Anyone got / had Carpal Tunnel Sydrome?

[BridgetJonesPants]

I've had CTS for the past 8 years. I had the option of surgery years ago but as I wasn't in pain and only had some numbness during the night in one hand I decided I could live with it - and have without regret.....until 2 weeks ago.

It's really flared up and I'm now in almost constant pain in both hands, pins & needles etc. I seen my GP last week and have been referred to a consultant, but the waiting list is roughly 12 weeks .

Now I know in the great big scheme of things, it's no big deal as it's not life threating and it will eventually be sorted, but in the meantime it's really getting me down.

That said, I'm still able to carry on with my work (admin for 12 hrs p/w) and am still doing housework, albeit a bit slower than normal.

Does anyone have any suggetions (other than pain killers) to get me through the next 12 weeks or so?

[NanTheWiser]

Hi Bridget, have you tried wearing a wrist splint at night? I thought I had CTS, and had a nerve conduction test done recently, although by the time I had the test the symptoms had virtually cleared up. Saw the GP yesterday, who said all was normal and it wasn't CTS, but maybe inflamed ligaments. However, I did wear a splint for a couple of months when it was bad which definitely helped.
If you haven't tried a splint, I would suggest trying them to see if it helps relieve your symptoms.
Sorry you're having to wait so long! I waited about 4-5 weeks for the test, but referrals to consultants take so long, don't they?

[dementedmom]

I have CTS. With having a young child, I decided to put off having the operation. They gave me pain killers, I got referred to have wrists measured and splints fitted, and I have also had steroid injections into the wrists which helped a little bit.
Have you tried either of those options yet? Worth a try.

[TapirBackRider]

Yup I have this, thanks to my lovely not-working thyroid.

I have splints that I wear at night (and during the day if really painful) and I'm currently taking a long term course of Diclofenac 50mg to help keep the swelling down.

The injections help enormously too.

[ajandjjmum]

My aunt had an operation for CTS under a local anaesthetic, and recovered very quickly. It's really helped as she was suffering from bad night pain.