[Histonet] RE: Carpal Tunnel

[Terri Braud]

I had bilateral carpal tunnel over 30 years ago, long before it was
recognized as a problem associated with Histotechnology.  I delayed
seeking help, not recognizing the problem for what it was.  When I
finally had surgery, I had sustained permanent nerve damage. So, don't
put off treatment!
Both of my hands were done as open (there was no laparoscopic available
way back then) and my recovery took 6wks before I could write my name,
or turn a microtome wheel.  It took a full 6 months before I was
completely back to normal flexibility and grip strength for all
activities including playing guitar and piano, grooming my own dog,
using a weedeater.  Holding items that vibrate (clippers, hairdryer)
seemed to be the worse and they caution you to avoid them until
completely healed. The good news is I've never had a problem since,
however, I can't make the #3 sign with my hand as I lost the ability to
touch thumb to little finger.
My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!

Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Holy Redeemer Hospital Laboratory
1648 Huntingdon Pike
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Ph: 215-938-3676
Fax: 215-938-3874


-----Original Message-----

   1. Carpal tunnel (Angelicola,Lisa)
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2014 13:20:24 -0500
From: "Angelicola,Lisa" <angelicola <@t> uchc.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] Carpal tunnel

I have just been diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both of my hands and
was wondering if any fellow histotechs have had this problem. I'm
figuring it's a pretty common ailment in our line of work and after 31
years, it's caught up with me!

I am considering surgery, but wanted to get any opinions on anyone that
has gone through it, from a histotechs perspective. How long was the
recovery, did it work for you, were you able to go back to work and
continue to do what you did before. Do you any advice, suggestions, ect.
I'd like to know the good, bad and the ugly!

Thanks!
Lisa Angelicola

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