Phenomenon
Cannot explain this but before my last appointment on 19th Aug 2024 I was in a lot of pain mainly from my Right hand at night.
Tests confirmed my left hand was still grade 3 but my right hand had increased from grade 3 to grade 5
The advice was for another injection in my left hand to reduce the pain but for Surgery now to my right hand and I agreed to this course of action. The surgery to my right hand is now booked and just a few weeks to wait.
However since my last appointment (19th Aug) the injection to my left hand has worked as usual but the pain in my Right hand has also reduced dramatically. How can this happen ? I am sleeping well with no pain and only a few minor signs in my right hand during the day.
A phenomenon
PGG
Thank you Jeremy, I was not thinking of cancelling unless that is your advice ?
Surely I am just delaying the inevitable ? So if you agree I will go ahead with surgery as planned.
PGG
It's an unusual situation. If it was my hand I would retest it to see if it really was getting better and maker a decision once I knew what was happening to the physiology. It is by no means clear that surgery is inevitable in most CTS cases, whatever some surgeons might say about it. JB
How soon could I get a retest ?
My operation is booked for October 12th
We can do it before then. I'll find a slot and post you an appointment. JB
Update after 4 months.............
Operation on my right hand was quick easy and painless, the result is wonderful so I am very grateful.
The injection into my left wrist however only lasted about 3 months this time. I am pain free all day but it wakes me at night.
I would therefore seek your advice regarding my left hand please. Does it have to be severe day & night before I qualify for an operation on the left hand ? I think I have had 5 injections in the left now (over a 5 year period) but the relief at night did not last long this time, sorry..
I am happy to attend if you need to retest but also happy to go on the list for an operation on my left hand if you authorise it ?
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
PGG
We've tested you recently enough that we could just put you on the list for surgery. The wait should be about 8-10 weeks I think. What do you think? JB
It's quite a well known phenomenon - treat one side and the other side improves too! Seems to happen roughly one time in ten with surgery, slightly less often with injection. If thnking about cancelling the surgery it might be worth doing a quick repeat NCS to see if there has been a measurable change in the right side. JB