Doctors, Nerves, & Results, Oh My!

And the story of my wrist continues... 

Last Tuesday, so a week ago, I went for a nerve conduction test on my wrist/arm. I was a nervous wreck because I spent the days leading up to it researching what I would be going through. And just the thought of shocking my nerves does not settle well with me. But I went. Everyone, and I mean everyone, from the receptionist who greeted me when I walked in, to the patient care services where I began my paper work, the the neurologist and assistant I met with during my test were amazing. They were all so nice. I would totally recommend the Ferrell Duncan Clinic. Because of their nice-ness, it was relaxing and my anxiety went away. 

So after only waiting in the department of neurology waiting area for about 5 minutes, I was called back. Once in the room, they had me lay on the table with my right arm closest to the machine. And the specialist began to hook up the machine to me. He then put pressure points on my nerves and then shocked them sending little pulses of electricity through them. It then measures how long it takes for the electricity to travel from my elbow to my hand and through the nerve. Over all, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It just felt really weird and my hand was numb after. When the test was over, they said I should receive the results by Friday. 

Thursday, I got the news. It was carpal tunnel. I was relieved that I finally had an answer and knew what was wrong. Sometimes doctors can make me think it was all in head, so it was nice to have a solution. But here is the crappy part, when I called to get an appointment the orthopedist, the soonest he can get me in for a consultation is May 8th. :( That means, I can't even consider surgery or really know what other options I have until then. 

It has been increasingly painful to use my hand, especially at work. When I am out, it isn't at bad, but at work, I have to medicate myself if I bake over 4 batches. (Average day I bake between 6-10 batches.) At night it has become difficult to sleep unless I am aware of where my hand is. I've had to adjust my sleeping position to my back with my hands to my sides. It has taken some getting used to, and I still find myself rolling all over and trying to get comfortable without pain. 

So now, I wait...