Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is more than just a medical term—it's a daily struggle for countless individuals worldwide. The numbing pain, the decreased strength, and the impaired functionality can turn everyday tasks into Herculean challenges. Marsha, a patient at Optimize Performance Medicine, was no stranger to these struggles, battling the relentless symptoms of CTS while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in her day-to-day life.
But in the realm of modern medicine, innovation is always around the corner. The Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel Release is a groundbreaking procedure that Optimize Performance Medicine is proud to offer, promising not only relief but also a chance at a pain-free life. Here, we dive into Marsha's personal journey with this procedure, from the debilitating pain that led her to it, to her life post-surgery.
Q: So, Marsha, what symptoms were you having before you decided to undergo this procedure?
Marsha: "A lot of pain that was radiating from the base of my thumb down into my hand, into the distal hand.
It got to the point where everything was painful. Trying to hold my phone, trying to game on my PS4, typing at work, and especially lifting heavy objects or even objects that weren’t heavy. I was dropping these things constantly.
I lift heavy coils at work. When I would pick them up, I felt a lot of loss of strength in my hand and I was afraid that I was going to drop them on somebody, which would not be good. I had to be really careful. It was very difficult. And the pain was constant. It would be a really sharp pain."
Q: Can you describe your experience on the day of the procedure?
Marsha: "I thought everything went really well. When I came in, I was a little nervous, but everybody was very welcoming. I was very comfortable.
We got started on everything and everybody explained exactly what was happening as we were going along. So, I wasn’t in the dark, being awake for the procedure and very alert. I knew exactly step by step what was happening throughout the whole procedure, which was nice. "
Q: How would you describe your pain level during the surgery?
Marsha: "During the surgery? Oh, there was no pain. That was amazing.
Once the numbing medicine was administered, it was a little pinch, and you even told me that it would be the worst part. And it was, because after that, throughout the entire procedure, I felt no pain. I really didn’t even feel much pressure from what was happening. And I was able to watch it on the monitor.
I knew what was happening in there, but I didn’t feel anything at all. It was very comfortable.
You guys had me propped up with some pillows to be as comfortable as I could be. And it was a good experience.
I wasn’t in pain, I wasn’t sore. I wasn’t nervous after that. It was a good experience."
Q: How did your wrist feel right after the procedure?
Marsha: "Immediately after it was done and I was bandaged up, I was able to do certain movements. One of my favorite movements throughout the years is a double thumbs up, and I could not do that without having a lot of pain. In fact, I didn’t even have full range of motion before the procedure.
Immediately after I was able to do that, and I didn’t feel any pain. And of course, everything was still numb, so I thought okay, maybe that has something to do with it. The next day, still, that pain was gone. It was just amazing because it was there all the time. And then just like that, it's not there anymore. It's still very amazing to me. And it's been a great feeling. I've been very happy with how things are progressing.”
Q: How has your recovery been since the procedure?
Marsha: “I returned to work on a Monday after having the procedure on a Wednesday, and everything went really well.
No pain from the carpal tunnel issues that I was having. A little soreness in the area near the incision and a little bit of bruising, which was expected. But each day I found that there's less soreness and I'm able to do more things.
I can now lift things and not drop them. I just have to be careful. If it's too heavy, then I have to be really careful.
Still the range of motion is so much better than it was. So, yeah, recovery has been really good."
Q: So, you already have less pain at work, a week out?
Marsha: “Yes. It was a good feeling because right before the surgery, the pain was just always there. And it really starts to wear you down. I mean, honestly, I would go to work, come home, and I would just feel exhausted, mentally, and physically hurt. And this was just ongoing. So that really starts to wear you down.
And that’s the amazing part, because that’s gone, and I come home from work, and even just a few days after, I feel pretty good, actually.”
Q: After going through this experience, what advice would you offer to others?
Marsha: "If anybody’s going to get this taken care of, do it, don’t wait. These guys are awesome. They're going to take care of you. And it was a really wonderful experience.
I guess if you’ve never experienced carpal tunnel pain, you’re not really sure what it is. You just know that it just hurts, so it could be anything.
But once it was gone, it was like, okay, that’s exactly what that was. You guys made the perfect call and got me taken care of.”
Marsha's journey from debilitating wrist pain to newfound freedom showcases the transformative nature of the Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel Release procedure. Her narrative is not just one of medical innovation, but also a tale of rediscovered hope and the profound impact that the right treatment can have on one's quality of life.
For many individuals, wrist pain is a constant shadow, casting doubt on daily tasks and hobbies alike. If you're experiencing persistent wrist discomfort, it's essential to understand its root cause. Whether it's the throes of carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition, early intervention can be the key to relief. Marsha's story is a testament to the life-changing potential of the Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel Release. As medicine continues to advance, stories like Marsha's highlight the tangible, real-world benefits of these innovative treatments.
If wrist pain has become a part of your daily life, don't let uncertainty hold you back. Seek expert advice, explore your treatment options, and take the first step towards a pain-free future. At Optimize Performance Medicine, we're here to guide and support you on this journey. Reach out to us today to learn more about the Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel Release and other advanced solutions we offer.
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