[Mojostone]

I recently developed a problem with my hands going numb. Mostly my right and sometimes my left hand. Sometimes it is just numb and stays numb and tingling for weeks, but most of the time. I can still use it. Sometimes it goes dead numb instantly. Which is a problem. Because I have a tendency to drop things. When this happens. I dropped my laptop computer last week. Luckily it was in a quality case and was not broken. I have dropped countless pens, pencils, tools, cups of coffee, beers, etc. I doubt if I will beat this problem before fishing season. I have a mental picture of being hooked up to a yellow-tail or albacore. Just about then my hand going dead numb and my favorite fishing rig goes over the side. I think throwing iron(along with my fishing rig) is completely out of the question for me. At least for the time being. Anybody ever have this problem? I mostly fish 1/2 to 1 1/2 day trips and do not target larger fish like yellow fin tuna.

This post edited by Mojostone 06/06/2008

 

[HD]

I had similar issues about 5 years ago when everyone was wearing post-surgery soft casts on their arms. I didn't want to be carved so i did a little research and found a solution. Adjust the height of your chair (at your PC) regularly. This prevents you from continuously focusing the stress on one area. I haven't had a problem since...uh, unless I forget to adjust my chair that is.

This post edited by HD 06/06/2008

 

[Alan_Cole]

Good advice, Bruce.

If you "recently developed a problem" then get to a doctor who understands that affliction and get on whatever treatment they are finding success with from their patients.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is something that the medical industry knows a LOT more about then when the first data entry folks started coming down with it and let it go so long without surgery it became necessary to have surgery to correct.

I know lots of folks who have now overcome it and corrected it without being cut over it.

 

[Hookee]

8)Please look at all of your options before going before the knife. I know more people who where less satisfied after surgery for this condition than before. This is only my opinion and there is no MD after my name. I have whacked rotater cuffs after 40 years of working overhead construction but I have opted for working on other muscles in the same area rather than surgery. It is a fact that I don't want to be unable to fish for a year at this point in my life to trade a little pain when winding down on a tuna.
Frest One

 

[Fishrich]

8)Please look at all of your options before going before the knife. I know more people who where less satisfied after surgery for this condition than before. This is only my opinion and there is no MD after my name. I have whacked rotater cuffs after 40 years of working overhead construction but I have opted for working on other muscles in the same area rather than surgery. It is a fact that I don't want to be unable to fish for a year at this point in my life to trade a little pain when winding down on a tuna.
Frest One

Oh Golly Eddie,

C`mon we all know you only catch ringcod..

 

[sactotuna]

Ok, I'm an ergonomics guy with a gov't agency (nuff said).
THIS IS SERIOUS!!!
GO SEE A DOCTOR TODAY!!
Get a referral to someone who is a hand specialist and deals with this all the time.
Maybe you don't need surgery, maybe you do. This is becoming a common procedure and is very successful, done by someone with lot's of practice.
It also may not be carpal, but something else!
Really . . . Seriously . . . go see a doctor NOW!

 

[jackpotJennings]

I recently developed a problem with my hands going numb. Mostly my right and sometimes my left hand. Sometimes it is just numb and stays numb and tingling for weeks, but most of the time. I can still use it. Sometimes it goes dead numb instantly. Which is a problem. Because I have a tendency to drop things. When this happens. I dropped my laptop computer last week. Luckily it was in a quality case and was not broken. I have dropped countless pens, pencils, tools, cups of coffee, beers, etc. I doubt if I will beat this problem before fishing season.

I have a mental picture of being hooked up to a yellow-tail or albacore. Just about then my hand going dead numb and my favorite fishing rig goes over the side. I think throwing iron(along with my fishing rig) is completely out of the question for me. At least for the time being.

Anybody ever have this problem? I mostly fish 1/2 to 1 1/2 day trips and do not target larger fish like yellow fin tuna.

