BS: deQuervain's tendonitis

Subject: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 11:21 PM

I've had deQuervain's tendonitis in my right hand for three weeks.
I've been to the doctor, using the splint most of the day and all night,
rubbing on a prescription cream to take down swelling.
Anyone have experience with this? It hurts the same now as
it did three weeks ago when it began.
If you've had it, how long did it take to heal... for the pain
to go away?

Thanks.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 11:39 PM

I have had it in the past, esp. the extreme pain upon gripping something, even pulling the covers up at night! I have always had good luck with the resting and mild meds, but the splint never seemed to help, in fact sometimes it seemed to hurt worse when I had it on. It did help if I had to do any lifting, etc. and computer work, but the ache was there no matter. I was usually better off without the splint if at all possible.

I am now convinced that icing really helps more than I used to believe as it does bring down the tender swelling. Acupuncture also helped as did using this topical treatment which I cannot recommend highly enough.

There seems to be some good info at this site.

Take care,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 11:42 PM

How long did it take to heal, kat?

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 11:48 PM

Oh, jeepers, Alice, I can't really remember. It has been a chronic off and on thing with me for so long. I don't notice it as much any more unless I do something stupid, i.e. too much repetitive motion, too much lifting of heavy weights, reaching out unexpectedly to catch something, etc., and then it flares up. Sorry, wish I could say definitively.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 12:05 AM

Have you tried curry or something with tumeric? Supposedly great for inflammatory problems. mg

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 07:05 AM

Do you eat it or smear it on?


:-)

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 02:16 PM

I'm right handed, and it is in my right hand.
It is hard to write, type, do anything with that hand.
I'm sorry to hear this has not completely gone away for you, kat.
Trying to earn a living and not able to really function with this.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 05:02 PM

Alice, so sorry you are having such trouble. I don't notice it most of the time...only when I do something unusual, etc., so it really doesn't bother me much. When it does flare up IF I am diligent about Resting it, Icing it, and NOT using it, it doesn't take long, that I can recall, to get it settled down. I know it can be difficult whilst earning a living, but I have found if I don't do those things, it gets a lot worse before it gets better and takes longer to do so. Did it happen on the job or because of it? Can you get workman's comp.?

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 05:16 PM

It happened because my right arm was already compromised by the fall on the shoulder in Dec. I
went for some deep massage to make it feel better, and in the massage, the tendon in the forearm/wrist got
compressed. So... anyway, like the shoulder, I can't rest the hand as much as I should so
it feels as painful as it did three weeks ago when the massage triggered de Quervain.
I read the Mayo Clinic info and just need to keep the brace on as much as possible, I guess,
but I can't get around having to write with my right hand. I moved the computer mouse to
the left side, but can't write with my left hand. I am talking to a lawyer about injury claim
for the negligence of the hotel where I fell. That doesn't get my sales done each week
in order to keep from losing my job! I have to continue working.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 05:19 PM

http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw008.htm

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 05:48 PM

Same link already posted.

I hope the lawyer can help some, Alice. Would it be practical and is there anyone to whom you could dictate? Or, do you have something like Dragon Naturally Speaking for dictating to the computer? Would that help?

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 05:52 PM

Pardon me.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 06:01 PM

i thought of a speech recognition program
my computer is too old
i've switched to pecking with the left hand for mudcat

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 06:02 PM

Have you had any cortisone injections to the wrist?

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 06:07 PM

steroids have not been good for me in the past
I think I'll stay away from the cortisone. Kat,
the brace and resting it is probably what I need to focus on
and being patient. Thanks for your feedback on what
you experienced.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 06:16 PM

I hear you. I had a shot into the hip. It worked for about ten days. Then it was same old same. Best wished to you, Alice. BFN.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 10:14 PM

That sounds good, Alice, as those are the best, non-invasive things you can do. I didn't like the cortisone the one time i had it in my shoulder. Just made it worse later on. Good luck to you.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 10:32 PM

