Return of CTS in left hand
Hello Dr Bland,
Further to steroid injections in both hands earlier this year (May time) and an operation on my right hand. They symptoms have returned in my left hand, causing considerable discomfort at night time and while driving. Do I need to make an appointment with you through my Dr. or can I make one with your clinic direct?
Kind regards
Julia Harris
We can just book surgery for the other hand if it is still recognisably the same symtoms and you would like it done. Alternatively you could re-inject the left hand - having experienced both treatments you are in a perfect position to decide which you prefer. Whichever way you decide to go I will arrange to re-test it shortly as you say it feels a bit worse. JB
Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I would like to go ahead with surgery, I think this is the best road to go down, as the injections have not lasted very long on this occasion. I would be grateful for an appointment to re-test.
Kind regards
Julie
Surgery and repeat nerve conduction studies both booked and letters in the post. JB
Dear Dr. Bland, I received the appointments yesterday for my re-test on 30 September and surgery on the 16 November. Unfortunately I will be in Ireland from the 11- 22 November. Please could I possibly re-schedule the app for surgery with you, or shall I call the number on the letter?
Kind regards
Julie
It's easier for me to alter it at present. I've moved the surgery back until after your return. New letter in the post. JB
Dear Dr. Bland,
Is there any chance I could get an app for an injection for my left hand? The one I had before has worn off, you have kindly booked me in for a re-test on the 30 Sept, but my hand is very painful at nights and while driving, along with awful pins and needles/burning sensation. This is also leaving my hand tender. I don't think I can wait until surgery.
Kind regards
Julie
We can probably inject it for you in Canterbury on Monday morning. Usual place where you see me, between 8:45 and 12:30. We will have to have a short discussion about repeated injections first. JB
Dear Dr. Bland,
Further to my visit yesterday morning (Monday 9 Sept) and having a 2nd injection in my left hand. I am pleased to say that once again, it has helped tremendously with the symptoms and I had no pain (only slight pins and needles, but then I was advised that the injection could take 24-48 hours to take effect).
I have a test to see what grade my left hand has now got to (previously was a 3) on the 30 September. Will the injection interfere with the test?
Regards
Julie
It might have improved nerve conduction by then but it will still be interesting to see how it is doing. We don't often get the chance to check the NCS during the remission period after injection. JB
P.s I should have mentioned that the last tests done, my right was a 5 and I had the surgery on the 1 June this year, since then, no problems. My left hand was a 3 and it has only been the last week that the pain/pins and needles have come back, but would say worse than before.