Last year In La Paz...I noticed Jonathon Rolden was wearing a wrist brace and I approached him about it. Same thing...He spends alot of time on his laptop and even more time reeling in fish. Told me his wrist were killing him 24/7.

Address ergonomics firsthand. Use an elevate mousepad and keyboard pad.Check your posture and try to keep you hands elevated off the desk.I think your next step would be is to try a wrist/hand brace that keeps your wrist rigid. Try Motrin 800mg if it doesn't affect your stomach to much. Check online/Web MD about treatment and preventive measure. If that doesn't help...got your doc and request an upper extremity Electromylgram/Nerve conduction studies and if you have a positive test...then carpal tunnel release is a pretty basic procedure that shouldn't set you back more than a few weeks. The incision is pretty minor and the hand/wrist doesn't scar up. If your in California send me a PM and I can direct you to some great hand orthopedists if need so.

 

[SoCal]

I too do too much computer work and when I cast a lot (I like to do light line surf fishing with metal spoons) or go deep for reds (bottom rock fish) and reel in a lot, I get some of your symptoms.......I have added tennis racket wraps on my more narrow diameter rods. I find the enhanced diameters easier to hold for a long time......I recently did some surface iron on a local 3/4 day for barracuda with a 25 pound good quality spinner on an 8-ft Kencor (with a large diameter handle)...it was a blast!! So, GO TO THE MD DOCTOR...probably a neurologist or an orthopedic surgeon [but remember, to a hammer everything looks like a nail and surgeon's have great faith in surgery] ..... and maybe add a rubber wrap to your upper grips. Tight lines!!!

This post edited by SoCal 06/07/2008

 

[WJW]

I had it in my right wrist about eight years ago. I couldn't hold a cell phone for more than a minute before my hand went to sleep. I couldn't write more than a couple of sentences before it fell asleep. It created real problems since my line of work frequently requires a hell of a lot of free-hand note taking for hours at at a time.

I got the surgery and it worked great.

Bill

 

[HD]

I might add that two doctors wanted to chop my shoulder up when I injured my rotor cuff in '05. I think docs 1 & 2 looked at my PPO coverage and drooled. Doc #3 said he could cut me but preferred not to and suggested a graduated exercise program. After 11 mos I was back in shape and no scar. I have 100% mobility and it feels 90% (still a teeny tiny bit of discomfort after overhead work) so I am a big believer in getting 3rd opinions. If nonsurgical solutions are available then try em first...too many people have been cut, screwed, pinned and pieced back together surgically with less than stellar results.

 

[jackpotJennings]

If nonsurgical solutions are available then try em first...too many people have been cut, screwed, pinned and pieced back together surgically with less than stellar results.

So much truth in this. I've handled thousands of back injuries where post surgery, these guys are as messed up and in pain as pre surgery.

Remember that doctors only make about $125 for a consultation exam after insurance reviews and cuts the bill. They'll make $2-3k for carpal tunnel release (45 minute procedure) and another $2k for the outpatient facility fees (which 90% of the time they have a financial interest in). Doctors and Lawyer in my experience are some of the most unethical occupations out there despite societys perception that they are above the status quo. 90% of of these folks aren't in it for helping the cause...its about the almighty dollar.Unfortunate,yet true.

 

[HD]

I fished with a guy who investigates healthcare providers for a living and he told me that 100% of his caseload was foreign born doctors. Take that for what it's worth.

 

[WJW]

Wow, 90% of the lawyers and doctors you know are unethical! You might think about considering hanging out with some different people. How do you know these people are unethical, and if it's obvious, why haven't you been reporting them? What is it that you do for a living? My experience with unethical lawyers and doctors is pretty much the same as with gardners, accountants, and butchers. Bill

This post edited by WJW 06/07/2008

 

[jackpotJennings]

Wow, 90% of the lawyers and doctors you know are unethical!

