Dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
I've been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, and my median nerve measures 28mm squared. I previously received a cortisone injection, but unfortunately, that did not alleviate my symptoms, so my general practitioner has referred me for surgery. He emphasized the need for an expedited appointment due to the challenges I'm facing with daily tasks. I was informed today that I have an orthopedic consultation scheduled for January 14th. While I recognize that it's the holiday period, my condition is deteriorating. I find it increasingly difficult to use items like spray bottles, and I struggle to grip objects with my middle to pinkie finger. Is there a possibility to hasten my appointment, or would it be wiser to seek help at the Emergency Department? My GP's office currently has no available slots until after the new year. For context, I'm a 27-year-old male, standing at 185 cm tall and weighing 82 kg. I’m taking Lyrica for the pain, and I don’t smoke. I've been encountering these issues for a couple of months, but the situation has become significantly worse very quickly.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 6:01:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant difficulties due to your carpal tunnel syndrome, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated with the wait for surgery. Here are the main points to consider:
-
Urgency of Symptoms: Your symptoms are worsening, and daily tasks are becoming increasingly challenging, which indicates a need to address this situation promptly.
-
Appointment Options: While I understand the holiday period limits appointments, there are some practical steps you can consider to potentially expedite your care.
Explanation:
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Your measurement of the median nerve size suggests significant nerve involvement, especially since previous treatments like cortisone injections haven't helped.
Waiting for surgery can be tough, especially when it interferes with your daily activities, which can also affect your quality of life.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Contact the Orthopedic Office: Call the office where your consultation is scheduled and explain your situation. Mention the rapid decline of your symptoms and see if they can offer an earlier appointment due to the urgency.
-
Ask About Cancellations: Inquire if they have a cancellation list you can join, where they might be able to fit you in sooner if someone cancels.
-
Consider the Emergency Department: If your symptoms worsen significantly (like severe pain, inability to use your hand, or new symptoms such as difficulty moving your fingers), you might consider visiting the Emergency Department. They can provide immediate pain relief and evaluate the need for more urgent intervention.
-
Use Supportive Gear: In the meantime, wear a wrist splint, particularly at night or during activities that aggravate your symptoms. This may help reduce pain and protect your wrist from positions that increase nerve pressure.
-
Self-Care Tips: Take frequent breaks during activities, modify tasks to limit strain on your hands, and apply cold packs to reduce swelling, if any.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps can help manage your symptoms while you wait for your consultation. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss or clarify!
Related Questions
Overwhelmed by Symptoms: A Personal Perspective
I am a 29-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing 160 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. Throughout this year, I've noticed a gradual decline in my overall health, coupled with high levels of persistent stress. I have received diagnoses of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and hypermobility. When I attempt to explain the multitude of symptoms I’m experiencing to my primary care physician, I often feel as if I might be perceived as exaggerating or seeking medication. I’m currently waiting for blood test results to provide further insight, so I can’t comment on that aspect yet. Currently, I am grappling with severe fatigue and weakness, generalized musculoskeletal discomfort, and coordination issues. My sensitivity to light is heightened, and I’ve lost my appetite. The pain in my feet has become increasingly troubling, accompanied by sensations of numbness, burning, weakness, discomfort, and nocturnal twitching. I also struggle with chronic headaches that arise from overstimulation, muscle tension, a sensation of heaviness in my head, and persistent pain at the nape of my neck that I've endured for over a decade. My joints seem looser and weaker than usual, my skin is itchier and feels unusually elastic. I've encountered challenges with speaking and swallowing, and I have been unconsciously grinding and clenching my teeth, which aggravates my headaches and overall pain. The constant tension from both pain and anxiety is a vicious cycle that feeds into one another. I've noticed that I bruise easily and my healing process is slower than it should be. All I yearn for is a good night's sleep, but I’m plagued by nightmares and restless dreams. The pain causes me to toss and turn, preventing me from achieving any restorative rest. I’m currently on several psychiatric medications aimed at managing my anxiety and pain, and I’ve been taking maximum doses of Tylenol and Advil almost daily for years now. Previously, I was quite active, but my symptoms have rendered me unable to work for the past few months. I feel as though my vision is deteriorating, and I find basic tasks such as bathing, eating, and walking increasingly difficult. Upon standing, I frequently experience dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and a sensation similar to blood rushing through my head, making it feel as though I might faint, although I haven’t actually lost consciousness. Often, this feeling only occurs after I’ve taken a few steps. Consequently, I have to rise slowly, sometimes bending over or keeping my eyes closed, while I brace myself and concentrate on my footing. This situation seems increasingly nonsensical to me as I’m fatigued and desperately need to rest. In addition to the above, I’ve been experiencing intense feelings of depression and paranoia. Walking has become a painful ordeal, and I sweat profusely at night. I struggle to organize my thoughts and articulate them, and I am besieged by significant forgetfulness and mental fog, feeling detached from my sense of self. There is inflammation in my neck, resembling that sickening feeling when one’s tonsils swell, yet I do not have a fever or extreme sore throat. My auditory perception feels inconsistent. Moreover, I’m wrestling with gastrointestinal issues, including sensitivity likely related to my fast eating habits, and frequent gas. I believe I’ve lost some muscle mass, although my weight has remained unchanged on the scale. Dark circles under my eyes have become prominent, my skin's condition has deteriorated, and my pain threshold seems to have decreased, causing a more intense reaction to pain. Although I usually have a high tolerance for pain due to my chronic condition, even a slight pinch now feels more profound and draining. I often rely on a cane for support and wear glasses indoors to mitigate light sensitivity, actively avoiding my usual activity levels due to the physical agony and distress that even simple movements now provoke, which has also led to insomnia and intermittent fatigue during the day.
