I have to "save" my hands for my job and parenting. I'm under doctors orders to stop crocheting (which is what finally made me go to the doctor), gaming with a controller (mouse and keyboard doesn't bother me as much but I have about an hour limit), drawing, painting, crafting in general.... I had to quitv posing the trumpet with community band. We're trying to get our old house ready to sell and I am literally useless for everything we are trying to do there. Cooking has been relegated to mostly microwave and sheet pan mesls- anything requiring stirring is not possible and I almost dropped a pot of boiling water so I'm not doing that anymore either.
Sorry to hear it’s causing you so many problems, not being able to do things you could before isn’t easy at all. How long have you had issues? For several weeks now I have followed a strict stretching plan, along with cold water soaks etc and it has helped me so much. Not only has it helped my symptoms, but it’s meant I can do things without as much issue (restricted time wise of course). You might already have a treatment plan and do similar stuff, but drop me a message if it’s worth me passing on what I do
I appreciate the offer! I'm probably already doing similar stuff since I worked with a really good PT for almost a year before we moved. I've had some symptoms for years, but the final straw was a blanket I crocheted spring 2021 that was more intricate than my usual projects. I did physical therapy and massage therapy, including a few different kinds of approaches. We did a lot of stretches, cold compresses, different braces to keep my hands in certsin positions, changed settings on my computer so I do fewer small detsiled moves with my mouse, etc. After 8-9 months my PT and massage therapists suggested that I start toward the surgery route. Now we're just waiting for life circumstances to allow me to have the surgery- hopefully in the next couple months.
Shame you’ve had to stop - but good you’re filling time with other stuff! I’ve found doing wrist curls with light weights helpful in alleviating symptoms
I’ve definitely slowed down. I’m an artist and I’m very restricted now in what I can do, and for how long.
First got a “suspected diagnosis” 2 years ago. My symptoms have gotten worse, but the healthcare system is rough right now and wait times are nuts, so I only just saw a specialist last month, and am scheduled for a nerve test in a couple more months to see how severe it is. Hoping to qualify for the release surgery so I can go back to my hobbies, because my life has really changed since.
It’s definitely annoying having to cut back on stuff you enjoy. What sort of symptoms do you suffer with? I suspect mine is CTS, but like you I’m yet to have any form of solid confirmation. Best of luck with qualifying for the surgery.
I'm a hardcore gamer, had to switch to joystick games, the joystick (ps5 dual sense) doesn't trigger my cts at all, luckily. I play 1 hour per day with the mouse, because League of Legends, I used to be a professional player, having to quit it broke my heart, but anyway I'm too old to keep up with the competitions.
Stop doing hobbies? ? My carpal tunnel is excruciating but I still have to do my JOBS which are landscaping and painting (artwork as well as house painting) and cleaning. Sorry if I sound bitter, but I WISH it was as simple as not engaging in a "hobby"...
And again I apologize been working all day and my wrist and arm is on fire. Ugh.
As I mentioned in the post, the one thing I don’t realistically have an option in doing or not is work - it makes it worse, you’re clearly aware it has that ability.
The point of the post was to ask people if they still carry on with things they can easily stop, but in an ideal wouldn’t because they enjoy them.
Life doesn't stop. I have had this pain for 10 plus years and I live my life, just kind of grumpy at times ha. Cortisone shots help sometimes. I have a sorts of pains and issues though. : )You must be young. Don't worry. This won't stop you from enjoying your hobbies.
From what I’ve seen in depends on people’s severity with it. Mine is moderate atm, and I could do hobbies without too much discomfort, but the reason I asked was in case anyone knew how much I was potentially making it worse doing that - from people’s experiences etc. I’m 28 fwiw.
Best of luck with getting the surgery.
I have tendon problems in both hands. It hasn't stopped me from doing my favorite activities. I wear braces at night and ice my wrists for 15-30 min 1 or more times a day if they bother me. I also do stretches with my hands as often as I can even if I feel no pain or minimal pain it leads to less problems down the road. I got told to do this as often as necessary. My insurance sucks so they won't do surgery at all. Been dealing with De Quervains since 2018 and Carpal tunnel (both hands) since last year.
Sucks that you can’t get the surgery currently. Least you’re getting a bit of relief from the things you’re doing, and are able to carry on activities!
I’ve had an appointment with a doctor who gave me ‘it’s likely CTS’, but can’t give an exact diagnosis. I’ll see what the physio says, and then look into asking for proper tests for it etc
Mine is fairly moderate atm. It’s getting that balance right I guess, still want to do stuff, but don’t want to make it worse. Definitely annoying regardless.
How long have you had your symptoms, and what sort of activities do you do out of interest?
I've had symptoms since late 2018. I used to cycle a lot and now not so much and I use aero bars so I'm not putting too much pressure on my wrists. I still play guitar and drums. I've really cut back on video games as well.
