Carpal Tunnal / Cubital Tunnel Surgery?

Boomslang
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Forgive me as I am aware of a bunch of similar topics floating around here.

I'm up shit creak with no paddles....

I have an appointment with a Orthopedic Surgeon in the 26th. Both my hands and elbos are shot. I should have had the procedure done a while back but could not as I needed them hands to work.

I'm seeing a Professor Michael Solomons who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with a practice dedicated to the subspecialty of Hand, Wrist and Peripheral nerve surgery.

"Dr Solomons is an Orthopaedic Surgeon by training with a dedicated interest in Hand, Wrist and Peripheral Nerve Conditions. He is one of the very few Private Hand Surgeons in the country with a strong link to Academic Medicine. He is also a Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town.

Sports injuries, Work injuries and Degenerative conditions of the Hand and Wrist are very common and successful management of these is the difference between restoring quality of life and denying someone the return to work or play."

I'd like to go sooner but the best they can do is the 26th Nov. I'll go under the knife or whatever as soon as I can after my appointment.

I want to have both arms and elbos done at the same time to speed up recovery and rehab..already checking which mates here are the real bros...I'm gonna need someone to wipe me ol dot if both hands and elbos are done At the same time. (I'm going to insist that they do both)

I gotta get this wrapped up as I'm due to fly to the US for A1, so I'll be on lite duty there and catch a few SX races before heading down to Florida were the Compound is.

I'll only know aĺl the details regarding the Op preceedure and rehab etcetera once I've seen the Prof.

This Carpal Tunnel syndrome is affecting my hands, fingers, and wrist, the pain also extends to my elbows and up to my right shoulder. It could also be a condition called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Insane pain in my elbows and down to my hands which could be that the Ulnar nerves are irritated or damaged.

I'm hoping they can sort it aĺl out using a scope with no major surgery.

Damn, getting old really sucks...

Maybe someone on Vital has had similar and can provide me with some insight such as how the op was done...big cuts? Small holes using scopes? Recovery / rehab time frame?

My livelihood is on the line.

Appreciate any replies from those of you who have been through similar.
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Glen
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11/9/2021 3:11pm
i had both my elbows done in 2011, it was for cubital tunnel syndrome. From what I remember, if your pinky and ring finger go numb, it's cubital tunnel, if it's your index and middle finger, it's carpal tunnel. I tried to get both done at the same time, the doc wouldn't do it. Looking back, that was a good idea. I had them staggered by 3 months. The doc told me nerves heal like 1 millimeter a month, so it took at least 5 years for it to totally heal. But it was worth it.

I had to have the ulnar nerve re-located, but you may luck out and just have a lot of scar tissue in your elbow. Good luck, it's worth it!
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Boomslang
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11/9/2021 7:39pm
Glen wrote:
i had both my elbows done in 2011, it was for cubital tunnel syndrome. From what I remember, if your pinky and ring finger go numb...
i had both my elbows done in 2011, it was for cubital tunnel syndrome. From what I remember, if your pinky and ring finger go numb, it's cubital tunnel, if it's your index and middle finger, it's carpal tunnel. I tried to get both done at the same time, the doc wouldn't do it. Looking back, that was a good idea. I had them staggered by 3 months. The doc told me nerves heal like 1 millimeter a month, so it took at least 5 years for it to totally heal. But it was worth it.

I had to have the ulnar nerve re-located, but you may luck out and just have a lot of scar tissue in your elbow. Good luck, it's worth it!
Thanks Glen, Ill have answers once I've seen the Doc..read a lot of stuff on Google which has me stressed...Unsure
lumpy790
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11/9/2021 8:08pm
instead of surgery tried the steroid injection last week and so far its better.
SonofThor32
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11/10/2021 8:22am
Has anybody ever had any notable success to remedy this (especially the wrists/hands) with stretches or fitness/exercises?

I am getting back into racing after a 27 year hiatus, my mind and 90% of my body knows exactly how to ride/race at a competitive level, but my hands and wrists are saying "Naw, I'm good". I don't notice finger numbness so much, I don't think it is arm pump, but my hands and wrists seem to cramp awfully bad (almost unsafe) after 2 race pace laps, it sucks.

I went so far as to even try to DM Semics, but have not heard back from him. It would be awesome to find a non-surgery remedy to at least make it even a little better would be nice.

Good luck Boomslang, getting old definitely sucks.

The Shop

Boomslang
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11/10/2021 8:31am
Has anybody ever had any notable success to remedy this (especially the wrists/hands) with stretches or fitness/exercises? I am getting back into racing after a 27...
Has anybody ever had any notable success to remedy this (especially the wrists/hands) with stretches or fitness/exercises?

