In my case things were complicated when the neurologist I was seeing went wacky on me and changed my ncs studies saying everything was normal. As result it took me almost 3 extra months to bypass referral system with insurance to get the surgery.

I had a ncs from a different neurologist right after the 1st one went nuts on me and had one right at a yr post op and my arm is worse off than it was bit over 2.5 months before surgery.

At same time my hand had degenerated to point the atrophy was such that it looked like an emancipated elderly person and has not improved much on that part. I did have a return of strength after surgery and some sensation has returned but far from normal and I worked my arse off in physical therapy and after too since I have worked with my hands all my life.

For my left arm I have changed several aggravating habits like leaning on elbows etc also at night I normally sleep on my stomach or side with arm wrapped around a pillow so as to keep from bending it too much in sleep. I am also working on designing a splint that will allow some movement at night but restrict the extremes without putting pressure on elbow once I get a proto type I figure find a few people who want to try it out so I can fine tune it then get it marketed (some of that lemon aide out of lemons approach)

Hello FemArt, How long did it take too get your strength back after surgery on the hand that atrophied? Also, do you remember your amplitidue % versus the other arm in the NCS? You mentioned it was worse on your second NCS. One thing maybe is that you are no longer comparing apples to apples, I hear there are differences in the test depending upon who does it and with what equipment.

BTW, I too get a feeling of slight pain in the good arm elbow, as well as off and on slight tingling. I have a feeling i'm in the same boat of needing perhaps another surgery.

Ok, so I guess this is why I brought up this thread to begin with. My cuts was supposedly due to trauma BUT since this surgery I also have gotten classic symptoms in the other arm . Not always, just from time to time. I suspect I have some carpal going on in the right hand as well because my index and middle finger are also involved. It's a little scary this can happen. I have years ago done repetitive motion jobs but not for along time. I don't even want to admit it to myself or family as this arm has been the pits with the complications I've encountered. So, I don't get it. Could I be predisposed to this condition because of something genetic or a physical defect ? Why would this wait until now and then both happen simultaneously. I've kept this to myself, disbelieving it could happen but I'm beginning to believe I'm not just imagining this is happening. Since it was the left that was injured how come the right is acting up without reason. I have been having to do everything with my right hand but gee couldn't be that hard on it. If I bring it up to my Dr. I'll probably drive him to drink as I have been a thorn in his saddle. I'm a tough patient and things haven't been smooth or overly successful. Please God say it isn't so..........Jennifaux

The first return of strength was within 3 weeks. Prior to the surgery I could not swing a hammer to hang pictures with. Between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery I was able to do so. (when surgeon asked me if in had felt any return to strength I was excited about that and told him, needless to say he freaked out and forbade me to use hammers for at least 6 more weeks)( what a crimp on lifestyle for me)

Surgery was done Dec 27 of 07 I started Pt I think it was Feb or march and had regular progression of strength each 4 weeks till I had to quit pt due to carpal tunnel syndrome, I then had to put it off again 2 more times due surgeries on same arm for major rotator cuff tears . Right now I am still in pt for shoulder so do not know about any further recovery. Still numb though.

On the ncs, I am now going to one of the top rated neurologists in the area and gave him copies of the one taken October 18 07 including wave forms and of course he has the ones he ran Jan 09 and when I asked due to it seemed by his interpretation that things were worse he bluntly said yes things are worse than they were in October of 07.

wow.. whereabouts in east tn are you? i appreciate the surgeon offer but i tell ya.. mine is GREAT.. my right arm couldn't be more perfect now after sub musc transposition.. i go back on Wed to see him for my left.. **yays and boos at same time**

wanna check him out??? lol..

tocdocs.com/renfree.html

and he looks even better in person...

y'all have a great Monday..