I was just hoping to find someone with some answers as to what is happening to my arm. I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in April'98 had the decompression surgery October'98 and at the follow up exam with the surgion had an onset of severe neck pain. I have had severe shoulder pain and had two sets of cortizone shots since then, and about a month ago I was diagnosed with RSD. The pain management doctor that diagnosed me (finally....after seeing about 5-8 specialists)feels that I have had this condition since that follow-up with the surgeon who did the carpal tunnel. (I have recently had another positive EMG study for carpal tunnel again) Anyways, because so much time elapsed and I was never treated, does anyone know if this is going to be permanant? I have lumps in my neck, and I am afraid to find out what they are... I also am worried that Workmans Compensation has recognized the Carpal Tunnel, and is compensating me for that condition, now that I have been diagnosed with RSD even though it could be a direct result I may end up getting cut off again. I was fired from the job that caused the condition so I no longer have any medical coverage, and the costs of these nerve blocks are expensive... Anyone with any suggestions, answers or help would be greatly appreciated.. even just someone who is going through the same thing to talk to would be great...

------------------

Rupert, I also have CTS shown after taking the EMG test. I have not had surgery. My right arm and shoulder have area's that I have had a massage therapist work on to help the pain. My neck does hurt but I thought it was tension. Not much more to say, will have to keep researching.

Rupert,
My husband was also diagnosed with carpel tunnel in both hands,but he has RSD in his right arm because of a soft tissue injury he got when he was working as a macanic.The doctor will not do the surgery for the carpel tunnel because any type of soft tissue injury can cause the RSD to spread.RSD is permanant,the doctors say that if it is caught in the first 3-6months sometimes it can go into remission or possibly cured.

------------------
sherry

RSD diagnosed after surgery should be covered by the same worker's comp company...it is a result of or complication of the original injury and they must recognize it and cover it. There are many of us living with RSD who are receiving workers comp benefits for the treatment of RSD and most are resulting from diagnosis after surgery. RSD can go into remission and yes, it is more likely to do so if treatment begins within 3 months of initial symptoms. The internet is a great way to learn about RSD, but please be careful....Research things that sound off the wall---they really may be just that!!

I had my neck torn down by over working my left hand side of the body being a cashier. Before anyone knew what was up I was headed to the surgeron for a bar and four screws too be placed in my neck. For almost a year I cried in pain that my muscles where tearing at my neck with bumps in the neck too. No one did anything not even a pain pill. Needless too say after a year of the surgery I get a emg that claims I have Myofascial Pain Sydrome along with severe carple tunnel. I feel so bad for anyone that has to live with this. My emg was taken below my knees which really puzzles me, if the pain and worst symtoms are above the waist why test below the knees? Anyways thought maybe I would post just too say Hey I am with you, and hope together we can get a grip on these muscle diseases. I do know of a website that is marvelous about workers comp things, http://www.injuredworker.org its something I just have too share thank you and god bless

Too comment on the injury or type of muscle pain you are having. This is what happen. I had knots on the back of my neck and pain going up my arm at nights when the pain started at night it would wake me up, three days after this side effect starting, I pushed on a door that was being held with anothers foot on the other side, I wanted in the room really bad and was thinking if I pushed really hard I could force it open when I pushed so hard my arms dropped to my side and I couldnt move them a hard straight shoot pain came over them and became like rubber. Please Please if anyone has a type of muscle problem leading from their arms/shoulders too neck DONT push something. I recieved much damage! Another sign on the way was after the fact of me thinking about it. I found it very hard too wash the windows, walls etc. I have three degree burns around my arms and thought a simple scare tissue release would take care of that problem. Only later too learn all about these repetitive disease http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif Shame for the people that knew about possible muscle problems and didnt let their employee have the choice to know the same. Going on year three and now driving is getting to difficult. Does anyone have a helping excersice too get rid of bumps in back of neck? It seems when I drive the car a little we are talking downtown 5 miles within three hours bumps in neck are there and my muscles waist up tremble so badly. Is anyone taking medication, I realize everyone is different, but the Vicodine for almost three months isnt easing the pain enough.