hi,

i had trns location surgery on 11-9. dr said by 3 to 5 days i should be doing passive stretch with pt so elbow does not lock up.

well, my workmen's comp has not yet approved pt and i can not talk to or see dr until next week.

feeling a little abondaned over here - thought i'd ask you guys what type of pt did you do with a transportation under the fat (not muscle) and at what time frame did you start the exercises after surgery. It is day 6 of recovery for me.

thanks,
Cindy

cindy wrote:
hi,

feeling a little abondaned over here - thought i'd ask you guys what type of pt did you do with a transportation under the fat (not muscle) and at what time frame did you start the exercises after surgery. It is day 6 of recovery for me.

thanks,
Cindy

Howdy Cindy!!

In early 08 I had subcutaneous transposition (under fat). If memory serves, they had me start the PT around week 4 or 5. It started with the therapist messaging my arm, gentle stretches and EMS/TENS treatment. To this day, I still do EMS treatments at home.

As for "homework" after around the 3rd appointment, she would have me do gentle extensions of my elbow, and if it didn't hurt, with my arm extended out to the side, flexing of my wrist up and down "Ulnar glides" to continue stretching things out. Later into it I got some of those coated dumbbells (2,3 &5 lbs) as well as the exercise bands to help in toning and strengthening. Hope that helps. Oh, and she on occasion would have me do about 20 minutes under a heating pad. Take care. I hope W/C approval comes through soon - it should.

Brenda

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for the reply. Did you purchase an EMS/TENS machine for your home use? How does this help you?

Does your Lycra medicine help? I'm curious if you were ever prescribed naproxen and if so if this helped you at all.

Cindy

cindy wrote:
Hi Brenda,

Thanks for the reply. Did you purchase an EMS/TENS machine for your home use? How does this help you?

Does your Lycra medicine help? I'm curious if you were ever prescribed naproxen and if so if this helped you at all.

Cindy

Greetings Ms Cindy!!!

Yes I did purchase a dual TENS/EMS unit. I still use it today - especially with all the issues in my spine. I prefer the EMS modes due to my nerve pain vs. muscle. I also have a variety of electrode pads for various positions. I found a wonderful *.PDF file that shows a ton of locations to place the electrodes based on what nerve group is affected.

Many have big problems with Lyrica (and a much lower doses), but so far for me, 80% reduction in my nerve pain, and none of the side effects. Many complain of nausea, vision and memory issues - so far so good here - been on it just over a week. Love it!!! Narcotics and anti-inflammatory medication does nothing for me, as the pain is straight nerve related and not muscular or bone (narcs work good for muscle or bone pain).

Thanks to Neproxen, I have found I am severely allergic to it, and too apparently now most NSAIDs due to the active ingredients! My hands swelled so badly I couldn't put my wedding ring past my finger nail! Hives - oh God that was horrible! I was warned against using Motrin, Advil etc. I had the reaction on the 3rd dose. Oh, and aside from the reaction, it didn't help me at all. Nerve pain is sooo different than swelling, or muscle pain. Is it working for you? I hope so as not all react the same. Take care.

Brenda

Hello Brenda,

I'm glad to hear that the Lyrica medication is working well for you. I've heard of the use of Lyrica for people who have nerve pain due to diabetes.

I'm really glad you are part of this website. You are a very knowledgeable and caring person. I have so many questions for you (hope you don't mind)...

1) You mentioned that you have problems with your neck. Does any of your neck problems cause your cubicle tunnel pain? ex. C6/7 presses on which nerve root. C7? C8?

2) Do you see a different doctor for your neck and your arm? Orthopedic surgeon or Neurologist?

3) Did you need a prescription to purchase your EMS/TENS machine?

4) Do you have nerve pain in other areas apart from your CuTS zones? For example, do you have numb feet?

