General Chat

I have had a problem in my left hand for about six months had a appointment at hospital today I found out I have a condition called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and could become serious if left untreated so I have to have an operation so I am feeling a bit low today.

Bless you
No wonder you are feeling down nobody likes the thought of an op
Hope you feel better soon and the doctors get you sorted out x :)

Thanks Polly dont like feeling sorry for myself but it was such a shock especially when she said the op will prob be Easter time.

hope you feel better soon the way i look at ops is you dont feel a thing, my daughters hands go navey blue in the cold, thought she had it but its something else cant think of the name lol xx

Ladylol. I guess your daughter may have Raynards (sp??) which my daughter has. You can buy battery operated gloves for them, it can be a very painful disease to have.
Love from Maisie x

Just so we know what you are up against, Crystalcat:

Good luck with the op.
Lizx

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. There is a bump of bone on the inner portion of the elbow (medial epicondyle) under which the ulnar nerve passes. This site is commonly called the “funny bone” (see Figure 1). At this site, the ulnar nerve lies directly next to the bone and is susceptible to pressure. When the pressure on the nerve becomes great enough to disturb the way the nerve works, then numbness, tingling, and pain may be felt in the elbow, forearm, hand, and/or fingers.

What causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow can develop in several ways. The nerve is positioned right next to the bone and has very little padding over it, so pressure on this can put pressure on the nerve. For example, if you lean your arm against a table on the inner part of the elbow, your arm may fall asleep and be painful from sustained pressure on the ulnar nerve. If this occurs repetitively, the numbness and pain may be more persistent. In some patients, the ulnar nerve at the elbow clicks back and forth over the bony bump (medial epicondyle) as the elbow is bent and straightened. If this occurs repetitively, the nerve may be significantly irritated.

Additionally, pressure on the ulnar nerve can occur from holding the elbow in a bent position for a long time, which stretches the nerve across the medial epicondyle. Such sustained bending of the elbow may tend to occur during sleep. Sometimes the connective tissue over the nerve becomes thicker, or there may be variations of the muscle structure over the nerve at the elbow that cause pressure on the nerve. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the pressure on the nerve is significant enough, and sustained enough, to disturb the way the ulnar nerve works.

Signs and symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms usually include pain, numbness, and/or tingling. The numbness or tingling most often occurs in the ring and little fingers. The symptoms are usually felt when there is pressure on the nerve, such as sitting with the elbow on an arm rest, or with repetitive elbow bending and straightening. Often symptoms will be felt when the elbow is held in a bent position for a period of time, such as when holding the phone, or while sleeping. Some patients may notice weakness while pinching, occasional clumsiness, and/or a tendency to drop things. In severe cases, sensation may be lost and the muscles in the hand may lose bulk and strength.

Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Your physician will assess the pattern and distribution of your symptoms, and examine for muscle weakness, irritability of the nerve to tapping and/or bending of the elbow, and changes in sensation. Other medical conditions may need to be evaluated such as thyroid disease or diabetes. A test called electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction study (NCS) may be done to confirm the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome and stage its severity. This test also checks for other possible nerve problems, such as a pinched nerve in the neck, which may cause similar symptoms.

Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms may sometimes be relieved without surgery, particularly if the EMG/NCS testing shows that the pressure on the nerve is minimal. Changing the patterns of elbow use may significantly reduce the pressure on the nerve. Avoiding putting your elbow on hard surfaces may help, or wearing an elbow pad over the ulnar nerve and “funny bone” may help. Keeping the elbow straight at night with a splint also may help. A session with a therapist to learn ways to avoid pressure on the nerve may be needed.

When symptoms are severe or do not improve, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Many surgeons will recommend shifting the nerve to the front of the elbow, which relieves pressure and tension on the nerve. The nerve may be placed under a layer of fat, under the muscle, or within the muscle. Some surgeons may recommend trimming the bony bump (medial epicondyle). Following surgery, the recovery will depend on the type of surgery that was performed. Restrictions on lifting and/or elbow movement may be recommended. Therapy may be necessary. The numbness and tingling may improve quickly or slowly, and it may take several months for the strength in the hand and wrist to improve. Cubital tunnel symptoms may not completely resolve after surgery, especially in severe cases.

Thanks Ladylol and Liz for your kind words and thanks for info Liz , very useful will keep you updated xx

Been to Northampton hospital to be tested to see how much damage there is this involved giving me small shocks to the hands and arms to see how my body reacted but will have to wait 2-3 weeks to hear back but the good news is I will go to my local hosital in Milton Keynes next time.

Let's hope the hospital can help you without you needing surgery.

Lizx

GOOD LUCK CYSTALCAT XXX

Thank you Liz and Joy sorry taken so long to post this but only just seen it xx

An update as promised, been back to the hospital today , and the result of electric shock treatment came back and news not good my hand is seriously damaged and needs urgent operation but also they have found a problem in my neck, and although not causing me a problem it still needs attention but the operation for that is very serious and could end up in mortalatity which scared me but she recomends that I have the hand operation first and see what the outcome is.

Crstalcat ...Ouch I have had Carpel tunnel syndrome and luckly got away with a splint, which I still sometimes have to wear.

sending you ((((((hugs)))))))) and the hope it can be sorted soon.

Hi Crystalcat... Don't think we have spoken before.

They say "Acsuent (Spelling?) the positive, Eliminate the Negative & don't mess with mister inbetween So Thought I would share with you the following. Hope it helps.
2 years ago I was in a similar situation regarding operation, although not for the same thing. Was told there was a 2% mortality rate.... It is that 2% that jumped out at me NOT the 98% survival rate ... if I didn't have the op was given roughly 6months to live. so had to go for it. with heavy heart & a lot of hiding behind the sofa in denial got to the dreaded date...... Shook like a leaf in a hurricane & came out the other side smiling....... Moral of the story... Concentrate on the positive 98% & you will be okay

Good Luck. Regards Margaret

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.Thought you had made a mistake when I first read it as I had carpal tunnel syndrome . I had that in both hands and had them operated on at the same time.. Hubby had a great time looking after me ie baths and toilet duties...

I did have problems with my neck (still do) and my elbow. I bashed my elbow on a door frame while vaccuming. Had lots of physio and slept with my arm on a pillow, the advice was ,no housework! so still don't do any!!! It had reached the point I could barely do anything with my arm but it's pretty much okay now. Well I can use the computer. lol
Hope everything goes well for you Crystalcat, go along with what they say they are usually right.. ops today are so much quicker and easier than years ago too.We are so lucky to be born now and not 100 years ago..
best wishes
Tricia LWD xx

Margaret I've just written accentuate 3 times cos I couldn't spell it either. hope it's right now. LOL

Just adding a ~~~~~~~~~~ to Uzzi xxxx

Thank you Uzzi Margaret &Patricia for your kind words andpositive thoughts xx

I have finally got a date for my op (GULP!) been waiting a while and now its finally here feel very nervous, bit like having a first baby lol .

I'm sure it will all go well for you, any surgery is a bit worrying but we will all be thinking about you !

when is your op for ?

Hi Uzzi thank you ! op date is 17th June

will definately remember that and be thinking of you.

As horrid as it is to us, to the surgeons it's just routine.