Hey Brenda,
My appointment is only a few days away! The weakness in my hand has gotten pregressively worse. I have almost no grip strength in my ring and pinky finger-and yesterday I dropped the gallon of milk right on my foot!
This morning when I woke up I couldnt straighten out my arm. But, I also didnt wear the splint last night because it was just too hot in my bedroom! Poor excuse, I know.
I will let you all know how my appointment goes. Thank you all for the wonderful support. I am so thankful I found this site.

*hugs right back*
Katie

This sounds like a classic work comp injury. Doctor's always want to wait and wait, when it's obvious you need surgery.
The longer you wait, the longer you heal.

Hey Katie,

I'm the new kid on the block, nice to meet you and to read the posts commenting on your post, I can see that there is lot of wisdom from those who have been there (where you are now) and have done that (likely where you will be soon).

I agree with the other contributors that it's time for action, rather than a conservative approach. The EMG's are not 100% accurate, the results are oftentimes as good as the skills of the Dr. giving them, and reading the results.

Since you have had a trauma to your elbow and are already experiencing weakness and find that you are dropping things (which will only get worse with time.)

Having a specialist that is great with detail is important to your success in surgery especially. If you are not making headway with your Ortho guy now you may want to ask around for a referral and get that second opinion. An ortho Doc specializing in hands and microsurgery, which is what I have had in the past will do you well. Don't be shy,ask the doctor all the questions you need to ask, go prepared and if he/she doesn't leave you with the feeling that you will be well taken care of, then head on to another specialist for a second opinion. I'm sure between all of us in here, each has has both good and bad experiences with our Ortho people.

Make sure you wear that brace every night and do keep us posted on the outcome of your next visit and news.

Blessings,

Roe

Hello CuTS friends,
I had my appt with the ortho surgeon this afternoon. I will be getting an MRI on my elbow as soon as worker's comp approves it. My ortho said to call him after the MRI to discuss the results, and depending on the results, we will decide what to do from there. This waiting is very aggravating, but I guess thats worker;s comp for ya My ortho also said he will be checking for signs of fluid around the nerve to see if that is resulting in the weakness and other symptoms and that if there is, he will most likely perform surgery. Soooo, once again, things are kind of up in the air. Ill be sure to keep you all posted about the MRI whenever that may be. Hope all is well with everyone!!

Katie

Hey Katie,

You must be a little frustrated at having to wait even longer to figure out what's going on. Hopefully workers comp will approve your MRI quickly so you can get it scheduled and over with.
Maybe if it shows obvious trauma to the ulnar nerve, they can approve surgery quickly and you'll get some relief.

Hang in there.

Chris