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" <angelic...@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 ************************* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-Mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it was sent. It may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential, and the use or disclosure of such information may also be restricted under applicable federal and state law. If you received this communication in error, please do not distribute any part of it or retain any copies, and delete the original E-Mail. Please notify the sender of any error by E-Mail. Thank you for your cooperation. _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet