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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