have the operation in Faversham on 3rd March or we could try the William Harvey waiting list. JB

Hello again and thank you again for a quick response. I only chose the Ashford surgeon as Ashford was more convenient than Faversham but I am happy to go on the William Harvey waiting list please.

I have found this site very informative and interesting and its interesting to read other patients' comments.

I spoke to Emma at earlier today to make some enquiries about going forward. I found it helpful speaking to her on the phone and based on our converstion, I am ready for surgery and do not want another injection. I also mentioned, I am willing to go to the William Harvey or if the waiting list isn't too long then the GP at the St Stephen's Health Centre if it is possible for me to get seen there. I would ideally like this done before mid April due to work but if that cannot be then whenever is possible please.

My hand is becoming more uncomfortable I have noticed recently and would welcome a rough waiting time please for either hospital or the GP option.

If I can get you in at St Stephens it will be very quick I think. I'll see what we can do tomorrow. JB

I have sent your details to the Surgery in Primary Care team who should be in touch to organise dates and times. EK

Thank you to both Dr Bland and Emma. I shall now wait to hear back. Apologies for not coming back to you sooner.

The last few days haven't been going too well as the numbness has been more obvious causing me to drop things and although I am not pinning my hopes of it going away completely, I am hoping that there will be some improvement from the op. Thank you for this forum and the website.

It should do well with surgery from grade 3 - you got a pretty good result from the right one years ago. JB