I decided to post in the general board rather than focus on dx or treatment. I've searched under some of my relevant search terms but didn't see that much posted.

I was interested to see that many folks had bilateral issues, as that is mentioned much less in the literature!

My neuropathy is being watched over by my regular neurologist and rheumatologist; today makes 5 weeks from the onset of UNE on side one.

1. Anyone here with systemic illnesses that are either the cause of the ulnar neuropathy at elbow/cts or in the background, making compression/entrapment more likely? I clearly have focal slowing at elbow and classice UNE on left side, with decreased recruitment,absolutely calssic nerve study for cts -- but the picture is complicated by longer standing minor sensory neuropathy stocking-glove and on right side more generalized and focal slowing in ulnar and decreased amplitude throughout the nerve.
2. How about onset? One day nothing, next day I noticed tingling and some numbness, classical ulnar distribution. By 2 weeks later it was severe enough neurologist was worried about axonal injury and muscle denervation because of significant muscle weakness. By 5 weeks I have significant pain in both elbows, both wrists, tingling in original hand is spreading to other fingers and some transient and perhaps ongoing skin changes (pale, waxy). All this at the same time I am practicing good elbow hygiene!!!! and having pretty good office ergos (that I designed after a shoulder injury and have redesigned now). Doc is running labs on just about anything that can cause or add to peripheral neuropathy, eg diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic and ickier things.

3. Hard to know how to treat until lab tests back. Rheumatologist prescribed 12 weeks, 2X week, OT/PT, but earliest appt I can get for assessment is still more than a week away, first therapy appt a week after that. I'm already on morning and evening doses of meloxican (NSAID) and topirimate (anti-convulsant sometimes used for nerve pain, also to prevent migraines among other things).

4. Just coping: anyone with hints about things like washing hair, how to carry one's purse, computer, files etc with two bum elbows and wrist (using my briefcase on wheels still stretches the elbow and wrist I think)... and while I have some sense on how to make the computer ergonomic, how the heck to do you make a blackberry ergonomic??? I had to go to all day hearings last week and use my blackberry all day for work, and needed the communication for up to date strategy, and OUCH by the end of the day!

OK, this is way, way, way too long!!!!! Feel free to direct me to the right boards or to ask me to repost in shorter bits, but I wanted to give you an overview of my current mess.

Hi,

You have some really good questions. I'll share with you what happened to me - hope that it is of some help to you.

you asked...
1. Anyone here with systemic illnesses that are either the cause of the ulnar neuropathy at elbow/cts or in the background, making compression/entrapment more likely? I clearly have focal slowing at elbow and classice UNE on left side, with decreased recruitment,absolutely calssic nerve study for cts -- but the picture is complicated by longer standing minor sensory neuropathy stocking-glove and on right side more generalized and focal slowing in ulnar and decreased amplitude throughout the nerve.
I have no systematic illnesses for my CuTS. Mine is labeled as a repetitive use injury. I did have some test done, which ruled out diabetic, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin B 12 deficiency, thyroid problems. I do have numbness from time to time in my feet. I'm not sure why I have numbness in my feet, but I do have a lower disk problem which may be the reson for the feet to go.
How about onset? One day nothing, next day I noticed tingling and some numbness, classical ulnar distribution. By 2 weeks later it was severe enough neurologist was worried about axonal injury and muscle denervation because of significant muscle weakness. By 5 weeks I have significant pain in both elbows, both wrists, tingling in original hand is spreading to other fingers and some transient and perhaps ongoing skin changes (pale, waxy). All this at the same time I am practicing good elbow hygiene!!!! and having pretty good office ergos (that I designed after a shoulder injury and have redesigned now). Doc is running labs on just about anything that can cause or add to peripheral neuropathy, eg diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic and ickier things
My onset was very slow. It started as a mild ache that went away when I did not use the arm. Eventually the ache was worse more constant, added numbness, then muscle atrophy and weakness.
3. Hard to know how to treat until lab tests back. Rheumatologist prescribed 12 weeks, 2X week, OT/PT, but earliest appt I can get for assessment is still more than a week away, first therapy appt a week after that. I'm already on morning and evening doses of meloxican (NSAID) and topirimate (anti-convulsant sometimes used for nerve pain, also to prevent migraines among other things).

I know it is so hard to get medical appointments in a timely fashion! Hang in there. Are the medications that they prescribed you working?
4. Just coping: anyone with hints about things like washing hair, how to carry one's purse, computer, files etc with two bum elbows and wrist (using my briefcase on wheels still stretches the elbow and wrist I think)... and while I have some sense on how to make the computer ergonomic, how the heck to do you make a blackberry ergonomic??? I had to go to all day hearings last week and use my blackberry all day for work, and needed the communication for up to date strategy, and OUCH by the end of the day!

I cut my hair to a shorter length which helps a little with the hair washing. My purse is carried on my shoulder and has very little in it apart from the necessities. For my computer I use voice-activated software in combination with the mouse that is operated with my feet. This works great with the desktop computer, but not sure how to help your blackberry? Sorry.

OK, this is way, way, way too long!!!!! Feel free to direct me to the right boards or to ask me to repost in shorter bits, but I wanted to give you an overview of my current mess
I think you're on the right board. Please let us know what your lab test results are. I'm sorry I didn't see your post until today. I'm pretty new to this forum and I somehow got lost in the replies.

Take care,
Cindy