Hello, I am back from a surprised unscheduled leave of absence.  Yes, I was forced to take time off  the computer and rest my wrists and fingers.  They were getting numb due to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.  I have a tendency to get very relaxed when I start to write, however it seems it is not good for the old fingers and wrists.  They are much better now and I am very happy to be back.  To be sure  that I wouldn’t go on the computer I had no internet at all for the whole time I was off.  That was hard at first.  I never knew I was so addicted to this machine.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressively painful hand and arm condition which occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. A number of factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems and possibly patterns of hand use.  The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel – a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand – houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

I had a nerve test done on my hands and arms to diagnose the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.  This test is not fun.   They shock you at certain points along your fingers and arms.  I actually felt like I was being tortured because they would put an electric shock at a certain spot and turn it up stronger until they got a reaction.  Then they went to another spot and did the same thing.  This was done right up both arms.   She actually did my right arm 3 times and had an associate come in and look at it.  She told me I was not normal.  She was lucky I have an easy going disposition because after being shocked so many times I know of a few people who would not be in the best of moods afterwards.  It hurts!!

Fortunately, with proper treatment the pain and numbness is relieved and the wrists and hands are resorted back to normal.  (just don’t go back too soon or you will get a relapse)

Have a Great Day!!

Donna

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