26-Year-Old Female with Unhealed Insect Bite
Age: 26 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 8 inches Weight: 151 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: One Week Affected Area: Back of Upper Thigh Relevant Medical History: None Current Medication: 30mg Vyvanse I initially thought that I might have been bitten by a spider, but I’m beginning to have doubts. About a week ago, I discovered two raised, whitish blisters on the back of my upper thigh; they were painful to the touch and had a slight burning sensation. The following day, a scab formed, and its appearance was nearly identical to what it looks like now, although the scab was elevated at that time. On the day after, the elevation of the scab had diminished. It still retains a mild burning feeling, which is bothersome but tolerable. I just want this to heal completely and disappear entirely. Given the number of spiders in my area, it wouldn’t be surprising if I inadvertently rolled onto one and got bitten, but I’m also anxious that it might be something other than an insect bite. Thank you in advance for your input!
Escalating Concerns Over Infection and Treatment Challenges
On November 29th, I, a 29-year-old female, underwent drainage of an abscess located on my shin due to an infection at an Urgent Care facility. Unfortunately, the wound has not shown improvement; rather, the infection has returned. Initially, the abscess was about the size of a quarter, but it has since expanded to around 4-5 inches in diameter, accompanied by notable swelling and redness in the area. Throughout this ordeal, I have been prescribed multiple antibiotics: Cephalexin, Doxycycline, and currently, Amoxicillin. However, I have a strong suspicion that Amoxicillin will also prove ineffective in resolving the infection. I am currently awaiting approval for a referral to see a wound specialist or a general surgeon, who might consider reopening the wound for a better assessment. Thus far, my follow-ups have been limited to visits at Urgent Care, and just yesterday, I consulted with my primary care physician after noticing that the wound had bled through my gauze during the night. Additionally, I have rheumatoid arthritis and had been receiving Biologics treatment, but I paused that regimen on December 13th to enhance my immune function, a decision coordinated with my rheumatologist’s guidance. I'm wondering if there are further steps I should consider taking or if I need to elevate the urgency of my situation. The thought of managing an open wound and persistent infection for over two weeks feels overwhelming to me.
Loss During a Disagreement: Wrestling with Guilt
A 54-year-old man, standing 6’4” and weighing 200 pounds, tragically succumbed to a heart attack amid a disagreement. Now, the question looms over me, a 45-year-old woman: was this somehow my fault? The dispute stemmed from his spontaneous purchase of a new guitar, which he inexplicably didn't want me to see. I persistently asked to reveal it, wanting to share a song with him. It was during my third request that he suddenly collapsed to the ground. The argument itself seemed trivial at the time; we weren’t shouting, and I didn’t feel particularly upset. In that moment of shock, I was utterly bewildered. I attempted to administer his inhaler, thinking perhaps his asthma was acting up. As the realization set in that something far worse was happening, I dashed to find someone to call for emergency assistance. I started performing CPR, and a passerby took over until the paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts for over thirty minutes, his heart did not resume beating. Heart disease had plagued his family—his father passed away at the age of 45, and he himself was only 54. He had dealt with intermittent heart arrhythmias that I had noticed, prompting me to suggest he seek medical help. However, he had dismissed my concerns, assuring me that it was simply a pattern of quick and slow beats he had experienced intermittently throughout his life. He appeared unbothered after passing a stress test just months prior. Occasionally, our arguments turned into drawn-out exchanges. He often mentioned that it stressed him when I couldn't simply let things go. I recall previous disagreements regarding his eating habits and some misunderstandings about meeting times. Though these disputes caused tension, we consistently found ways to communicate effectively, and we were improving our ability to resolve issues quickly. We held a genuine love for one another, a love I profoundly miss. Now, I grapple with anger towards myself for not letting go of this insignificant disagreement in the moment.
Returning to THC After Experiencing Tachycardia: Is It Safe?
I’m a 16-year-old male, and I experienced a rapid heartbeat at approximately 3 AM on Sunday after consuming mushrooms and smoking cannabis. My heart rate soared to between 170 and 120 beats per minute, lasting for two hours or possibly longer. Medical professionals concluded that the episode was triggered by a combination of excessive caffeine, dehydration, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the cannabis use. Given that I’m currently engulfed in a particularly stressful week of final exams, I’m curious if it would be advisable to smoke weed again this weekend?