Carpal Tunnel question:

As one of the 55 million Americans without health care, I've turned to the internet and semi-self diagnosed myself with the help of my mother (who is a Registered Nurse). It's determined that I have pretty acute carpal tunnel syndrome which will likely need a carpal release procedure in my wrist.

The problem is, I am uninsured, however, I work landscape, so it's not as though I make a ton of money, nor can afford the time off, however it's gotten to the point where something needs to be done. Does anyone else have a similar past experience who could guide me in the direction of how much out of pocket expense I would be dealing with in order to have this taken care of?

It's greatly appreciated, and I know that only a doctor should be sought for medical advice, however this is borderline medical advice.

Thanks, DU!

However, I had insurance. Surely, your mother knows the best doctors. Perhaps one of them would perfom the surgery pro bono. There is however other costs involved that would likely not be waived. First things first, you need to make an appt. and get diagnosed properly. Take this one step at a time. The doctor's office will have a business manager who will be able to guide you through some kind of payment schedule. Good luck :hug:

Massage and physical therapy or hand exercises help tremendously as does heat. Google the exercises and start immediately.

Here's one to start with http://www.carpaltunnelexercises.net/

edit for link

you need to steer clear of repetitive motion...might be hard to do in your career.

You really need to have this taken care of soon. I have lost most of the use of my dominant hand from repetitive stress injuries, and surgery will not fix it. Don't be brave - if you work for somebody, file a claim.

my aunt had a doctor who put her in bowling gloves. She wore the gloves for a number of years and never had the surgery. She wore the gloves all day and night long.

I did wear casts on my arms at night, for a few years, which kept the surgery at bay. The casts or bowling gloves keep your wrists straight for 8 or more hours, which helps the nerve calm down. The problem was I also have fibromyalgia and it could have been either fibro or carpal that was causing my pain. I didn't realize it at the time, so I had the surgery. Try the bowling gloves, they are more comfortable than the gloves you can get through the drug store. After you get home from work, put them on and then sleep with them on. Take muti B vitamins with your daily vits, to help repair the nerve damage.

The surgery is not fun. The pain was, let's just say, the doctor told me not to try to be a hero and skip a pain med, because the pain would be too intense.

zalinda