Hello
I am scheduled for a nerve conduction test tomorrow and am aprehensive because I have heard some pretty scary things...the rhemo thinks there are problems in both wrists....he talked about sending me to a hand surgeon when we get the results if they are what he expects....I have some serious questions....I will be retiring in a year or so and dont think that I want carpel tunnel surgery...I am almost 59 and wonder if I should even consider this....
anyone have any ideas.
Hi,
I have had numerous nerve conduction tests. They are often done at the same time as an emg. IN fact I forget which is which. I think the emg part involves sudden electric shock like pulses that will make your muscles jump a bit. This is really not unpleasant, just startling if you don't know what to expect. The technician always tells me when she is going to do it so it doesn't surprise me.
The nerve conduction test requires inserting a needle into the muscle. It does hurt, but not terribly and is done quickly. I have heard people complain about these tests too, but I think a lot of it comes from that they don't know what to expect. I've had them done at different places and the technicians are always very kind and work at making me comfortable.
These tests are worth doing so you can decide what to do about your wrists. If you are'nt sure you want the surgery go to a second hand surgeon to get an opinion. My mom had this done in her 40s and know the CTS has come back. The hand surgeon she saw the 2nd time told her that often it can be remedied without surgery. On the other hand you can do permanent damage to the nerve and lose feeling in the hand if you let it go too long without treating it somehow. I had the surgery and it worked well for me.
Sorry for the long post, good luck and let us know how it goes.
Laker
I've heard different opinions on the subject. Some people say it hurts; some say it's uncomfortable, some say it's no big deal. I often think it's worse when you get yourself all worked up. Try to relax and it should go a lot smoother.
What type of symptoms have you been having that your doctor suspects CTS. My doctor suspects this as well but it's still early for me. I've started wearing wrist splints recently at night because that's when the worst of my problems occur.
My Grandmother had this surgery years ago. And although her recovery was long and hard due to her age, she was pleased with the results and only regretted putting it off as long as she did. I have a friend at another site who had it and was also very pleased with the results.
IF you've only got a year until retirement could the surgery wait until then? There may be other things you could try until then. That way you wouldn't have to take an extended period off of work to recover.
Please report back after you've had the test and let us hear about your experience. This may be something I'll fact soon and I'm also curious.
Good Luck!
I've had the test done many times. Sometimes it's painful, other times just uncomfortable. It depends which area is being tested. Regardless, it's not something to be afraid of. It is over quickly and I'm sure you can handle it.
I was told that CT surgery is at best a 50% chance of the surgery working. If your test comes out that you have damage, I'd try anything before surgery; splints, exercises, etc. I know some people have successful results, but I know as many that haven't. I personally went the route of splints and avoiding repetative movements and it helped. I know that isn't the case for some people. Listen to your doctor, get a second opinion and do what you feel is right for you.
Good luck. Really, don't sweat the test, you'll be fine.
Where I live, the doctors do those two tests, not a technician, well, at least for me and my mom both.
I didn't have any pain with the tests at all. The doc tested my nerve that ran from my neck down to my hand. My mom, though, had her nerve that ran from her back to her foot tested and she said it was painful. The doctor told her the reason hers was so painful was probably because of the swelling.
I just recently was told to have an emg and nerve conduction test. The emg test involves needles and the nerve conduction test does not. The nerve conduction test does not hurt at all...just a slight shock but not painful...like someone above said, just startles you a bit.
I was told I needed surgery because of carpal tunnel problems(I have no pain with it, but I do have numb/tingly feeling in the fingers) but for now I have decided to wear my wrist splints all the time and then decide in about 6 months and see how things are then.
Good Luck!
Kelly
Hi Devsgramma and welcome.
I had carpal tunnel too. I was 57 yrs old when I had the surgery. Most carpal tunnel is consider workman's comp injury. If you haven't looked into this I would.
As far as the tests go. I've had both of the nerve and EMG done and had them performed by a tech and Doctor. (Had to have them done twice due to switching docs). When the tech did it, he was so good that I felt nothing and I thought that it was a piece of cake. However, when the doctor did them, it hurt afterwards from the placing of the needles into my neck. I guess it all depends on who does it. You may want to take a disp. ice pack with you to place on you if you get swelling afterwards. I wish that I had.
The carpal tunnel surgery was done after all else had failed. Shots and slpints didn't help and I was losing more feeling in my hand. Plus the pain was shooting up my forearm. The surgery was the best thing for me to have done. I have feeling now and no trouble. I just had to rearrange my desk area at home afterwards. Plus I had to do my PT too.
In the end, it will all depend on what you and your doctor feels is best for you. Good luck and I hope that soon you will be better.
Thanks everyone.
The test is tommorow morningHow did the test go??? the test was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be....no fun mind you but not that painful....the painful part will be waiting for the resu;ts Thanks everyone
I'm glad it was not too bad for you. It's true-I think it's harder to wait for results than to have tests done! I always get the results right then, I guess because the dr comes in right afterwards, so that is nice.
Laker