Cooley, I agree push to see the RA now.  Two monthes is a long time to
be in pain.  

(((((patty)))))

Vickie B.

    I'm sorry that I have no advice for you, only a question or two.

    I'd like to know exactly where her pain is now and whether it's
    new or just a continuation of the pre-surgical problems.

    I had carpal tunnel surgery -- left, dominant, hand -- in December
    and so far it seems to have been a disaster. I was told before
    surgery that the relief would not be total because the nerve had
    deteriorated too badly. That was too gloomy a prediction: it's more a
    case of 'the surgery was successful, but the patient died'. Of course
    the patient didn't die, she's writing this.

    The carpal tunnel pain does seem resolved for now, no more tingling,
    no pain shooting up to the elbow to wake me at night.

    But noone told me that I'd be trading that for a wrist that hurts
    much of the time, and always during any twisting motion. I can hardly
    brush my teeth, open a jar, unlock my door...and I didn't have a
    useless wrist before the surgery. So far it's not getting any worse,
    but neither is it getting better

                       --thelma

i say push to see the RD before the surgery.  It may be possible to get the
inflammation down, thereby easing the other symptoms.  It sounds like her PCP
may not be completely cognizant of the role inflammatory arthritis and its
meds can play in this.

Meanwhile, my intial reaction to the orthopod's website was the same as yours
- looks like a carpal tunnel factory.  looking around a bit more, it appears
that he really specializes in nerve entrapment syndromes of the arm and
shoulder, judging by his research & publications.  His background in other
things appears to be a bit out-of-date.  Quite possibly a really good surgeon
on the nerve stuff, but if there's another hand specialist around, I'd check
that person out for non-nerve stuff.  But it's still better to see if
reducing the inflammation with medication eliminates the need for surgery.

No advice to give Cooly, but wanted you and your wife to know I was thinking
of you and sending good thoughts your way. I hope things work out greatly
for her.

hey cooly. Is the thumb locked up. Is it immobile. If thats the case
surgery will be the option if a manipulation procedure doesn't free it
up.

Otherwise, anti-inflammatories, hot/cold treatment and
Most Important...Splint it up especially at night.

good luck with.
johnie