Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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bpcbrinks
bpcbrinks Member Posts: 31
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if any of you gals were diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel after you were diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My orthopedic dr said that is very common with breast cancer patients and we plan on doing the surgery to help my wrist. I was wondering if anyone had this surgery ( on the arm of the mastectomy) and if you had any problems with it.
Thanks!

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  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #2
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    In addition to other aching joints, the wrists take a beating when I am on the computer and are sometimes a problem. It was difficult to do a term paper this semester... wrists/hands were big problem, and then it was extremely painful to try to stand up. Was just thinking how many things were never mentioned to any of us prior to breast cancer treatment.
    Hugs,
    Denise
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #3
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    Do you have lymphedema in that arm? If your arm is swelling that may be causing the carpal tunnel syndrome, if so surgery won't help.
    Has doc considered the use of a splint at night, avoiding whatever is causing the problem (like repetitive motion, changing positioning of wrist when you type, dictating info if you write a lot, etc.)
    If due to swelling, seeing a massage or physical therapist may help as they can 'milk' the lymph nodes.
    I would be wary of any surgical procedures. Would want to use that as a last resort. After lymphadenectomy you aren't supposed to have blood drawn from that arm, IV's to that arm, blood pressure taken in that arm, use that arm repetitively (got me out of sweeping, mopping, vacuming, etc. LOL) so it stands to reason you wouldn't want surgery to that arm if you can avoid it.
    Food for thought...hope it helps. God bless!
    hummingbyrd
  • bpcbrinks
    bpcbrinks Member Posts: 31
    #4
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    hummingbyrd said:

    Do you have lymphedema in that arm? If your arm is swelling that may be causing the carpal tunnel syndrome, if so surgery won't help.
    Has doc considered the use of a splint at night, avoiding whatever is causing the problem (like repetitive motion, changing positioning of wrist when you type, dictating info if you write a lot, etc.)
    If due to swelling, seeing a massage or physical therapist may help as they can 'milk' the lymph nodes.
    I would be wary of any surgical procedures. Would want to use that as a last resort. After lymphadenectomy you aren't supposed to have blood drawn from that arm, IV's to that arm, blood pressure taken in that arm, use that arm repetitively (got me out of sweeping, mopping, vacuming, etc. LOL) so it stands to reason you wouldn't want surgery to that arm if you can avoid it.
    Food for thought...hope it helps. God bless!
    hummingbyrd

    Oh yeah, we have done everything -- stretching, splint, etc. I have not had (knock on wood) any lymphadema in that arm and according to the dr. this particular surgery has little to no swelling afterwards. Another dr. said ther could be some fluid build up inside the wrist putting pressure on the nerve that is affected (although my other "good" arm has it too).
    I feel as though everytime I turn around there is something else "broken" on my body. Don't they shoot horses for less than what we go through? LOL
    Thanks
    bpcbrinks
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #5
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    bpcbrinks said:

    Oh yeah, we have done everything -- stretching, splint, etc. I have not had (knock on wood) any lymphadema in that arm and according to the dr. this particular surgery has little to no swelling afterwards. Another dr. said ther could be some fluid build up inside the wrist putting pressure on the nerve that is affected (although my other "good" arm has it too).
    I feel as though everytime I turn around there is something else "broken" on my body. Don't they shoot horses for less than what we go through? LOL
    Thanks
    bpcbrinks

    Hey, know what you mean, my warranty ran out a long time ago! LOL
  • bullfrog13
    bullfrog13 Member Posts: 213
    #6
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    Dear BPC.
    I just had several test for carpal tunnel over the past 5 weeks or so. I had an MRI..that was sooo much FUN!! **trying to HOLD still and breath -not breath** and something called an EMG and an NVC.. basicly they insert needles into your arms and SHOCK the heck out of you-- *hands still shacking* OH JOY!! all of that to tell me WHAT I ALREADY KNEW! that I had carpal tunnel. I will probally do the surgery during spring break in March-- MAYBE unless I chicken out *bocckk bockk --cluck cluck*
    Good luck hon and God Bless
    Jerilynfrog13@yahoo.com
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #7
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    Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease...I am finding out I have a lot more things since BC. Carpal tunnel is one of them, but I just assumed it was because I'm on the computer so much..Had no idea it was related to bc and no one said so. Thanks for the insight. I feel like Robocop when I go to bed with the splints and all! LOL. Best of luck to you.
    Love, Jayne

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