Re: It's not CTS -- it's something else!!

In Reply to: It's not CTS -- it's something else!! posted by Ellen on December 20, 2003 at 16:06:30:

: Well, after an app't with a hand surgeon, 4 neurologists, 4 negative EMGs, 2 prescriptions (Topamax and Celebrex), and after 8 months of typical CTS symptoms that have progressively worsened (to the point that I can't even wash dishes or put on pantyhose without my hands going completely numb), I finally was able to get my GP to send me for an MRI -- something that all the other doctors point-blank refused to do.

: Results of the MRI: I don't have CTS. What I *do* have is a tears in the TFCC, the cartilage in the wrist. TFCC usually gets damaged by an injury or accident, but can also degenerate, and the symptoms are often similar to CTS.

: And guess what? Only an MRI would pick that up.

: It requires surgery to fix. And my doctor believes that since my symptoms have progressed so much in the past 8 months to such an extent, so have the tears.

: Son of a [expletive]... all those doctors refusing my request for an MRI to find out what was *really* going on could've find out months ago.

: What *really* burns me up is that I complained of bones sticking out of my wrist. That's a typical symptom of TFCC tear. Yet when I pointed that out to them, they pooh-poohed it.

: The sad thing is -- there are no message boards out there for those with TFCC tears. None. I've been looking for the past few days. There's no one to talk to about their experiences. The references I've found are few and far between. (I'm telling you, that's really a bummer!)

: My doctor says that not all surgeons even do the procedure -- not at all common like CTS.

: So, folks -- I've enjoyed reading this board. And I also wanted to mention this to anyone who believes they have have CTS because of their symptoms, but the doctors say they don't. Ask for an MRI. Demand it. You never know...

Ellen I think it might help others on this board if you would list your symptoms again for us.. Maybe there are others on this board that believe they have CTS when they don't actually have it.. Maybe others have TFCC without their doctors knowing it by having the MRI's done.. Personally I've never had an MRI, but have been diagnosed as having CTS.. Very interesting.
Debbie