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CRPS After hand surgery

Posted by love2cusmile @love2cusmile, Jun 25 2:08pm

I had PRC (Proximal Row Carpectomy) in my left hand in Oct 2024. I then had tendon release surgery in Jan 2025 due to snapping of the ECU tendon. Which I complained about prior to PRC. My Dr did put a stitch in the ECU tendon but said I had a bigger problem and decided to clean out scar tissue from previous surgery and labeled it "arthrofibrosis ". I now have discoloration and numbness to include the feeling of pins and needles everyday. My hand surgeon has diagnosed this as CRPS and referred me to pain management. I have had several rounds of Stellate Ganglion Blocks but only temporary relief. An important fact that I failed to mention is that I AM LEFT HANDED since birth. This has really affected my quality of life. The more I use my hand, the more it irritates the nerves in my hand and it is really debilitating. Has anyone dealt with this and has answers for relief?

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777 | @ashley7 | Sep 17 10:13pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@love2cusmile How unfortunate that the surgery that was supposed to help actually gave you more pain...." + (show)
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@love2cusmile How unfortunate that the surgery that was supposed to help actually gave you more pain. I remember my carpectomy surgery took longer than nearly any other to heal.
Your description of pins and needles points to probable nerve damage - sad to say the only treatments are release if the nerve is trapped and then TIME - lots of time.
And your doctor's description of arthrofibrosis seems to indicate that your body my be overactive in producing scar tissue.
Have you been diagnosed with any autoimmune condition or diabetes? These can increase your chances of excessive scarring.
If this was my dominant hand, I would be pushing for a better option than injections. Perhaps I would consult a rheumatologist or a hand surgeon experienced in complex cases.

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Can I ask for more detail about your experience with hand surgery, then and now? It sounds like you had the proximal row carpectomy a while ago? I am about 8 months post op and also still struggling to cope.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 18 9:58pm
In reply to @ashley7 "Can I ask for more detail about your experience with hand surgery, then and now? It..." + (show)
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Can I ask for more detail about your experience with hand surgery, then and now? It sounds like you had the proximal row carpectomy a while ago? I am about 8 months post op and also still struggling to cope.

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I only know "then" as I am just now having my wrist fail after nearly 20 years. It took a little over a year to completely heal, but there was no discoloration after 3 months. What does the surgeon say about it?

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777 | @ashley7 | Sep 20 10:43am
In reply to @sueinmn "I only know "then" as I am just now having my wrist fail after nearly 20..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

I only know "then" as I am just now having my wrist fail after nearly 20 years. It took a little over a year to completely heal, but there was no discoloration after 3 months. What does the surgeon say about it?

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I have been told that recovery can take up to a year.

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grannyzoo | @grannyzoo | Sep 21 5:44am

I'm really sorry to hear that you're dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It can be incredibly challenging to manage. First and foremost, I strongly recommend eliminating all forms of sugar from your diet, as it has been shown to promote inflammation, which can exacerbate your symptoms. Additionally, you might want to consider reducing or cutting out red meats, as they can also contribute to inflammation in some individuals.

It's essential to avoid alcohol and caffeine as well, since both can interfere with your body's healing processes and potentially worsen pain symptoms.

I encourage you to explore the previous posts on the Mayo Clinic blog specific to CRPS; they contain a wealth of information that could be beneficial. Furthermore, YouTube is an excellent resource where you can find videos and discussions related to CRPS that may provide additional insights and coping strategies.

In the New England States, there's a wonderful support group available that can offer community and understanding from others who are experiencing similar challenges. It is NOT Limited to just New England.

Lastly, I urge you to be cautious about the kind of pain management group you choose. Some healthcare providers may operate in a way that feels more like a factory, quickly processing patients without giving them the attention and care they truly need. It’s important to find a team that is genuinely invested in your well-being and takes the time to address your individual needs.

Reach out to a teaching hospital that is familiar with CRPS. I wish you the best.

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