I am getting back into racing after a 27 year hiatus, my mind and 90% of my body knows exactly how to ride/race at a competitive level, but my hands and wrists are saying "Naw, I'm good". I don't notice finger numbness so much, I don't think it is arm pump, but my hands and wrists seem to cramp awfully bad (almost unsafe) after 2 race pace laps, it sucks.

I went so far as to even try to DM Semics, but have not heard back from him. It would be awesome to find a non-surgery remedy to at least make it even a little better would be nice.

Good luck Boomslang, getting old definitely sucks.
Ill show Professor Solomons your post when i see him in the 26th. He can only give good advise on the way forward for you. You must be a oldish bastard like me...i hit 51 a while ago.
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mxracer666
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11/10/2021 8:51am
You are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, post surgery, trying to do both arms at once! You will need someone to do everything (EVERYTHING!) for you for at least 2-3 weeks. I would do 1 arm, then the other a month or two later... That said, your recovery should be good and depending on how bad of shape you are in now, will determine how fast you reach complete recovery. You will feel like you have little grip-strength for some time (weeks to months), but in the end, absolutely well worth it. Good Luck!
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SonofThor32
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11/10/2021 9:08am
Has anybody ever had any notable success to remedy this (especially the wrists/hands) with stretches or fitness/exercises? I am getting back into racing after a 27...
Has anybody ever had any notable success to remedy this (especially the wrists/hands) with stretches or fitness/exercises?

I am getting back into racing after a 27 year hiatus, my mind and 90% of my body knows exactly how to ride/race at a competitive level, but my hands and wrists are saying "Naw, I'm good". I don't notice finger numbness so much, I don't think it is arm pump, but my hands and wrists seem to cramp awfully bad (almost unsafe) after 2 race pace laps, it sucks.

I went so far as to even try to DM Semics, but have not heard back from him. It would be awesome to find a non-surgery remedy to at least make it even a little better would be nice.

Good luck Boomslang, getting old definitely sucks.
Boomslang wrote:
Ill show Professor Solomons your post when i see him in the 26th. He can only give good advise on the way forward for you. You...
Ill show Professor Solomons your post when i see him in the 26th. He can only give good advise on the way forward for you. You must be a oldish bastard like me...i hit 51 a while ago.
Thanks Bud, that would be rad please. I am 48, so just a tad behind you. It just sucks when you are perfectly fit, but have an annoying issue keeping you from doing what you love, but have done all you can over the years to stay healthy, thin, and strong.

I don't mind admitting my weaknesses, and I will say I am petrified of doctors (I was paralyzed once, long story) so I don't visit the doctor unless something is really broke. So if you are asking why I am not asking my doctor, well that is why lol. I will say, how much fun I am losing to this problem has me not far from it. I don't have many more years where I still can ride at a kids pace, I want to enjoy them, not despair because my F'n hands don't want to work, I have been doing a lot more stretching, just trying to figure out if there is ideas to at least improve the issue before taking the leap you are taking.
Boomslang
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11/10/2021 9:17am
mxracer666 wrote:
You are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, post surgery, trying to do both arms at once! You will need someone to do everything...
You are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, post surgery, trying to do both arms at once! You will need someone to do everything (EVERYTHING!) for you for at least 2-3 weeks. I would do 1 arm, then the other a month or two later... That said, your recovery should be good and depending on how bad of shape you are in now, will determine how fast you reach complete recovery. You will feel like you have little grip-strength for some time (weeks to months), but in the end, absolutely well worth it. Good Luck!
Thanks mxracer, I'm in a dilemma here. Appointment with the Surgeon is on the 26th Nov. Then he will set a date for the Op.

My program has changed. I gotta be in Orlando by the 12th Jan, then pick up the Motorhome and drive it down to Mesa Motocross Park just north of Vero Beach FL.

Assuming I have one arm repaired, say by the end of the 1st week in Dec, that gives the arm roughly a month before I need to start my program at Mesa. I'm in between a rock and a hard spot.Unsure


mxracer666
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11/10/2021 9:31am
mxracer666 wrote:
You are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, post surgery, trying to do both arms at once! You will need someone to do everything...
You are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, post surgery, trying to do both arms at once! You will need someone to do everything (EVERYTHING!) for you for at least 2-3 weeks. I would do 1 arm, then the other a month or two later... That said, your recovery should be good and depending on how bad of shape you are in now, will determine how fast you reach complete recovery. You will feel like you have little grip-strength for some time (weeks to months), but in the end, absolutely well worth it. Good Luck!
Boomslang wrote:
Thanks mxracer, I'm in a dilemma here. Appointment with the Surgeon is on the 26th Nov. Then he will set a date for the Op. My...
Thanks mxracer, I'm in a dilemma here. Appointment with the Surgeon is on the 26th Nov. Then he will set a date for the Op.

