Guest guest Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 My last exacerbation of MS started with weakness in my left hand then the next day it just didn't work. The thumb and pinky finger were completely numb but I had the most excrutiating pain I ever experienced in my life radiating down that arm(I have had 9 major surgeries, fibro for years, and I have NEVER hurt like that) You could not touch any part of my body, the pain would just magnify. I went to a neuro, a neuro surgeon, and a hand and arm specialist. The Neuro surgeon said thoracic outlet syndrome, the neuro said pronator teres syndrome, and the hand and arm said there was nothing wrong with my arm, it was either a viral infection that had attacked the nerve or it was something besides fibro(since fibro is usually bilateral) It got better by the time I saw the third doc so I never followed back up(this went on for 4 weeks)Know I now that that was my third exacerbation of "MS"(which of course I don't have cause it's all in my head!!!) I regained use of my left arm but it still has measureable weakness compared to the right and I still have a numb area on my thumb. ' in TexasSmyelin groovy wrote: {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 My last exacerbation of MS started with weakness in my left hand then the next day it just didn't work. The thumb and pinky finger were completely numb but I had the most excrutiating pain I ever experienced in my life radiating down that arm(I have had 9 major surgeries, fibro for years, and I have NEVER hurt like that) You could not touch any part of my body, the pain would just magnify. I went to a neuro, a neuro surgeon, and a hand and arm specialist. The Neuro surgeon said thoracic outlet syndrome, the neuro said pronator teres syndrome, and the hand and arm said there was nothing wrong with my arm, it was either a viral infection that had attacked the nerve or it was something besides fibro(since fibro is usually bilateral) It got better by the time I saw the third doc so I never followed back up(this went on for 4 weeks)Know I now that that was my third exacerbation of "MS"(which of course I don't have cause it's all in my head!!!) I regained use of my left arm but it still has measureable weakness compared to the right and I still have a numb area on my thumb. ' in TexasSmyelin groovy wrote: {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 I have pain in my base of my thumb and up my thumb. I call it my "drumstick area". I started taking MSM with Glucosamine for a trigger finger and it has also helped the pain in my thumb. Sharon (MSersLife Group Owner/Creator) It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line. ~Ashleigh Brilliant Re: Thumb pain & TN {{{{{{{{Beth} }}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Dear Beth and Challis, There is a name for just the thumb and into the wrist It is like CT but is some big name that I cannot recall. I had it and the main thing I did to correct it was change from the ball mouse back to a regular mouse. I had used the ball for 10 years. I did consult the family doctor and he comfirmed that that is what it was and suggested I use a brace for a while and see if the two would help. I get twinges now just every once in a while. The test for this is to make a fist over your thumb if this causes the pain to intensify then that is what it is. I have a print out somewhere amoung this mess of an office that has had very little done to it since I moved it . LOL HAPPINESS and BUTTERFLIES Lynn Re: Thumb pain & TNTo: MSersLife > {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}}> > From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS > (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it.> > Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange > to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. > LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? > It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle > finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be > affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. > Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling > and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor > except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, > holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all > increase the problems. For some it's typing. For > many it is. It never was for me.> > Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no > reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, > suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the > hand by your side and see if it improves quickly).> > Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the > hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's > CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. > Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, > holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse.> > Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he > should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. > Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also > help. Anti-inflamatories can help.> > If it's bad enough, not much will help at all.> > If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your > hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers.> > My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or > seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It > worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. > My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. > Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of > life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it > was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I > LOVE my doctor. ROFL> > I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had > surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had > trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build > of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks > tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at > all. <g>> > I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very > soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find > yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard.