Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Stress Syndrome in TN-Workers Comp Issue

[sparkey]

Tizz,

I just had to throw my 2 cents in cause I do not want you to be discouraged if they do not find out exactly what is wrong. Do not expect someone to give you a true diagnosis right away. I have been having trouble with my hand for two years the 29th of last month. I have seen 13-18 doctors/fellows ( lost count) and not one of them can give me an exact reason why my hand is the way it is.

Now my PM is saying it is RSD. I have had two emg's that came back as " mild carpal " and because I have already had the surgery in that hand 11 yrs. ago all the doctors refuse to repeat the surgery for fear I may lose use of my hand all together. I have had gangloin blocks, facet joint procedures, cortizone shots, steroids, medications, etc. and nothing has made my hand any better. I am now being asked to have a stimulator inserted in me. I am going to tell you I am scared to death to have anything implanted in me and trying to make that my last resort. I continue to work 40 hours a week only because of my pain meds. If not for them, I would be bedridden from the pain.

I have read many times different symptoms on the computer, and see alot of things that could be what I am going through. Sometimes they never find out what is going on. They can only control the pain, but not 100%. Take one day at a time and I have to admit the worse part is not knowing why the pain is there. I wonder every day what is wrong with me and why no doctor can figure it out.

I am now trying to find a specialist in Boston to figure out my pain. I have to wait till May for the appointment. Do not get discouraged and just do anything you can to relieve the pain till they find the problem. If you can continue to work that is good. You may need to find another type of job where you will not be using that hand that much. I know it is hard to find a job not using your hands, but I had to give up being a phlebotomist because I kept dropping things etc. I could not take the chance of hurting someone else or myself. The type of job you are in is only going to make your hand worse. If you think ahead of some sort of job that would be easier on your hand, I say go for it. I know it is not easy to find work these days, but eventually it may come down to a job change. I just want you to know what may lay ahead for you as they may put you on light duty if there is any, and if not you may be out of work. Try to stay one step ahead and start looking for something you could do without makeing it hard on your hands. Nothing says you cannot change jobs as your WC claim should follow you. I changed my career and still have wc covering my treatments. I wish you the best.