My program has changed. I gotta be in Orlando by the 12th Jan, then pick up the Motorhome and drive it down to Mesa Motocross Park just north of Vero Beach FL.

Assuming I have one arm repaired, say by the end of the 1st week in Dec, that gives the arm roughly a month before I need to start my program at Mesa. I'm in between a rock and a hard spot.Unsure


You've got to take care of your body first! Carpal tunnel is a progressive condition and will only get worse. If it is bad enough, long enough, you can suffer permanent nerve damage. I know the feeling - thinking you HAVE to work, but the pain will have you becoming useless (if you're not there already). My advice would be to get the problem(s) fixed, recover, and get on with your life, relatively pain-free. I'm 57 now, but had carpal tunnel issues about 8 years ago now. It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain. Worst pain I've ever had to deal with, and I've had quite a few injuries over the years. And other people tend to look at you and say "what's the problem? you LOOK fine?" LOL!
Boomslang
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11/10/2021 9:50am Edited Date/Time 11/10/2021 9:59am
Quote you - It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain. Worst pain I've ever had to deal with, and I've had quite a few injuries over the years. 

I'm just about there. Arms are driving me crazy and also in pain at night and losing sleep from the discomfort. I've been sucking it up because, like most of us, we have bills to pay. South Africa pays shit and work is scarce.

I cannot pass up this opportunity in the US so i may need to opt for cortisone shots.

mxracer666
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11/10/2021 10:11am
Boomslang wrote:
Quote you - It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain...
Quote you - It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain. Worst pain I've ever had to deal with, and I've had quite a few injuries over the years. 

I'm just about there. Arms are driving me crazy and also in pain at night and losing sleep from the discomfort. I've been sucking it up because, like most of us, we have bills to pay. South Africa pays shit and work is scarce.

I cannot pass up this opportunity in the US so i may need to opt for cortisone shots.

The cortisone helps some people, buts others not so much. PM me if you'd like...
Boomslang
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11/10/2021 10:46am Edited Date/Time 11/10/2021 10:49am
Boomslang wrote:
Quote you - It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain...
Quote you - It got to the point where I could barely use either hand and practically had me in tears at night from the pain. Worst pain I've ever had to deal with, and I've had quite a few injuries over the years. 

I'm just about there. Arms are driving me crazy and also in pain at night and losing sleep from the discomfort. I've been sucking it up because, like most of us, we have bills to pay. South Africa pays shit and work is scarce.

I cannot pass up this opportunity in the US so i may need to opt for cortisone shots.

mxracer666 wrote:
The cortisone helps some people, buts others not so much. PM me if you'd like...
Thanks bud, the PM system on Vital needs a complete engine rebuild....

Not much I can do until I've seen the specialist. One can only hope that its not to bad but either way i gotta get this done asap to avoid (further) nerve damage.

If it's bad then I'll need to swop out my trip and work the outdoors instead. I have options and the bossman is a good dude. He is really trying to help me get my family and myself into the US.

Where are you located in the US? Man, i got a whole list of dudes I've yet to meet.

Edit - just seen that you are in San Diego. When I'm on the West Coast I'll be staying in Murrieta...up the drag from you.
tek14
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11/10/2021 10:58am
Had just second carpal tunnel done. First one was year ago and doctor didnt want to do both hands same time. I didnt want to do it during riding season so got my right hand done first and tried to ride even left wasnt done. Cortisone can help for some for sometime. I wouldnt personally do both at same time.
Boomslang
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11/10/2021 8:02pm
swatdoc wrote:
Hey bud did you happen to see my thread from a few months ago??? https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Carpal-Tunnel-and-Cubital-Tunnel-Syndromes,1393060?exclusive_forum_user=false&page=1 I flew to Florida - had both hands done, then flew...
Hey bud did you happen to see my thread from a few months ago???

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Carpal-Tunnel-and-Cubita…

I flew to Florida - had both hands done, then flew back in two weeks to have both elbows done. I don't think any Dr will do both hands and both elbows at the same time.

Let me know if you have any questions
Damn thanks for that. Your post answered all those questions which have been causing me anxiety these past few months.




swatdoc
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11/10/2021 8:14pm
You’re welcome. Any other questions feel free to hit me up. Glad to help
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Boomslang
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11/10/2021 8:39pm
Hey ML512 or Mav, maybe you can dump this post into SwatDocs CTS thread. Great info there.

We need to condense all these CTS and merge them into all into one thread.

SwatDoc has posted 1st Class information and from what I can see reading through it has already helped many here.

Thank you Gents.

Ps. All we need now is a specialist who can repair the PM system here. Whistling
Boomslang
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11/10/2021 8:40pm
swatdoc wrote:
You’re welcome. Any other questions feel free to hit me up. Glad to help
Aiy bud, cheers and Salute.
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