> > Hugs,> Challis> > > westie0923 wrote:> > Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and into> the first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I've> had this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to be> building intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told me> not to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn't> improve the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running > along the> top of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed > to the> other hand.> > Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed > at all> today until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion because> there hasn't been any.> > Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise and> seeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neuro> dept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.> > Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)> > aka Westie> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com May you always find HAPPINESS and BUTTERFLIES Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Challis & Thank you for replying to my query. As strangely as it comes on, yesterday it started to resolve and now I am pain free again. I don’t get numbness in the thumb or wrist so my guess is arthritis. Thanks! Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of Trimm Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 5:56 AM To: MSersLife Subject: Re: Thumb pain & TN My last exacerbation of MS started with weakness in my left hand then the next day it just didn't work. The thumb and pinky finger were completely numb but I had the most excrutiating pain I ever experienced in my life radiating down that arm(I have had 9 major surgeries, fibro for years, and I have NEVER hurt like that) You could not touch any part of my body, the pain would just magnify. I went to a neuro, a neuro surgeon, and a hand and arm specialist. The Neuro surgeon said thoracic outlet syndrome, the neuro said pronator teres syndrome, and the hand and arm said there was nothing wrong with my arm, it was either a viral infection that had attacked the nerve or it was something besides fibro(since fibro is usually bilateral) It got better by the time I saw the third doc so I never followed back up(this went on for 4 weeks)Know I now that that was my third exacerbation of " MS " (which of course I don't have cause it's all in my head!!!) I regai ned use of my left arm but it still has measureable weakness compared to the right and I still have a numb area on my thumb. ' in Texas Smyelin groovy <smyelingroovy> wrote: {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and into the first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I've had this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to be building intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told me not to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn't improve the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along the top of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to the other hand. Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at all today until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion because there hasn't been any. Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise and seeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neuro dept reviewed my case and agreed to see me. Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog) aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Sharon, It does come from the base of the thumb. Never thought of it as drumstick area, but that seems to fit! Maybe I should also try this MSM with Glucosamine. If it’s arthritis, this stuff should help? Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of Sharon Marsden Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 11:35 AM To: MSersLife Subject: Re: Thumb pain & TN I have pain in my base of my thumb and up my thumb. I call it my " drumstick area " . I started taking MSM with Glucosamine for a trigger finger and it has also helped the pain in my thumb. Sharon (MSersLife Group Owner/Creator) It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line. ~Ashleigh Brilliant Re: Thumb pain & TN {{{{{{{{Beth} }}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and into the first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I've had this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to be building intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told me not to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn't improve the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along the top of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to the other hand. Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at all today until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion because there hasn't been any. Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise and seeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neuro dept reviewed my case and agreed to see me. Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog) aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 I buy Natrol brand of MSM with Glucosamine at Wal Mart. It has made such a difference for me! I told my internist that I was taking it and the huge difference it had made in that trigger finger and she referred to it as a "lubricant". I still have tenderness in the base of my "drumstick" but it is so much better. Another thing that changed after I started the MSM with Glucosamine is the swollen hands are gone. I would wake up during the night and my hands would be tight and swollen. Now that doesn't happen any more. It's great stuff! How's the TN doing? hugs)) Sharon Sharon (MSersLife Group Owner/Creator) It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line. ~Ashleigh Brilliant Re: Thumb pain & TN {{{{{{{{Beth} }}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 I'm glad the pain has ebbed! ) Challis Westie wrote: Challis & Thank you for replying to my query. As strangely as it comes on, yesterday it started to resolve and now I am pain free again. I don’t get numbness in the thumb or wrist so my guess is arthritis. Thanks! Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of TrimmSent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 5:56 AMTo: MSersLife Subject: Re: Thumb pain & TN My last exacerbation of MS started with weakness in my left hand then the next day it just didn't work. The thumb and pinky finger were completely numb but I had the most excrutiating pain I ever experienced in my life radiating down that arm(I have had 9 major surgeries, fibro for years, and I have NEVER hurt like that) You could not touch any part of my body, the pain would just magnify. I went to a neuro, a neuro surgeon, and a hand and arm specialist. The Neuro surgeon said thoracic outlet syndrome, the neuro said pronator teres syndrome, and the hand and arm said there was nothing wrong with my arm, it was either a viral infection that had attacked the nerve or it was something besides fibro(since fibro is usually bilateral) It got better by the time I saw the third doc so I never followed back up(this went on for 4 weeks)Know I now that that was my third exacerbation of "MS"(which of course I don't have cause it's all in my head!!!) I regai ned use of my left arm but it still has measureable weakness compared to the right and I still have a numb area on my thumb. ' in TexasSmyelin groovy <smyelingroovy> wrote: {{{{{{{{Beth}}}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Sharon – On the TN, I wish I could say that it was better but it has started to flare again. I went through a time when it was calming down. But in the last couple of months, it has started to build in intensity. I get a sharp pain going across my left cheek that feels like I am being stabbed in the face with a knife. Then I get a lightning like shock of nerve pain that shoots down from the bottom of my left eye and it settles into the nerve endings of my front teeth. I had a root canal on tooth #9, front lateral incisor. The pulp in the tooth was dead, but it didn’t stop the pain. I got smart and thought because things had calmed down a bit, I could go off the Trileptal and just try to get by with the Neurotnin….what a dufus I am. Back to taking the Trileptal and increasing my dosage so I don’t loose my breath and scream when the shocks come. Just never know when it is going to happen. I also stopped taking the daily steroids. I just hated the bloat, weight gain and moon face I was getting from the stuff. I really didn’t see how taking steroids was keeping me getting worse. So now, I’m waiting to see what the result will be for my decision. I got the MSM with Glucosamine at WalMart as you suggested. I started taking it tonight. I’ll try anything to help. I also have swelling in that hand. Isn’t it weird that only the one hand is involved? Guess not, if it is a lubricant problem. Enough about my abnormal life, how are you doing with your TN? Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of Sharon Marsden Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 10:36 AM To: MSersLife Subject: Re: Thumb pain & TN I buy Natrol brand of MSM with Glucosamine at Wal Mart. It has made such a difference for me! I told my internist that I was taking it and the huge difference it had made in that trigger finger and she referred to it as a " lubricant " . I still have tenderness in the base of my " drumstick " but it is so much better. Another thing that changed after I started the MSM with Glucosamine is the swollen hands are gone. I would wake up during the night and my hands would be tight and swollen. Now that doesn't happen any more. It's great stuff! How's the TN doing? hugs)) Sharon Sharon (MSersLife Group Owner/Creator) It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line. ~Ashleigh Brilliant Re: Thumb pain & TN {{{{{{{{Beth} }}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and into the first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I've had this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to be building intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told me not to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn't improve the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along the top of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to the other hand. Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at all today until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion because there hasn't been any. Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise and seeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neuro dept reviewed my case and agreed to see me. Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog) aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2006 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 Maybe that's why dental work hurts me so bad besides the fact I have TMJ and a small mouth...I SWEAR, my dentist said so even though my husband argues the fact. Have any of you ever experienced post tramautic herpatic syndrome? I have had chicken pox twice and the shingles twice so now everytime I have dental work and the nerve is "tramautized" I break out with shingles or herpatic lesions along the nerve line. 'Westie wrote: Sharon – On the TN, I wish I could say that it was better but it has started to flare again. I went through a time when it was calming down. But in the last couple of months, it has started to build in intensity. I get a sharp pain going across my left cheek that feels like I am being stabbed in the face with a knife. Then I get a lightning like shock of nerve pain that shoots down from the bottom of my left eye and it settles into the nerve endings of my front teeth. I had a root canal on tooth #9, front lateral incisor. The pulp in the tooth was dead, but it didn’t stop the pain. I got smart and thought because things had calmed down a bit, I could go off the Trileptal and just try to get by with the Neurotnin….what a dufus I am. Back to taking the Trileptal and increasing my dosage so I don’t loose my breath and scream when the shocks come. Just never know when it is going to happen. I also stopped taking the daily steroids. I just hated the bloat, weight gain and moon face I was getting from the stuff. I really didn’t see how taking steroids was keeping me getting worse. So now, I’m waiting to see what the result will be for my decision. I got the MSM with Glucosamine at WalMart as you suggested. I started taking it tonight. I’ll try anything to help. I also have swelling in that hand. Isn’t it weird that only the one hand is involved? Guess not, if it is a lubricant problem. Enough about my abnormal life, how are you doing with your TN? Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of Sharon MarsdenSent: Friday, September 01, 2006 10:36 AMTo: MSersLife Subject: Re: Thumb pain & TN I buy Natrol brand of MSM with Glucosamine at Wal Mart. It has made such a difference for me! I told my internist that I was taking it and the huge difference it had made in that trigger finger and she referred to it as a "lubricant". I still have tenderness in the base of my "drumstick" but it is so much better. Another thing that changed after I started the MSM with Glucosamine is the swollen hands are gone. I would wake up during the night and my hands would be tight and swollen. Now that doesn't happen any more. It's great stuff! How's the TN doing? hugs)) Sharon Sharon (MSersLife Group Owner/Creator) It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line. ~Ashleigh Brilliant Re: Thumb pain & TN {{{{{{{{Beth} }}}}}}} From what you've said here, it doesn't sound like CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), but there may be more to it. Do you have numbing of your fingers? Kinda strange to ask an MSer if they have numbing and tingling. LOL But it is different, or stands out differently? It is pronounced. CTS will affect the index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. The thumb can also be affected. The pain usually starts later into CTS. Certain activities will increase the problems (numbing, tingling and pain), though wearing a watch shouldn't be a big factor except if it's terribly tight maybe. Hmm?? Writing, holding onto objects, working with that hand, etc., can all increase the problems. For some it's typing. For many it is. It never was for me. Does your hand or the fingers seem to fall asleep for no reason? Like, when writing or workign with that hand, suddenly it feels as if it's asleep? (If it does, hang the hand by your side and see if it improves quickly). Do you have trouble sleeping at night because of the hand? More numbing and tingling, more pain? If it's CTS you will have more pronounced trouble at night. Keeping your hand above your heart can help. Sometimes, holding the elbow bent can help and sometimes it makes it worse. Did the doctor give you a brace? If it's CTS, he should have. Wearing a brace at night can help. Wearing it during the day, when it's bad enough, can also help. Anti-inflamatories can help. If it's bad enough, not much will help at all. If it's CTS your thumb will not be the only part of your hand affected. You WILL feel it in your fingers. My CTS first showed itself when I was sixteen or seventeen. That's been a while ago. lol It worsened. During pregnancy it worsened then eased. My second was worse than the first, with a LOT of pain. Then it came on harder and harder and was a regular part of life. I had surgery on the right wrist in '92, I guess it was. This past March, I had surgery on the left. I LOVE my doctor. ROFL I knew what mine was, as my Mother had CTS and had surgery in both wrists. Her Mother and Grandmother had trouble, as did an Aunt. It would seem the genetic build of our wrists has something to do with ours. Some folks tell me CTS is only a repetative motion disorder. Not at all. <g> I hope you find relief from whatever this is very, very soon! It is quite difficult to live with pain and to find yoruself unable to use your hand as you want is very hard. Hugs, Challis westie0923 <westieluvhughes (DOT) net> wrote: Struggling with pain in my left thumb coming out of my wrist and intothe first digit. The pain shoots up the thumb and it stiffens. I'vehad this on and off for the last several months, but it seems to bebuilding intensity. Neuro told me it was carpal tunnel and told menot to wear a watch on that wrist. Taking the watch off didn'timprove the situation. Also the veins/blood vessels running along thetop of my arm and into my wrist are very pronounced as opposed to theother hand.Do you think he is correct about carpal tunnel? I've not typed at alltoday until this message. Can't be from repetitive motion becausethere hasn't been any.Looking for opinions. I've been lurking, but no news DX wise andseeking opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in October. Their neurodept reviewed my case and agreed to see me.Beth & JoJo the Westie (my dog)aka Westie Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2006 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 At age 16, I had an episode of some type of herpatic lesions on my gums. I became so ill that I was hospitalized. They ran all kinds of tests but finally diagnosed the episode as a Herpes viral infection – the non-sexual type. They gave me intravenous courses of antibiotics hoping to kill whatever infection was lurking in my body. I had burning in my arm from the medicine and I begged my Mom to take me home. I was in the hospital for a week before I was well enough to go home. Doctor ordered my Mom to keep me home for the following 2 weeks and I slowly started to recover. I couldn’t eat anything that wasn’t in liquid form for more than a month. As mysteriously as it appeared, it was then gone and I didn’t have any other symptoms except the occasional cold sore on my lip. I then started taking L-lysine tablets and after about a year, I never had any other cold sores. I swear by the stuff. During the next 26 years I have NEVER had another cold sore. About 1 year ago, I was diagnosed with TN - Not sure there is a connection, but who knows! Beth From: MSersLife [mailto:MSersLife ] On Behalf Of Trimm Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:33 AM To: MSersLife Subject: RE: Thumb pain & TN Maybe that's why dental work hurts me so bad besides the fact I have TMJ and a small mouth...I SWEAR, my dentist said so even though my husband argues the fact. Have any of you ever experienced post tramautic herpatic syndrome? I have had chicken pox twice and the shingles twice so now everytime I have dental work and the nerve is " tramautized " I break out with shingles or herpatic lesions along the nerve line. ' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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