Tired of this....

[Dr Mordrid]

Had the surgeries for the hand infection then fell 3 weeks later when my bad knee let go, catching myself directly on the incision site.

Had the EMG/NCS (nerve tests) Friday and felt like s*** since then.

Went to the surgeon & got the results back today.

1. lots of scar tissue around the nerves in the hand. This is causing a load of continuing pain.

2. the fall did other damage resulting in a cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck).

Next: increase meds, get an MRI, use a nerve stimulator and 3+ months of physical therapy. Could also end up having cortisone injections or nerve blocks in the neck.

Future: if no significant benefit from the above then surgery on the hand to remove the scar tissue & do a carpal tunnel release. Also could end up with surgery on the neck to relieve the pinched nerve (depends on the MRI results).

Looks like a fun spring/summer

Dr. Mordrid

[DGhost]

ARRRGGGGG. That's aweful. Sorry to hear that shit, i hope that it improves without the need for surgery!

[Helevitia]

Sorry to hear about your problems doc.

I have a lot of nerve problems and I can totally relate to how you are feeling. Just remember, things always get better...they might get worse again, but they always get better

Naproxyn works really well for me to reduce the swelling around the nerve tissue, which in turn reduces the pain. Of course, Naproxyn does nothing for some people and as you probably already know, you have to experiment with different drugs to find out what works best for you. Also, "normal" narcotics usually don't offer much relief for nerve pain. Nowadays nerve pain is controlled with epilepsy medicine such as Neurontin. But that is for people with chronic nerve pain. Also, ice helps me out tremendously to numb the pain and reduce the swelling. Not sure if it will help you, but it's easy enough to try and find out. Sometimes heat works for people too(but not me).

Hope all is well soon.

Dave

[Dr Mordrid]

Ice packs to the wrist/hand are a way of life for me now.

Went to the store when I figured this would be a viable option and discovered they run about $12-$15 each for good ones

Talked to a friend who is an occupational therapist and she suggested a cheaper alternative: 1 gallon heavy duty freezer bags doubled up and 1/3 filled with liquid dish soap (green Dawn seems to work best). They last a long time and stay "slushy".

I made up 8 of 'em and Margie sewed up a pouch to fit with long straps and Velcro fasteners so I can apply it either wrapped around my wrist or linearly along the hand/wrist. This combo works perfectly and with that many I never run out.

Now taking 800mg of Neurontin 3x a day, 500mg Vicodin 4x a day & 800mg Motrin 4x a day.

I was taking 400mg of Neurontin for the bad leg's chronic pain (traumatic saphenous nerve neuropathy), but my plastic/hand surgeon upped it to 800mg today.

Friedrich Nietzsche said "Whatever does not destroy me makes me stronger".

We'll see.

Dr. Mordrid

[SpiralDragon]

take care doc. wish you all the best... i know how painfull nerve problems can be... i have problems too

[Umfriend]

Yeah, geesh, I thought that was all done with...good luck.

[DGhost]

Originally posted by Dr Mordrid
Now taking 800mg of Neurontin 3x a day, 500mg Vicodin 4x a day & 800mg Motrin 4x a day.

holy shit doc, how can i get that perscription?

[agallag]

I think you're overdue for some good luck now. Let's hope all the bad is behind you...

[Dr Mordrid]

Originally posted by DGhost
holy shit doc, how can i get that perscription?

Endure a s***load of pain and get a surgeon who, after seeing the test results, told me that any support she can give me in terms of pain relief is there for the asking as long as it's safe. Fortunately Henry Ford also has a major chronic pain center and she's drawing on their resources.

Dr. Mordrid

[Byock]

Dang! Sorry to hear that Doc! Hopefully this ends soon...