I first started noticing pain and numbness in my right hand three or four years ago. It was only occasional and not really bothersome. About two years ago I noticed it worsening and occasionally affecting my left hand too. I visited my GP who suspected I had carpal tunnel syndrome.
Due to some other symptoms I was having at the time he decided to run some tests to rule out other things that carpal tunnel could be a symptom of. The main things he tested for were under-active thyroid and rheumatoid arthritis. A couple of weeks later the results were back and both conditions were ruled out.
The next step was to have nerve conduction studies which were done at university hospital in Coventry. I spoke to a doctor on the same day who confirmed mild carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist and moderate in my right hand.
My GP decided the best first line of treatment was a steroid injection directly into the carpal tunnel. He asked if I would mind another doctor watching as he wanted to teach her how to do it. Consequently an appointment was booked with both doctors for a few days later.
The injection was a bit painful but not unbearable. The pain increased for a couple of days as the increased fluid level in the carpal tunnel increases the pressure on the median nerve. A few days after the injection the symptoms began to subside and the reduction in symptoms lasted for 5-6 months.
When the symptoms began to increase again my GP repeated the injection with similar effects, this time lasting a bit longer. A third injection in mid April 2014 gave only about 3-4 weeks of relief. My GP decided it was time for something a little more permanent and on May 16th I was given a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon.
The new NHS choose and book system is fantastic. Within 45 minutes of seeing my GP I had a consultant appointment booked for June 12th at the Horton NHS treatment centre in Banbury.
I arrived at the Horton and was pleasantly surprised by the feel of the hospital. The staff were all lovely. My consultant Mr Shafighian (shaf-EE-gee-an) was great. Very friendly, took lots of time to explain everything and check my hands thoroughly. It turns out I have significant muscle wasting on my right thumb. He recommended surgery on my right hand ASAP and to leave the decision about my left hand until a few weeks after my first surgery.
I decided to wait until after my teaching assistant contract ends on July 18th so am booked in for surgery on Wednesday 23rd July.