You might think about considering hanging out with some different people. How do you know these people are unethical, and if it's obvious, why haven't you been reporting them?

What is it that you do for a living?

My experience with unethical lawyers and doctors is pretty much the same as with gardners, accountants, and butchers.

Bill

Workers Compensation. I was the SIU (special investigations unit) liaison for Farmers from 2001-2003 and I submitted over 150 cases to the District Attorneys office, Fraud Division in L.A. and Ventura county. I received back 149 letter indicating that my cases submitted warranted further investigation,yet due to a lack of resources and budget constraints they were unable to pursue anything further. I got tired of killing trees copying files and realized at some point just how futile my attempts were. SB899 legislation has helped end about 50% of the fraud that was going on, but applicant's attorneys and C.A.W. are now pursuing sleep disorder, psyche oriented type claims to bolster the monetary value of a claim.

Dont' think for a second that I'd hang out with those scuzzballs. I keep me personal private life seperate from business. I'm the guy trying to save the honest taxpayer and employer from having to pay out the @#$ for people that are looking for the easy way out.

I even have to watch my own attorneys from screwing me if they get the chance. Its not in their financial interest to resolve claims quickly or economically. How are they gonna bill me on a closed file. Think about it.

 

[jackpotJennings]

I fished with a guy who investigates healthcare providers for a living and he told me that 100% of his caseload was foreign born doctors. Take that for what it's worth.

Once again HD's statement is as accurate as Marine Sniper at 100 yards.Dead accurate.

 

[DZN2FISH]

I had the same problem. Except it was carpal tunnel and cubitle tunnel. Get rid of the arm rest on your chair if your a computer jockey, doc said it caused my cubitle tunnel syndrome. Did some physical therapy with minimal results. Went under the knife and the caucasian (J/K) doc did wonders. Went fishing in Puerto Vallarta after 2 months. I was very religious abut sticking to my after surgery physical therapy plan, that's what I attest my good recovery.

GET IT CHECKED OUT EARLY! Like some said their are other solutions before the knife. Get a really good physical therapist and give them a try. Unfortunately it was to late for me.

Good Luck!

 

[Brad_G]

Wow, 90% of the lawyers and doctors you know are unethical!

You might think about considering hanging out with some different people. How do you know these people are unethical, and if it's obvious, why haven't you been reporting them?

What is it that you do for a living?

My experience with unethical lawyers and doctors is pretty much the same as with gardners, accountants, and butchers.

Bill

Workers Compensation. I was the SIU (special investigations unit) liaison for Farmers from 2001-2003 and I submitted over 150 cases to the District Attorneys office, Fraud Division in L.A. and Ventura county. I received back 149 letter indicating that my cases submitted warranted further investigation,yet due to a lack of resources and budget constraints they were unable to pursue anything further. I got tired of killing trees copying files and realized at some point just how futile my attempts were. SB899 legislation has helped end about 50% of the fraud that was going on, but applicant's attorneys and C.A.W. are now pursuing sleep disorder, psyche oriented type claims to bolster the monetary value of a claim.

Dont' think for a second that I'd hang out with those scuzzballs. I keep me personal private life seperate from business. I'm the guy trying to save the honest taxpayer and employer from having to pay out the @#$ for people that are looking for the easy way out.

I even have to watch my own attorneys from screwing me if they get the chance. Its not in their financial interest to resolve claims quickly or economically. How are they gonna bill me on a closed file. Think about it.

JJ:

Its good that you and your colleagues are on the job, thank you.

If your job is to investigate fraud and the people you investigate have done something(s) that cause them to be considered to be shady which causes them to be id'd for investigation, wouldn't it stand to reason that most of them would indeed be unethical? Its hardly a complete cross-section of those professions or society.

 

[jackpotJennings]

Wow, 90% of the lawyers and doctors you know are unethical!

You might think about considering hanging out with some different people. How do you know these people are unethical, and if it's obvious, why haven't you been reporting them?