Hi Alice
I'm an Osteopath so de Quervain's disease is part of my normal work-load, although I have not seen many cases.
Reference to my books states that the problem is usually inflammation of the tendon sheaths of the Extensor Pollicis Brevis and Flexor Pollicis Longus muscles cross at the base of the thumb, in the soft bit of the wrist between the thumb and end of the radius bone.
The inflammation is usually caused not by a single injury but by repetetive actions, such as digging the garden with a spade or fork ~(common at this time of year), using a hammer, or more frequently poor posture while using a keyboard.
As you state that you would rather avoid hydrocortisone injections (I don't blame you) why not try ARNICA, a homoeopathic remedy in tablet form. Arnica is an anti-inflamatory and can be taken with any prescribed medication you may be taking. There is no interaction with prescription medicines. Arnica can usually be obtained from your local chemist or drugstore.
Application of ice-packs will also help, but be sure to wrap the pack in a cloth to pevent "freezer burn" on your wrist.
Also a splint can help, but it needs to be what is known as a "Cock-up" splint. It needs to hold the wrist in slight extension and abduction. In other words, the wrist needs to be bent slightly back and inwards, to slacken the skin and tissues at the base of thumb. Any form of soft or flexible splint will serve only to increase the profits of ther vendors: it will do you no good whatsoever.

Hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me either through the forum or by PM

Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 10:59 PM

the doctor gave me the appropriate splint and instructions on icing, etc.
I am using a cream with arnica but I would never take arnica internally.
thanks

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 09:58 AM

Having had several months off work myself with tendinitis, I was not completely joking about the curry ...

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,Bonecruncher
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 10:53 PM

Hi Alice
Sorry I cannot understand why you should object to taking arnica, a homoeopathic remedy, internally.
Homoeopathy has been inexistence for about 200 years, so it is well proven although the theory seems to defy logic.
One cannot deny that a small amount of a disease substance can cause the immune system to work to eradicate disease the next time a body is invaded. This is how innocculation works.
Last December I had a major operation including an arterial; graft. I took a combination of arnica and hypericum before and after the operation. I needed no prescribed painkillers whatsoever.
Surely it is better to take natural medicines than some chemical concoction? Look at the published formularies to see the side-effects of prescription drugs!
Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:04 AM

homeopathic formulas are so diluted there is no particle of arnica left, anyway, just a placebo.
You won't convince me on that one. I do not believe in homeopathy.
Arnica is a poison, so digesting it is not safe... good thing there is none of it left after all the dilution
in the homeopathic pills. You'll get an argument if you start in on homeopathy with me. We've been
there before on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:16 AM

why homeopathic remedies have no molecule left of the original ingredient:
"Actually, the laws of chemistry state that there is a limit to the dilution that can be made without losing the original substance altogether. This limit, which is related to Avogadro's number, corresponds to homeopathic potencies of 12C or 24X (1 part in 1024). Hahnemann himself realized that there is virtually no chance that even one molecule of original substance would remain after extreme dilutions. But he believed that the vigorous shaking or pulverizing with each step of dilution leaves behind a "spirit-like" essence—"no longer perceptible to the senses"—which cures by reviving the body's "vital force." Modern proponents assert that even when the last molecule is gone, a "memory" of the substance is retained. This notion is unsubstantiated. Moreover, if it were true, every substance encountered by a molecule of water might imprint an "essence" that could exert powerful (and unpredictable) medicinal effects when ingested by a person.'

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:20 AM

source for that quote above Click here

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:56 PM

OK, Alice
You wish to be unconvinced regarding homoeopathy so I will leave it there. Good luck with the side-effects of conventional medicine!

Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 03:27 PM

You eat the curry or tumeric...you can get capsules...mg

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 03:30 PM

from Dr. Wiel's site. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA142972

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 04:12 PM

Exersise your hand don't rest it. Arm out stretched, push your fingers back slowly and feel the stretch, then push your fingers down, thumb as close as you can get it to your wrist, slowly and again feel the stretch. Then with a limp wrist waggle / dangle your hand and gently shake it. It'll be gone in two weeks if you do this at least 3 times a day.

Do not have surgery and don't take drugs.

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:12 AM

update, in case anyone searches on this subject in the future...

Three weeks ago I had a steroid injection in the wrist by an orthopedic surgeon who advised me to rest it using a brace night and day
for 3 more weeks so the nerve would not be continually injured. In the last three weeks, I had 7 ultrasound treatments which helped to
distribute the steroid to the cells in the area and after the second ultrasound, there was dramatic improvement. I've had no
side effects experienced from the injection. Now, I have only slight discomfort once in awhile and I'm on the mend. Nerves
take a long time to heal. I need to not re-injure it, so I hired someone to do all the handwriting that was needed to prepare
contracts for work.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:34 AM

Glad to hear it, Alice. Good for you for taking care of yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Dave Swan
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 08:14 PM

Now, listen. If you've hired somone to do the handwriting, be sure he wears brown robes, sits on a high stool working by candlelight and does really intricate work. Otherwise, it's meaningless......

