Posted by Larry Hoover on July 2, 2007, at 17:17:38
In reply to ulnar nerve transposition » Larry Hoover, posted by dbownds on June 30, 2007, at 12:26:01
> I'm not sure how this works, but I'll give it a try. I had this surgery May 31, after numbness in pinkie finger, pinkie side of ring finger and side of hand since Feb 13th. Just returned to work this last week. I'm still on pain meds and physical therapy. I have pain and numbness in wrist and the affected fingers ALL THE TIME! Can't find a comfortable position for arm, can't sleep, can't ride my motorcycle. I'm amazed at the person who posted previous message that returned to work in two days! had back surgery in February for facet cyst in lumber region - sailed through that so thought this would be a breeze. Not so. Has anyone had continuing problems? and what should i do?
One thing I would do is avoid aggravation of the nerve until you find it settling down. For some reason, the ulnar nerve is very often involved in the complex regional pain syndrome. My own triggers include vibration and cold temps....if I induce an increase in pain with these triggers, the pain endures. That's just my experience.
If your own nerve disturbance involves loss of nerve fibres, then the recovery may be prolonged. There's a threshold that separates injured nerve fibres (my own distinction, but by this I mean ones that can heal) from those that are damaged beyond recovery. Nerve fibres will regrow from above the site of compression (usually at the elbow), but those fibres regrow at a rate of about 1/2 inch (just over 1 cm) per month. It is thus possible that full recovery can take close on two years, give or take. Every case is different. My best advice is to protect that nerve, and try and be patient with it all.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:743519
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20070701/msgs/767223.html