What is it that you do for a living?

My experience with unethical lawyers and doctors is pretty much the same as with gardners, accountants, and butchers.

Bill

Workers Compensation. I was the SIU (special investigations unit) liaison for Farmers from 2001-2003 and I submitted over 150 cases to the District Attorneys office, Fraud Division in L.A. and Ventura county. I received back 149 letter indicating that my cases submitted warranted further investigation,yet due to a lack of resources and budget constraints they were unable to pursue anything further. I got tired of killing trees copying files and realized at some point just how futile my attempts were. SB899 legislation has helped end about 50% of the fraud that was going on, but applicant's attorneys and C.A.W. are now pursuing sleep disorder, psyche oriented type claims to bolster the monetary value of a claim.

Dont' think for a second that I'd hang out with those scuzzballs. I keep me personal private life seperate from business. I'm the guy trying to save the honest taxpayer and employer from having to pay out the @#$ for people that are looking for the easy way out.

I even have to watch my own attorneys from screwing me if they get the chance. Its not in their financial interest to resolve claims quickly or economically. How are they gonna bill me on a closed file. Think about it.

JJ:

Its good that you and your colleagues are on the job, thank you.

If your job is to investigate fraud and the people you investigate have done something(s) that cause them to be considered to be shady which causes them to be id'd for investigation, wouldn't it stand to reason that most of them would indeed be unethical? Its hardly a complete cross-section of those professions or society.

Hello Brad:

Your right about that fact. I should of been more specific by stating that a fair majority of physicians who specifically treat and only treat/target Workers Compensation are less than ethical in thier profession. Their have been some indictments recently against Premier Medical Group and a local yokel named Jay Vogel,MD for insurance fraud and the DA office is getting more serious about pursing these people.The applicant attorneys who advertise on buses and late night commercials have kick back schemes going on with the doctors, as do doctors with other doctors/diagnostic facilitys, physical therapy facilities etc. After breakfast I'll give a typical scenario if anyone is interested in hearing my side of the story...and admittingly..it is my side of the story...So whatever it's worth ya know bro.

 

[WJW]

Saying that 90% of all lawyers and doctors are unethical is a hell of a lot different than the truth. The truth is apparently that, in your opinion, 90% of the doctors and lawyers who do exclusively workers comp and who have already been assigned to a special investigations insurance adjuster are unethical. As you know, in most companies the special investigations adjuster only sees the claim in the first place if there is something about it that already looks fraudulent. What percentage of all the claims handled by your company get assigned to special investigations? I'm guessing it's below five percent, but I'd like to know for sure. Your comments would be like me saying that ninety percent of all people use methamphetamine based upon the fact that ninety percent of my criminal law clients are users. ... ...or that ninety percent of the population is unethical, based upon the fact that ninety percent of the insurance adjusters I deal with are unethical. (Actually, to be fair, only about sixty percent of the insurance adjusters I deal with are unethical.) By "unethical" I mean insurance adjusters who knowingly and intentionally attempt to prevent a claimant from obtaining benefits that everyone (including the adjuster) knows the claimant is entitled to. That is an everyday occurance with many adjusters. Just like I'm sure it's an everyday occurrance for some lawyers to get benefits for their clients they know the client is not entitled to. If there was every a pot calling the kettle black, it's an insurance adjuster complaining about lawyers and doctors. You said it's a shame that the lawyers and doctors aren't it to "help the cause", but are only in it for the money. I disagree with your premise, but I'm curious about what percentage of insurance companies are in it "to help the cause" and are not in it for the money? You can give up on the alturistic "I'm just trying to help the little guy" b.s. Damn near anyne who has ever had a claim with any insurer knows exactly what the motivation of insurance company is. Bill

This post edited by WJW 06/08/2008

 

[walkerman]

It would be really odd to develop CTS on BOTH hands at the same time. I would look somewhere else..ie pinched nerve, etc.