UPDATE 6/13/13: The recovery went well and I am back at work! It’s terrific to be out of pain! Feel free to book an appointment or give me a call. :)
Most of you know I’ve been battling with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This is a chronic inflammation of a tendon in my left wrist that controls the thumb. Actually it’s the sheath that the tendon passes though.
I have been using conservative treatments for about a year, including ice, rest, PT, bracing, lots of natural topical and systemic stuff, a cortisone shot, and of course myofascial release and acupuncture. If I were not so relentlessly active with my hands, that would have been sufficient. I’ve helped patients avoid surgery with similar conditions in the past, which made my situation that much more frustrating. In the end, though, this was a case where a quick surgical procedure to release the tendon was my best long-term option. Rest helped only while I rested… as soon as I resumed my usual crafty/weightlifting/combat/massage activities it came back. I had the double-sheath construction that pre-disposed me to the problem.
I had the procedure this morning and it went well. I’m so happy to finally have the issue resolved! I’ll be available for acupuncture starting Thursday, 5/9 (my right hand is unaffected). It will be a few weeks at least before I can do massage. During this recovery period, I am booking people manually rather than with the online system, so give me a call at 503-964-3422. :)
Sharon