Carpel tunnel tests today

[Venturous Randy]

After having more and more problems with my right arm and hand, I took a carpel tunnel test at the VA. The technician gave two different tests with the first one having the spark plug shock at various places up and down my forearm and wrist. I have never enjoyed grabbing hold of a spark plug wire with an engine running and this was just about the same.

The other test was having a needle stuck into six different muscles and I was checked with my arm at rest and under a pull. I did pretty good until the last one and it was with the needle being stuck into the palm of my hand in the pad at the base of my thumb and that hurt.

The technician did not give much feedback, but she was concerned about some apparent neuropathy due to 30+ years of being diabetic and I did appear to have some carpel tunnel issues. She also told me that there were problems found with my shoulder, but she could not discuss them with me.

So, I am sitting here waiting to see what the next step is.

RandyA

Edited February 9, 2013 by Venturous Randy

[Miles]

Randy, I would recommend that you look into, or be tested for...Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and...Lateral Epicondylitis.

 

Seriously ! I know of what I speak.

[Condor]

Never had the needles, but did get the shock test. I think those technicians are masochists by nature. I also think that if I hadn't put a stop to the test, and tell her that's enough, I'd still be getting zapped.... End result I had both carpals done about a year apart. No more numb hands while riding....

[Flyinfool]

Shocks don't seem to bother me much.

Maybe to much "learning" about electricity as a child growing up.

I thought the carpal tunnel tests were cool. I made the tech explain what was being done and why and what all of the numbers meant.

 

I was borderline needing something done was back 30 years ago. I have been treating it with OTC meds for 30 years and it has not gotten any worse. The meds will not make it any better but help to resist it getting any worse.

[bmxndad]

That shock test is no fun at all. It turned out that I needed my right arm ulnar nerve worked on in addition to carpal tunnel on both hands. That was 2007 and no problems since then.

Interesting sidenote, My Docs name was Dr "Hand".

[Guest scarylarry]

If you can get a 2nd opinion outside of VA.

 

I'm not a believer in them, here in Nashville...

[Barrycuda]

After having more and more problems with my right arm and hand, I took a carpel tunnel test at the VA. The technician gave two different tests with the first one having the spark plug shock at various places up and down my forearm and wrist. I have never enjoyed grabbing hold of a spark plug wire with an engine running and this was just about the same.

The other test was having a needle stuck into six different muscles and I was checked with my arm at rest and under a pull. I did pretty good until the last one and it was with the needle being stuck into the palm of my hand in the pad at the base of my thumb and that hurt.

The technician did not give much feedback, but she was concerned about some apparent neuropathy due to 30+ years of being diabetic and I did appear to have some carpel tunnel issues. She also told me that there were problems found with my shoulder, but she could not discuss them with me.

So, I am sitting here waiting to see what the next step is.

RandyA

 

Hi Randy...

If at all possible, try to get a second testing done outside the VA. Also, I would check with a therapist, neurological specialist or hand specialist, again outside the VA. As mentioned thoracic outlet syndrome should be ruled out as well as finding out what is going on with the shoulder.

[dingy]

That shock test is no fun at all. It turned out that I needed my right arm ulnar nerve worked on in addition to carpal tunnel on both hands. That was 2007 and no problems since then.

Interesting sidenote, My Docs name was Dr "Hand".

 

I had a kidney stone few years back, my urologist's name was Dr. Peck.

 

Gary