Question:
My hands seem to fall asleep

from what I can find in the FAQ, some people say it could be carpal tunnel syndrom or even the beginning of diabetes. I am 22, and only use my computer when I am checking email or surfing the internet- maybe a couple hours a day. Should I be concerned about this? I wake up a couple times a night with an arm or hand asleep, and then shift positions. Also, sometimes if I am sitting with my arms bent a certain way I will get that tingling in my arm or hand. I always thought it was due to the excess weight I have gained in the past year or so, but now I am kinda worried. Should I see my doctor? Thanks.    — Jennifer Y. (posted on January 10, 2002)

January 10, 2002
I just wanted to say that the same thing happened to me a few months ago, pre-op. My arm would fall asleep and it gradually got worse and worse. It kept me up at night, I couldn't write, I was miserable. It lasted about 3-4 weeks. My doctors kept giving me medicine, sent me for a MRI, and had a test scheduled to check the nerves in my arm and it got better all on its own. I know that is not very encouraging, but after all the doctor visits, copays for visits, tests, and prescriptions, I was frustrated when it felt better on its own and the doctors could not figure out what to do. Hope yours will be back to normal soon!!!
   — Melissa T.

January 10, 2002
Yes, this sounds like the beginnings of carpal tunnel. A couple of things: avoid sleeping on your hands, don't lean on your elbows (the nerve that runs down your arm is very exposed there), and cut back on repetitive motions. Mine was due to repetitive motion at work, not the computer. And your weight probably does not help any. Mine came back while I was pregnant and retaining lot of water. The good news is that post op yours will probably improve. The tingling is due to pressure on the nerve and losing weight will take some of the pressure off. If you perform a lot of repetitive motion tasks, you probably will still have to make changes to avoid further problems, tho. And once it gets bad, it really HURTS. I got to the point where it was difficult to hold even a full can of soda it hurt so bad. The good news is that I changed positions and started using braces at night to keep my wrists straight and my symptoms became bearable without surgery. If you want to talk further about it, email me. I not only experienced it firsthand (pun intended) but also worked with a doctor that specialized in orthopedic surgery for the hand. Good luck!
   — ctyst

January 11, 2002
I had this problem pre-op, also. It got worse as I gained weight. At night, I could not get my arms into a comfortable position because they would constantly fall asleep. My doctor theorized that I was retaining a lot of fluid internally and this was putting pressure on the nerves in this area. This same thing happened to me when I was pregnant and holding fluid. So, it made sense to me. I am 1 year post op and this problem went away completely!! I can hardly remember when, but it was early post op. Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 21, 2002
Calcium is the answer, check your levels
   — Nilda G.

December 21, 2002
Age really has nothing to do with CTS since kids are now getting it. :) I was diagnosed with it in both wrists at 19 and had surgery on both wrists (right wrist in December 97, left wrist in July 98). I personally would go to the doctor who can make a diagnosis. They generally run a simple, painfree test. If it is carpal tunnel, then I suggest wearing wrist splints at night (doctor will give them to you.) Before I had my surgeries on my wrists, I had cortisone injections which helped temporarily. It may give you the needed time before you have surgery. :) Again, go to the doctor, since I can't make a diagnosis. I can only give you my first-hand experience considering I've had cortisone injections and surgery (both hands). *hugs* Good luck. :)
   — Michelle B.