Freaking Out!Cubital tunnel syndrome?

[dresden33]

Hey everyone, I am a veteran twitcher, 10 years now, had the whole gammit done, 4 emg;s, mri's yada, yada, yada.

Just in the last month I was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar neuropathy) in both hands from elbow down. However I am wicked freaked out because as a veteran twitcher I am ofcourse thinking the worst here.
I am not sure if anyone knows about cubital tunnel syndrome, it is like carpal tunnel syndrome but with the ulnar nerve.

my symptoms started as follows:
1) inflamed, red, swollen hands
2) numbness and tingling in the 4th and 5th digits (mainly at night)
3) Pain or achiness in elbows
4) clumsiness or weird feelings when doing small tasks like picking up pencil, etc.

Some days are better than others, but mostly it sucks! It has been about 1 month now of having these symptoms. I have seen a physiatrist(rehab. specialist) he is an MD. and I seen an ALS specialist. Both evaluated me in the clinical setting and agriad it was an ulnar neuropathy.

Prior to this I was curling weights (30 lbs) each hand, 30 times two to three times per day. Painting my new babies room, moving a lot of heavy things, raking the yard, etc. However I am freaked out that this is early onset you know what. They mentioned that ALS does not typically present like this, it usually starts with profound weakness/atrophy tripping, falling, limb giving out, etc. Although I can not shake the fear.

Need advice! Thanks guys.:mad:

[CrabbyAppleton52]

Dear Dresden33,

I am middle aged (50-something) and am a poster girl for repetitive stress injuries. I had ulnar nerve revisement procedures done on both elbows six years ago.

I STRONGLY suggest you find a hand and upper body surgeon or at the very least, a highly rated orthopedic surgeon. I was fortunate enough to work with the same man for all five (yes, five) surgeries, including carpal tunnel releases and repair of a rotator cuff.

I actually wish I had done my left arms years ago. I have VERY MINOR damage to my left ulnar nerve because I waited so long.

Now, here is what to expect. Your ulnar nerve is the "crazy bone" in your elbow. That's the nerve's route to your lower arm and hands. What is done involves moving the nerve out of that groove in your elbow and placing it along side your elbow on the forearm side.

I know you're scared; I was, too. Mine were outpatient procedures. You'll be injected with a nerve block that will completely numb your arm and shoulder for a few hours. You will also be sedated....enjoy it. You won't feel a thing.

Recovery takes a bit of time. The worst of it was maybe a month or so. You'll wear a sling for a week, ten days...somewhere in there. You will not have to wear a cast. You'll be given a painkiller, which you will probably need for a week or two. After that, Motrin will probably be enough.

I found I really didn't need physical therapy. You'll very quickly get strength and coordination back, at least, I did. The procedure was 100% successful on my right arm, about 90% successful on my left one -- only because if I "scratch" my fingertips on my ring and pinkie fingers, there are funny tickling sensations that run down my palm. Since you can live a very happy life without doing this, it isn't a problem.

If you don't have the surgery (provided the EMG tests show you need it,) you will have permanent damage to both fingers. Eventually, you won't be able to use them. As daunting as this may seem, please have the surgery! I've never regretted having mine.

I wish you the best; I know you'll be fine.