In your previous post you had asked if the naproxen worked for me. The answer is no, but I did not have an adverse swelling reaction like you did, good grief!, it just did not work. I was put on Vicodin after my surgery. The Vicodin lessened the surgery site pain. However, the Vicodin did not lessen the nerve pain I have in my un-operated arm. In the early days of my problem I was prescribed a Metrol pack which I believe is an immuno-suppressing steroid. It was like a medical miracle, my symptoms went away completely. The Metrol was a one time perscription. After that it was the Naproxen perscribed over and over again.

If you do well with the Lyrica will you be on the medication long term?

Cindy

cindy wrote:
[quote]Hello Brenda,

I'm glad to hear that the Lyrica medication is working well for you. I've heard of the use of Lyrica for people who have nerve pain due to diabetes.

Yes, I have heard that too. The beginnings of Lyrica's "history" as I understand it, is it is an "anti-seizure medication", and then they realized it would be great for those of us with nerve pain issues - darn, they were/are right! From what I understand of this drug, should my pain continue....this can be a long term drug. I know of folks on it for years. I lied by the way.. snicker/sniff, there is one side effect I am getting (like I NEED IT) a bit of weight gain. Narcotics do NOTHING for my nerve pain issues - they just make you fuzzy like being drunk - good for sleeping is all.


I'm really glad you are part of this website. You are a very knowledgeable and caring person. I have so many questions for you (hope you don't mind)...

NO!!! Know nothing, nothing!! Hehehe Thanks for your kind words, you have me blushing! No Ms. Cindy, I don't mind - if I can help "life is good"...


1) You mentioned that you have problems with your neck. Does any of your neck problems cause your cubicle tunnel pain? ex. C6/7 presses on which nerve root. C7? C8?

The short answer is no. My C5/6 and the C6/7 fusion, doesn't cover the Ulnar. Mine like many here was fubar'd in the elbow and hand(Guyon's Cannal) Regrettably, my C7/T1 disk space is now narrowing from the fusion above it and I have NOW (cry - sniff) lost my pinkie and ring fingers yet again!!! I have Osteophytes (bone spurs) forming in the posterior of my C7/T1 - ticks me off. My surgery (I feel) for my Cubital did WONDERFUL, and now in like an hour, zing, there it goes - all gone! I am back to fumble fingers and dropping things!!!! The C/7 nerve group effects the shoulder blade, triceps, upper forearm, and the Index and Middle fingers. The C7/T1 (yes C8 nerve root - see, you know your stuff too!!!!) does effect the elbow, and the pinkie and ring fingers.


2) Do you see a different doctor for your neck and your arm? Orthopedic surgeon or Neurologist?


Yes. I had a "Sports" Orthopedic Surgeon for my arm and hand. He is well known in our area, and very good at what he does. He gives NO guarantee's, but too he is realistic based on what he sees in the diagnostic tools (EMG, MRI etc.) For my neck issues my Neurosurgeon is the Chief of Neurosurgery at the hospital he works out of.


3) Did you need a prescription to purchase your EMS/TENS machine?

They say you do need a prescription, but I bought mine online without one. My physical therapist loves the site! A physical therapist can give you a script if needed say at Walgreen's. Mine cost around $120.00 and I use it for my arm (keep it happy) and extended neck relief.


4) Do you have nerve pain in other areas apart from your CuTS zones? For example, do you have numb feet?

Yes I do, but I have issues in my mid back (thoracic) and my my lower back (L3/4/5) that my Neurosurgeon will address once my neck settles down. I get pain through the butt, down to the knee, and to the big toe. Numbness occasionally in the middle to the "ring finger" toe, top and bottom. I personally think this is all a combination of a life "not nice" to my spine. 2 Jerks hit me (rear end and "T-bone), helicopter and airplane crash - yeah lucky me! <G>

Metrol packs are GREAT!! I had them several times before my spine issues started to cascade. Unfortunately, they can't keep you on them. I am thinking you are talking the "6,5,4,3,2,1" packs? Worked wonders!!!!

Cindy, I hope this helps you. I am more than willing to answer more questions if I can. Take care!!! *HUG*

Brenda