Post Operation

Dear Dr Bland,

I duely had my operation on April 6th and all went well. However I am experiencing some numbness in the tips of all four fingers (not the thumb) still and my hand goes cold for no apparent reason. Might this be normal and am I expecting too much too soon.

First Injection has not worked

Following on from my previous message I forgot to mention that I discovered after the injection my INR was abnormally high at the time at 4.9 (normally 2.7-3.3) Could this have had any effect on the injection in terms of dispersion of the steroid instead of it reaching the part other injections cannot reach?

John Fay

Treatment update

Dear Dr Bland I am writing with an update to my treatment, further to my visit on the 29th April. Initially the wrist supports helped whilst I slept and eased the tingling sensation experienced in my thumb and first two fingers, but this relief wore off after a week. After this time the tingling sensation started to reocurr in my thumb and first two fingers, but not as frequent as previously prior to wearing the straps.

Trigger thumb

Hi Dr Bland, as you will be ware I had carpal tunnel surgery back in December last year, in my left hand, all was fine initially but I then started to get problems with my thumb. I am due to have surgery on my right hand in June this year, however, I have been today to my GP as the pain in my thumb has become unbearable and the thumb locks and becomes unusable for a while. I also gave my GP the form to sign following my last surgery. He thinks I have trigger thumb and muscle wastage as a result of the surgery and has told me I need you to review my hand prior to the next surgery date.

First Injection has not worked

Hi Doctor. You saw me on 22 April and you agreed to have an injection performed by Dr Warrilow. This was done on 29/4 but it appears to have had no effect. Should I ask Dr W to try again? I am nervous of having surgery on account of my high INR which would have to be reduced dangerously for an op.

Symptoms returning

Dear Dr. Bland,

I had my first steroid injection at the Memorial GP Practice in Sittingbourne on 7th December 2012 and a follow up appointment there on 17th January 2013 - the clinician said a report would be sent to you.

From then until around March/April I had no discomfort worth mentioning. Then I started experiencing occasional pain at the base of my thumb and also on moving my wrist. For the past week or so I have noticed the numbness returning in the index and middle fingers and also thumb, particularly first thing in the morning but also at various times during the day.

Pain In Hand and Wrists

Dear Dr Bland

Injection success

Just to let you know that the injection worked! Thank you so much.
Lorna

Change of Surgery Date

I have an appointment for carpal tunnel surgery booked on 1 June in Herne Bay. I need to change it. I have phoned the SIPC office and they have told me that there is an appointment available on 13 July, but they were unsure how to book it. Could you rearrange it for me please.

Nadia

Recurring symptoms

Hi,
Things did improve, but are now getting uncomfortable again.
I have now finished my job as a Postwoman as I now care full time for my in laws at home. So I am finding it harder to assist due to on and off numbness.
Any chance I could have another steroid injection?
Julie cronin