Hi Susan

In Reply to: Is it carpal or something else? Any ideas? posted by Susan L. on January 25, 2004 at 18:22:21:

Welcome. Your symptoms sound much like my condition began, which confused me at the time since I thought Carpal Tunnel was one of those things that came on over a long period of time, and that people pretty much knew they had it because their hands would be numb all the time. I was wrong, in my case anyway. My CTS came on very abruptly. My husband and I have run a small tie-dye business for some time. We do all the shirts by hand which means lots of twisting and wringing. Nuthin' happened until we bought our new home and, waiting for the contractors to finish, had to move a whole household into storage... then a couple weeks later had to move the whole household again into the new house. Naturally unpacking and settling in called for lots of pretty strenuous work with my hands, and I remember one thing that was hard was putting together the armoire I'm sitting at right now. I must've screwed in a hundred screws. Well surprise, surprise, over the next week I began waking up at night feeling like my hands were on fire.
I tried to wait it out thinking it would go away, but it didn't. It got worse.
I'm with the others here. In fact, an immediate trip to your physician to have the problem thoroughly checked out might be a very wise idea. I am one who has dealt with what was diagnosed as "bilateral, advanced, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome" with only natural methods instead of opting for surgery (which was immediately pushed).
That was three years ago. I am pretty well today. My life, at least how I take care of my hands, has changed somewhat, but I haven't had to make as many sacrifices as many others. BUT, I believe it is because I acted FAST once the diagnosis came. I believe it's really really worth the time and money to go get it checked out. Besides, y'just never know. It could be something much simpler and your fears could be put to rest once and for all.
Whether it is CTS or not, you may find a great many good suggestions for easing hand/wrist discomfort here. I hope you'll stick around for a bit and benefit. There are some TOTALLY COOL people here.
Peace, love, and healing light to you,
ChinaCat
: I've recently had bloodwork done and was told that everything (including sugar levels; my Dad had juvenile diabetes) was fine. Anyone have a clue?