Of course, you could hire Lane Fielding Patterson & Swan, Layabouts for Hire to do the job. We'll turn it in using our best Crayola for color jobs. If it needs to be digitized, we'll submit Etch-A-Sketch files. No extra charge for beer rings on the image.

D

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 08:21 PM

LFP&S!!! Why didn't I think to call??
.... and to think I paid $10 an hour for 8 hours when I could
have just bought beer and pizza....

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:25 PM

Really Alice......I'm sorry I didn't see this thread before but you really should have used us. I mean, in a way, you're a part of the inglorious history of LFPS. We owe you!

Frankly we could have put Rick on the job. You know he continues to charge more billable hours than the rest of us combined. Its amazing what you can do when you're not constrained by time or space. Plus he could have helped with the tendonitis because pain means nothing to him now.

Or any of us would have been happy to handle things for you.......well, so to speak.......you know.........Anyway, if you need our services be sure to call. As our mission statement says, "We do nothing for you.....It's the least we can do.....The very least!"

Spaw...Founding partner, Lane, Fielding, Patterson & Swan
Layabouts-At-Large and for Hire

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:32 PM

Dear, dear, P of LFP&S, all I can say is... DOH! It must have been the
pain, just not thinking clearly. Yes, Rick in his great generous heart would
pitch right in and beam himself over here to Bozeman just to do the job.... so to speak.
I'll let you know if I have anything further that needs... um... handling.


Alice

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:40 PM

Well, at least I DID hire a musician to do my eight hours of
handwriting for me. She is an amazing jazz bass player who
is from Bozeman and went to high school with my son. Emma Dayhuff
will be starting her junior year at Oberlin College (Ohio, Spaw!!!)
this fall.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 09:51 PM

Hey cool! I do believe that Oberlin is also the alma mater of Caroline Paton!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 10:59 PM

Ah...there , ya boys brought a teardrop to my eye thinking on Rick and all of the work the puir soul must be doing keeping up with the likes of you, Spaw and El Swanno!

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 03:26 PM

It's "tendinitis", not "tendonitis".

The old pedant, Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 03:32 PM

To be more pedantic, BOTH are accepted spellings.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,Phyllis
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 07:42 PM

Hi Colyn
I'm also suffering with DeQuervain's... orth doctor told me three phases of therapy, first one being physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a split; second phase is cortisone injection, and third is surgery.    I've just about "had it" with phase one... PT has done nothing, and I afraid of taking the drugs too long (have been on them over a month). and gave them up.   I refuse to get cortisone.   

I have a thumb splint, but I need another (a few washings, and its all shredded.    Is there an OTC splint you can recommend (maybe a website link)?

Thanks
Phyllis

Subject: RE: BS: de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
From: Alice
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:32 AM

The injection I got was not cortisone, and it was a very small localized amount.
I was resisting getting an injection, but I finally did, and that is what eventually stopped the
cycle of continuing pain. Getting ultrasound treatments on the wrist for a couple weeks
after the shot made a huge improvement. Apparently, the ultrasound helps to move
what was injected around in the cells.
Technically, this is de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 12:42 PM

Alice what was in the injection if it wasn't cortisone?    I've decided definitively to go the non-conventional route, but am curious since I'm actively battling this issue, which is driving me nuts.
Phyllis

