So, it has been 3 years since I was suppose to have surgery on my left elbow. Dr. decided to wait. In June my pinky and part of my ring finger had continuous numbness. It use to come and go, but not now. Elbow started hurting extremely bad. Went to see my regular dr. and he sent me for the EMG, which came back negative. Ortho Dr. said it was Medial Epicondylitis and gave me a steroid injection. I thought I was going to throw up from the pain. That was about 7 weeks ago and went back today. Fingers are still numb, but not so much pain in the elbow. He said it is time for surgery and that he will place the nerve within the muscle. Also said that this will not help the Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) though. Funny thing is that it is my left arm and I am right handed, and I don't do any activities to cause this disorder. He said it is due to my being diabetic. So I asked him how long I will have to be off work. He said until I can tolerate the pain without paid medication. I am really hoping to take 4 to 5 days off if possible. I am a preschool teacher and am only in the classroom Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3:30. The rest of the day is office work. I would like to hear from others who have had this surgery and what their experiences were.
Thanks so much,
Amy

I'm sorry to hear that you've been in so much pain. EMGs are never fun, either. I have been sort of where you are. My pcp thought that it was tendinitis, epicondylitis, and cubital tunnel syndrome. I was in OT for about 4 months before I went to a surgeon. Surgeon said that because I am fat that is the problem with my arm and I needed to lose weight. I don't have diabetes or high blood pressure or any of those things. I do have pcos but it is manageable and fine. So I went to a different orthopedic surgeon and a month later I got the surgery. So it's good for a year or so until I go back for my senior year of college (I've never skipped any semesters) and my arm starts feeling like it did before surgery. Got surgery again, this time over winter break so I'm doing most of my recovery here at school. The second surgery was because the scar tissue from the first surgery was compressing my nerve. This time around they moved it into my muscle, so hopefully things will be good now.

I recommend going to an orthopedic surgeon. A nice one. And insist on the surgery.

steffie,

How long has it been since your last surgery? And how long were you down from it? I really want to go back to work as soon as possible. I have an important meeting on March 12th which is 4 days post op.

It's been about three weeks since my surgery. I am typing because I have an iPad on loan from the school, so i can type one handed. I went back to school the week after my surgery, though every now and then I have to skip because I am still very tired and in pain. I suggest rescheduling your meeting, NOT your surgery. You will be in a soft cast, immobile, for two weeks, and then you'll have a brace on which you'll have to wear most of the time. You really won't be able to do much with that arm or hand for about two months.

There is no changing the meeting, but it is only about an hour and a half to two hours. I will probably have my husband drive me up there instead of riding with coworkers that have to stay for more meetings. I will take it easy though. Thanks for the information.