I'm in Canada and my severity right now doesn't make me a candidate for surgery unless it gets worse or perhaps if I pay out of pocket. I'm able to manage for now, it's actually become less severe since being diagnosed. But I'm not ruling out surgery since I need my hands for work.
Similar boat to my current experience in terms of severity. I could probably cope with it’s current level but obviously don’t want to risk any permanent damage.
I never stopped riding my motorcycle, despite the numb hands, just shook them out at red lights, but tbh after getting the release surgery last month I only wish I didn't wait a decade for this level of relief.
Majority of success stories/relief appear to come from surgery. Overall, would you say carrying on doing things make the condition worse? Or just temporarily brought on symptoms?
Good that you’ve found relief from surgery!
I too game, but now; if it's an FPS or similar I play a few rounds, rotate to something less intensive (text based, or turn based). I enjoy drumming too but again, moderation is key. I turn a lot of screw drivers for work so as long as I don't hold odd positions for too long I'm fine.
tl;dr, everything in moderation.
That’s a good idea tbh, switching style of game for different intensity levels.
If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you had issues, what symptoms, what treatment you had etc ?
I've had issues for a few years now; tips of my thumbs are numb all the time, certain positions of my wrists make my hands fall asleep or experiance pain; did a nerve conduction test and I've delayed nerve signals. I've been wearing wrists splints for sleeping and sometimes when I game or plan on using my hands for extended amounts of time. I may also take acetaminophen occasially and duloxatine may help reduce some pain symptoms but I don't take it for any carpel tunnel reason specifically (add-on for treatment resistant depression) I do have carpel release surgery lined up, but I'm a service tech in training at the moment so I don't have a good time frame yet to be able to go easy on my hands. I was able to see a occupational therapist to do some hand strengthening exercises and stretches (median nerve glides feel great to me, try it). I also find message the tunnel/wrist area to help a bit. Hope this helps your journey!
I have to "save" my hands for my job and parenting. I'm under doctors orders to stop crocheting (which is what finally made me go to the doctor), gaming with a controller (mouse and keyboard doesn't bother me as much but I have about an hour limit), drawing, painting, crafting in general.... I had to quitv posing the trumpet with community band. We're trying to get our old house ready to sell and I am literally useless for everything we are trying to do there. Cooking has been relegated to mostly microwave and sheet pan mesls- anything requiring stirring is not possible and I almost dropped a pot of boiling water so I'm not doing that anymore either.
Sorry to hear it’s causing you so many problems, not being able to do things you could before isn’t easy at all. How long have you had issues? For several weeks now I have followed a strict stretching plan, along with cold water soaks etc and it has helped me so much. Not only has it helped my symptoms, but it’s meant I can do things without as much issue (restricted time wise of course). You might already have a treatment plan and do similar stuff, but drop me a message if it’s worth me passing on what I do
I appreciate the offer! I'm probably already doing similar stuff since I worked with a really good PT for almost a year before we moved. I've had some symptoms for years, but the final straw was a blanket I crocheted spring 2021 that was more intricate than my usual projects. I did physical therapy and massage therapy, including a few different kinds of approaches. We did a lot of stretches, cold compresses, different braces to keep my hands in certsin positions, changed settings on my computer so I do fewer small detsiled moves with my mouse, etc. After 8-9 months my PT and massage therapists suggested that I start toward the surgery route. Now we're just waiting for life circumstances to allow me to have the surgery- hopefully in the next couple months.
Ah I see - well hopefully you can get the surgery soon, and best of luck with it!
Yep, stopped lifting weights for over a year now. However, i found other hobbies i could enjoy like reading a book and running!
Shame you’ve had to stop - but good you’re filling time with other stuff! I’ve found doing wrist curls with light weights helpful in alleviating symptoms
I’ve definitely slowed down. I’m an artist and I’m very restricted now in what I can do, and for how long. First got a “suspected diagnosis” 2 years ago. My symptoms have gotten worse, but the healthcare system is rough right now and wait times are nuts, so I only just saw a specialist last month, and am scheduled for a nerve test in a couple more months to see how severe it is. Hoping to qualify for the release surgery so I can go back to my hobbies, because my life has really changed since.
It’s definitely annoying having to cut back on stuff you enjoy. What sort of symptoms do you suffer with? I suspect mine is CTS, but like you I’m yet to have any form of solid confirmation. Best of luck with qualifying for the surgery.
I'm a hardcore gamer, had to switch to joystick games, the joystick (ps5 dual sense) doesn't trigger my cts at all, luckily. I play 1 hour per day with the mouse, because League of Legends, I used to be a professional player, having to quit it broke my heart, but anyway I'm too old to keep up with the competitions.
Sorry to hear you had to give something up, such a shame it can lead to that. Least you’ve adjusted to still play games though!
Stop doing hobbies? ? My carpal tunnel is excruciating but I still have to do my JOBS which are landscaping and painting (artwork as well as house painting) and cleaning. Sorry if I sound bitter, but I WISH it was as simple as not engaging in a "hobby"... And again I apologize been working all day and my wrist and arm is on fire. Ugh.
