Carpal tunnel help

[RuthRoss]

Hi,
I seem to have developed carpal tunnel.... I've been in a lot of pain for two weeks now and I'm going to see the Dr on Friday. Because I'm so used to pain, I just thought it would eventually go, as everything else does eventually, but it isn't shifting at all and is incredibly painful whenever I try and DO things with my left hand..... I'm scared at the idea of having an operation - how long do they leave it before deciding if you need one? Does anyone have any suggestions of what might help it? I've tried hot and cold compresses and that helps but only while I'm using them!
Any advice gratefully received. am used to dealing with my arthritic pain and I know what works (very little!) but this is a new one to me.....

Ruth

[katie]

Ruth I have carpal tunnel. There is some pain involved, but mostly tingling, as if there's no blood flow. I was sent to a hand surgeon and he gave me wrist braces to use until I decided to have surgery. I wear them to bed all night, and sometimes while driving the car and that has mostly solved the problem (at least it's worked for 2 years). I've heard differing reports on the success of the surgery and I hope to avoid it. I can't keep doing the repetitive movements I used to do, so I don't play guitar hero. I also don't lift things with the weight on my wrist like I used to do (cooking pots, for example).
I wonder if you have tendonitis instead of carpal tunnel, will be interested to know what the doc tells you on Friday!