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 12:06 PM

Hi from Montreal. Had this twenty years. Had a hard head, too. Was told to get an operation right away by other women with the same. Well, not me, I am New Age chose parents who are mystics Physics, not me baby, so acupuncture then thumb came out looking strange, then it came out of socket so jammed back in, in a fit of pain. It was looking good again but pain was so great. Got cortisone, better than cutting it off, right? Wear plastic made-to-measure splints for 24-7 muscle atrophy, small arms now tiny, finally get the operation. Got cut still in pain 25% cannot work after operation, so of to spiritual master, he takes it away. Back to work, same job, starts again, change departments, ok for 6 months. Starts again, hang in doing it for 8 months, sleeping in splints, dropping pen, no feeling in hands morning can live with, but at work 2 weeks before the department goes down. Had to leave, pain too great. I am graced, had a federal job union and medical, but I had worked in fashion world with no net to fall in so did what I needed to do to get UIC $ and then insurance sunlife out on disability pension. I am 58. Did I cripple myself for $$$ I needed to feed kid and myself? Is my hard head responsible? I know I was unteachable, had great desire to learn but…I was who I was then. I wake up numb, get cold tap water running from elbow down, get stiff feeling, like dancers do. Arms up to shake-shake up into the air like Tai Chi, give it to the Star Wars Force, turn wrist down ask to be empowered, to function, wash dishes on good days nothing slips out of hand a breaks, get food by one bag in front tied to a bag in back on my shoulders, write with big pens when being good to myself, big grip things used a lot, do not have, then I make it hot candle wax wrapped around anything ‘cause winter much worse. Metaphysical reason always had heavy karma to carry, load was too heavy, head too hard, just kept going. HA HA. Shoulder for 7 years bursitis, meta reason hate anger for good man with bad act. Now I repeat I love, I forgive, I accept myself, every soul here on this bus called Earth Plane. Song, “what if God was one of us, just a stranger on the bus? No pain in shoulder for 20 years after harmonic conversion of Aug 17, hoping real shift happens on that day. This condition usually happens to little women with big hearts who are of service, are just keep going used, using what they can do. I do not spell well, but if you read between the lines being of service. DEDEE REHAB11

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: rehab11
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 09:30 AM

There is a new test that can be done to find out if some of us can be helped. Laser therapy a big cure It will cost $245.00 in Montreal Can. Has anyone heard about it. Is it the ultra sound? Alice are you ok now or did it come back? How much did it cost. As I said before, I feel I have not handled this well. Doctor Colyn have you heard of it? I wonder if it is just a con, no offense, but we all know money is made from suffering. I am streetwise, but desperation can lead to stupidity.
deedee

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,mujib
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 09:07 AM

For the last one year i am having dequervain pain on my right hand wrist. The doctor gave an injection on it as according to him this the only long lasting treatment as other remedies do not work. This really worked but for a shortwhile.The pain has agravated since then. Now a homeopathic doctor has recommended ARNICA- 30. Please advise or anyother longlasting treatment

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 11:39 AM

I eventually went to a physical therapist prescribed by the doctor.
If I had gone sooner, I may have had better improvement of what I have now.
The pt explained that the synovial fluid around the nerve had gelled like dried jello and glued the nerve, trapping it. I do exercises called a slide to free the nerve. Hard to explain in print.

Go to a physical therapist for ultrasound and learn the exercises to do each day to get the nerve improvement. I still have numbness in part of my thumb, but the pain is completely gone.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 01:28 PM

I said this on 20th June, was I completely wrong?

Exersise your hand don't rest it. Arm out stretched, push your fingers back slowly and feel the stretch, then push your fingers down, thumb as close as you can get it to your wrist, slowly and again feel the stretch. Then with a limp wrist waggle / dangle your hand and gently shake it. It'll be gone in two weeks if you do this at least 3 times a day.

Do not have surgery and don't take drugs.

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 01:45 PM

I think I may have said, before, but be careful with ultrasound if you are on blood thinners. I had a foot further damaged by over-zealous ultrasound and easier bruising from being on coumadin.

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: Alice
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 04:07 PM

Subject: RE: BS: deQuervain's tendonitis
From: GUEST,Jessica
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 05:53 PM

I am 24 years old and have been a welder for 5 years. I, too had been having trouble with BOTH my wrists/hands for about 3 years. I had no idea what it was and being stubborn, I never went to the doctor. It got so bad, I could hardly preform my job duties. Hanging in the air welding is not something you want to do when your hands hurt. I finally went to the ortho. and turns out, I have DeQuervain's in both wrists as well as torn TFCC in both wrists. Lemme tell you something, they were amazed that I hadn't had a bad fall but it was just aggrivated by the work I do. I took a big step and had surgery. I am still recovering although I have to do everything with my non dominant hand. I say, if you have insurance, get surgery. There is no use in living in pain, on and off. It just sucks. The success rate is very good compared to the thing I was doing earlier- shots and braces. There were mornings my husband had to tie my work boots *ha! I AM female* and I never want to go through that again. I'll tell you something else, those common worker's comp assholes will surely take your money, but good luck at getting them to pay anything out...I say go for it