Thanks to all of you who have added to this thread since the last time I responded. I went to the neurologist today. They did the most extensive set of nerve conduction tests that I've ever experienced. The office was great! Because the data is very complex, the neurologist didn't have any specific recommendations for me, but the tech (who, of course, can't really say anything), non verbally indicated that the place where I gathered the problems on both hands reside appear to be right there. They implied that the location of the problem is extremely rare, and the neurologist said he'd have a report to the neurosurgeon early next week. So, I'm not any better informed than I was previously, though I'm guessing that the 'fix', if there is any forthcoming, will probably be surgical. It honestly blows me away that the apparent cause (me talking now, not an MD) could be that rare, if the cause is from using a walker to help me move. But, it appears that this is the case.

Wayne, I may try to make the show....I didn't know about it, but I would like to discuss anything you're interested in talking about.

I recently experienced a form of "ulnar nerve entrapment". Thought you'd like to commiserate.

Hey all,

I'm still waiting to hear back from my doctors about the results of nerve conduction tests that were done a week ago yesterday. I honestly have no idea what the results will show, other than it does appear that the ulnar nerves are causing the problems. Whether these issues are correctable or not, I am still awaiting some communication. I have been trying to be exceedingly gentle with my hands, in case any particular motion or pressure may cause additional damage that may make things worse in the long run. However, I've decided that I am going to proceed on the assumption that I'm going to have to learn to live with the deficit I have, and find new ways to build models. I love the hobby too much to consider giving it up for good. I may not be able to do many of the smaller details that I used to, but that doesn't mean I still can't make good looking models.

My sincere thanks to all of you who expressed concerns and provided thoughts to my initial post. It really mattered a lot!

Take care Curt. I believe that everything willcome out alright.

Sorry to hear of all of the medical issues.

I guess all of us have to get them, dang old age sucks.

Got problems myself too many to list, but prayers sent for all to get better.

And no 70 is not the new 50.


Jeff

I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. Arthritis ate the cartilage on the index and middle finger of the right hand and the joints were replaced with plastic joints. All told for various reasons I have had surgery on the right hand 5 times and I'm right handed too.

I still have trouble holding things and spend a lot of time looking for things I have dropped (model parts mostly) but I still keep plugging on. My modeling skills have dropped quite a bit but building models, for me at least, is therapeutic so hang in there!!!

Hi all,

For those of you who may care, I had an appointment last week with the neurosurgeon, who had the report from the neurologist, after performance of nerve conduction and EMG tests. It was no surprise to learn that the problem, on both hands, is due to some problem with the ulnar nerve, where it passes through the wrist. He also said there is evidence of some carpal tunnel problems. So, he has made a referral to a hand surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, since his practice appears to be limited primarily to spinal issues. The referral was made 'stat' or high priority. He said that the likely path forward would be surgery to decompress the ulnar nerves, and that this surgery is not all that invasive. I guess we will see what the hand doc says. Hopefully, I will hear from the hand doc's office sometime early this coming week.

I've been working on how to live with the deficit involved with these nerve problems. The numbness and tingling, along with the significant reduction in overall hand strength, has remained the same over these last 6 weeks. I had been hoping that perhaps the problems would resolve themselves, but it appears more and more unlikely without any changes being evident. I have actually been trying to limit the use of my hands so I don't make any problems worse, so I can't say to what extent my modeling capabilities are reduced as of today. I guess that waiting a little longer to see what the hand doc says won't be the end of the world. It sure would be nice to get the problems fixed, though, so I can get back to building tanks.

Thanks to anyone who cares for listening to my latest update...

My mother has had surgery for carpal tunnel problems.
Worked excellent, she was back in business digging up rocks and tree stumps in a very short time.
/ Robin