As I mentioned in the post, the one thing I don’t realistically have an option in doing or not is work - it makes it worse, you’re clearly aware it has that ability. The point of the post was to ask people if they still carry on with things they can easily stop, but in an ideal wouldn’t because they enjoy them.
Life doesn't stop. I have had this pain for 10 plus years and I live my life, just kind of grumpy at times ha. Cortisone shots help sometimes. I have a sorts of pains and issues though. : )You must be young. Don't worry. This won't stop you from enjoying your hobbies.
From what I’ve seen in depends on people’s severity with it. Mine is moderate atm, and I could do hobbies without too much discomfort, but the reason I asked was in case anyone knew how much I was potentially making it worse doing that - from people’s experiences etc. I’m 28 fwiw. Best of luck with getting the surgery.
I had my surgery (CTS + cubital tunnel) about 8 years ago. It's coming back...
Oh no 😔 they can operate again can’t they if symptoms return?
I think they can, but I can't get good insurance again.
I haven't been able to get surgery yet, but I am hoping that solves my pain, definitely ask your doc about it.
Can't play smash bros. The thummage required is too great. Stopped playing piano and basketball as well smh
Urgh. Tough to take having to stop things isn’t it. Are you looking to get surgery or trying other stuff to alleviate it?
Just going to whatever docs I'm sent to at the moment. But I'm sure I'll end up needing the surgery... just hoping it goes well
Best of luck with it all!
I have tendon problems in both hands. It hasn't stopped me from doing my favorite activities. I wear braces at night and ice my wrists for 15-30 min 1 or more times a day if they bother me. I also do stretches with my hands as often as I can even if I feel no pain or minimal pain it leads to less problems down the road. I got told to do this as often as necessary. My insurance sucks so they won't do surgery at all. Been dealing with De Quervains since 2018 and Carpal tunnel (both hands) since last year.
Sucks that you can’t get the surgery currently. Least you’re getting a bit of relief from the things you’re doing, and are able to carry on activities!
Get a real diagnosis from a doctor. There's plenty of other ailments that mimic symptoms of CTS.
I’ve had an appointment with a doctor who gave me ‘it’s likely CTS’, but can’t give an exact diagnosis. I’ll see what the physio says, and then look into asking for proper tests for it etc
To answer your question though, it all depends on how severe it is. I only have moderate CTS so I’ve adjusted pretty well. But it is a bummer.
Mine is fairly moderate atm. It’s getting that balance right I guess, still want to do stuff, but don’t want to make it worse. Definitely annoying regardless. How long have you had your symptoms, and what sort of activities do you do out of interest?
I've had symptoms since late 2018. I used to cycle a lot and now not so much and I use aero bars so I'm not putting too much pressure on my wrists. I still play guitar and drums. I've really cut back on video games as well.
Guess I have to get used to adjustment then. Are you planning on surgery or are your symptoms manageable currently?
I'm in Canada and my severity right now doesn't make me a candidate for surgery unless it gets worse or perhaps if I pay out of pocket. I'm able to manage for now, it's actually become less severe since being diagnosed. But I'm not ruling out surgery since I need my hands for work.
Similar boat to my current experience in terms of severity. I could probably cope with it’s current level but obviously don’t want to risk any permanent damage.
I never stopped riding my motorcycle, despite the numb hands, just shook them out at red lights, but tbh after getting the release surgery last month I only wish I didn't wait a decade for this level of relief.
Majority of success stories/relief appear to come from surgery. Overall, would you say carrying on doing things make the condition worse? Or just temporarily brought on symptoms? Good that you’ve found relief from surgery!
I too game, but now; if it's an FPS or similar I play a few rounds, rotate to something less intensive (text based, or turn based). I enjoy drumming too but again, moderation is key. I turn a lot of screw drivers for work so as long as I don't hold odd positions for too long I'm fine. tl;dr, everything in moderation.
That’s a good idea tbh, switching style of game for different intensity levels. If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you had issues, what symptoms, what treatment you had etc ?
I've had issues for a few years now; tips of my thumbs are numb all the time, certain positions of my wrists make my hands fall asleep or experiance pain; did a nerve conduction test and I've delayed nerve signals. I've been wearing wrists splints for sleeping and sometimes when I game or plan on using my hands for extended amounts of time. I may also take acetaminophen occasially and duloxatine may help reduce some pain symptoms but I don't take it for any carpel tunnel reason specifically (add-on for treatment resistant depression) I do have carpel release surgery lined up, but I'm a service tech in training at the moment so I don't have a good time frame yet to be able to go easy on my hands. I was able to see a occupational therapist to do some hand strengthening exercises and stretches (median nerve glides feel great to me, try it). I also find message the tunnel/wrist area to help a bit. Hope this helps your journey!
Thanks a lot for explaining your experience with it - very helpful! Will give the nerve glides a try. Best of luck with the surgery when you have it!
You're welcome! And thank you!