Having carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand reminded me to curtail many of my daily activities and rest often. It was hard to do, but I managed. When my right hand began to be painful due to overuse of the rollerball, I returned to using ice and heat applications and a regular mouse, which helped a lot. My doctor suggested giving me a cortisone shot. I agreed, but I can tell you that my first cortisone shot hurt like crazy, because the doctor inserted the needle into the most painful area in order to guarantee the best results. After that shot my hand was incredibly sore.
A hot wax machine, a very popular treatment for hand and foot injuries, also helped. I melted wax inside a metal container, brought it to a precise temperature, then dipped my sore hand into the wax and held it there for a few seconds coating my hand in what looked like a paraffin glove. I ensured complete insulation with a second dip. Afterwards, I wrapped my treated hand in a towel, to trap the heat longer. During that time I relaxed and enjoyed the soothing warmth. Wax treatment -- along with pain-killers, anti-inflammatory tablets, and heat and ice therapy -- helped for the time being.
For three days I stayed away from my computer completely. On the fourth day my hand started feeling stronger. By two weeks, I could move my right thumb joint without pain. So, I resumed my writing.
Soon, my hand began to hurt in spite of all these corrective measures, so I returned to my doctor, who confirmed my suspicions and suggested joint fusion surgery as the best choice to totally eliminate my pain. He would fuse the thumb joint at an angle that would afford the best possible use of motor skills.
I actually looked forward to the surgery and to the relief that would come. Wearing a cast after surgery was very cumbersome at first, but I managed better as time passed. Each month I received a new cast. At the end of three months, my last cast was removed. I was quite surprised to see how weak and limp my hand had become. I returned to physical therapy to regain my strength and to enable the joint to reach the best range of motion.
Within six weeks I saw good results from the physical therapy. I slowly eased into my previous work habits, but I took extreme care of my right hand.
Three months later, strangely, I began having numbness in my index, middle, and ring finger of my right hand and on one side of my little finger. I thought that maybe the screws in my fused joint were being rejected. My doctor recognized right away that I had carpal tunnel syndrome. I could hardly believe it, but I was headed for surgery again. The carpal tunnel release was successful, and I recovered quickly.
Now, I am very conscious of any overuse of both my hands. If I do something that hurts either one, I will quit what I am doing right away. I definitely learned my lesson the hard way. With my story, I hope that you may be able to avoid such an experience. Healthy writing!
Note: Typical arthritis sufferers have consulted at least two or three doctors regarding their pain and disabilities. Conventional treatments usually include anti-inflammatory agents. When they fail, the patient then resorts to using prescription drugs. If this doesn't work, the need for pain relief becomes intense and often ends in surgery that could have been prevented with the correct knowledge about natural remedies. In The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Gary Null, PhD, he explains how to help relieve arthritis pain the natural way. Once the patient begins taking charge of his or her own health, there is much that can be done that not only that can relieve the pain but also can build up the bones, muscles, and tendons which can help prevent further injury. Drinking plenty of pure water helps flush out toxins from the body, and drinking fresh juices nourish the body. Eating fresh garlic and onions can curtail the inflammation; and taking special herbs also can prove useful.
I highly recommend The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for anyone who has arthritis or knows someone who suffers with it.
Judy Skapik is a freelance writer who lives in Claremont, CA, with her husband and pet dog, Zinna. She has been published in both small and large press.
First appeared in WritingNow.com - Blueberry Press Quick Notes
Newsletter, March 31, 2003.
Copyright © 2003-Present, Judy Skapik.
Copyright © 2003-Present, WritingNow.com.
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