Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & steroid injections

[TapirBackRider]

I've had a definite diagnosis of carpal tunnel, and have an appointment to have steroid injections into both wrists. However, I am supposed to be working later the same day and I'm wondering if the injections will be painful, and if I will be able to work afterwards.

Has anyone else had these done, and how was it for you?

No, you'll be fine. I had them and they worked for about 6 months, now I'm awaiting a little op.

My Dad has just had the op on his right wrist after having his left one done last June. I honestly didn't realise how horrible it can be. He didn't have the injections.

Hope the injections make a difference for you Tapir.

I've had injections twice (10 years apart), they are very painful at the time but work pretty much immediately. I was told I was not allowed to drive myself home, I would put off work the same day but expect to be able to work the next day.

I didn't experience any pain, just a little stiffness. I'd warn work, but see how you feel after.

I am so hoping that they work - as I'm getting really fed up with not being able to do the simplest of things without either dropping it (iron on my foot), or having shooting pains/pins & needles through my hands.

I am in a manual job that requires heavy use of my hands...will that make any difference to my working afterwards? (sorry for the drip feed, forgot to put it in the OP)

Want to thank everyone who posted here - your advice pointed the way for me to go, so I've told my boss that I'm having the jabs done, and taken the day off work.

Tapir - I had a combination of carpal tunnel and De guervains tenosynovitis, Had the steroid injection (a little uncomfortable but over quickly and bearable) - for about two days the pain increased and was pretty intense - I was warned this would happen. After that it improved rapidly to the point of no pain - which has been so fantastic, because the pain was relentless. So wishing you well and hoping you get a speedy recovery and a big improvement

Oh - just properly read your name - love it (Beatles and Tapir fan )

Cheers Kurri - you're the first person to get it!

Had 3 hours sleep last night - the pain/burning feeling is pretty intense, and I'm looking forward to any and all improvement there.

Thanks for the metaphorical handholding

I developed Carpal tunnel after damaging the tendon in my left wrist in August last year. I had the steriod injection in October last year it was combined with local anaesthetic and that day was fine, the next day was awful really painful, then it was better no pain for 2 weeks, then the dull ache returned and bang on 4 weeks almost to the hour the true pain returned. The pain rapidly escalated so I was taking paraceutamol every 4 hours, wearing a splint 24 hours a day and barely able to do anything. I was warned that the steriod only helps 10% of patients long term.
On 28th Feb I had the surgery and it has been great the 'nerve' type pain was gone immediately yes I have surgical pain from having my hand cut, but is almost gone now. I have physio next week, my job requires lots of fine movements and I will be back to work on 20th March.

Hi
I had 2 steroid injections for carpal tunnel at the same time. They weren't at all painful slightly sore for the rest of the day. I ve got wrist splints to wear to my next appt in 6 weeks. At first my hands/ fingers were much better but now I can feel some of the tingling returning. However, I have a lot more use of my hands now before I couldn t put my earrings in, do up my baby's clothes's press studs. Upon review I may be referred for surgery dependent upon what my consultant thinks.
Good luck x

Thanks Lizcat and AngelGeorgie - it's good to hear other people's experiences.

I'm currently trying to source splints; my PCT is broke, and not allowed to prescrible them. Boots online does have them, but it appears that Amazon is better.

The surgery has been mentioned, but they want to try the injections first; the GP told me that they have a great success rate!

Personally, I'd just love to be able to write, chop veg & do my shoelaces up by myself again.

Lizcat it's really good that the surgery has worked so well for you

AngelGeorgie I hope things work out for you too