Thread: Carpal Tunnel

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Dave I hear you about the VA. I was evaluated by the VA in Tucson in 91 when I retired and the place was scary. I didn't go back until around 2005 or so and was amazed at the improvement....both in the facilities and the Staff. With a couple of exceptions (who are gone now) all the Drs and staff I dealt with have been outstanding. My dealing with Choice have been a real horror show but that was the result of the civilian Drs I was assigned. If I ever go back on Choice I'll do my own research on a Dr I want to see rather than let the program make the decision for me.

Interesting (?) visit with the VA hand Dr yesterday. Yes I do have carpal tunnel....but it is relatively minor. The symptoms on that is just a bit of tingling in my little finger, it still has feeling and dexterity and the tingling I can live with and wouldn't worry about if that was the only problem.

The real problem and what is causing all the pain is arthritis in my wrist. I didn’t see that coming ….. I kind of figured with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel a couple of years ago that that was the problem.


The Dr did give me a cortisone shot in the wrist, but that hasn’t done any good so far. She and I had a long talk and the “cure” appears to be removal of one of my wrist bones. I’ll probably lose a bit of strength but should be able to do a fair amount of things I can’t currently do without a lot of pain.

The surgery is more involved that the typical carpal tunnel surgery I had planned on and it will result I a longer healing time. I think I’m going to be glad I had the electric garage door and gate installed. I’m also glad Cade is coming along so well …..I suspect I’ll be relying on him a fair amount while I heal up. Driving the stick cars will also be out of the question for a little bit apparently .

We’re planning on having the surgery done in early January……it’s a lot easier on me staying in the house instead of the garage when the weather cools off.

Well that’s the update.



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Mike, I had that surgery about 30 years back, it got rid of the pain and the wrist "lock ups". My wrists don't work all that great now, but then not much else on my old bod does either! Oh well, getting old sure ain't for sissies! Good luck with the surgery!