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Post by Rob Bigwood on Sept 22, 2009 9:03:51 GMT -5
Just got some bad news... I have arthritis in my right elbow, a compressed nerve that needs to be moved, and 4 bone spurs. The compressed nerve is only allowing my pinky and ring finger to be at 60% strength and the doc says if I DONT have surgery it will get worse in the future. Any suggestions? Anyone have this same type of thing before? This might be it for me guys....  |
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Post by Rob Bigwood on Sept 22, 2009 9:05:44 GMT -5
Guess it makes sense why I am so much weaker right handed also....
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Post by Shawn Lattimer on Sept 22, 2009 9:12:12 GMT -5
The arthritis is nothing-----every athlete has it. The spurs and nerve impingement are bigger issues.
I have spurs in my left that keep my arm from fully straightening. I looked at getting them cut out, but at the time my insurance wouldn't cover it (HMO). Eventually I did some other types of therapy that killed the inflammation, and now I'm ok.
The nerve I think is probably your biggest issue.
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Post by "VENGEANCE" -David Rivera- on Sept 22, 2009 9:36:25 GMT -5
Yeah def the nerve issue is the biggest.
"Treatment
The most frequently recommended treatment for pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area in order to relieve pressure on the nerve. He or she may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve.
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can help relieve pain and alleviate inflammation around the nerve. Your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength NSAID if your pain is severe.
Surgery
If the nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, surgery to take pressure off the nerve may be necessary. "
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Post by Jim Bryan on Sept 22, 2009 10:03:07 GMT -5
I've know Rob for a long time and he's got a lot more problems than just a little pinched nerve, lol.....Think of all those pics he's put up over the years, wow.......
There are several armwrestlers that have had the surgery to move pinched nerves and/or bone spurs. Whatever needs to be done, this is far from the end for you Rob. It's more of a delay or test of your resolve. Whatever treatment, physical therapy or alternate healing method you choose, good luck and let us know what's going on.
Jim
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Post by Jim Wagner on Sept 22, 2009 10:46:52 GMT -5
Rob- same thing that made me quit years ago. Ulnar Nervitious. Your Ulnar nerve is killing you, fingers go numb, etc. I stopped doing a lot of training with my elbow planted, and when I practice I use a foam pad. You cannot train like you want, but you can work around it.
I did not have mine moved, but they wanted to move it. Up to you friend. I found a good doctor who does sports injury rehab, he has helped some.
I can only do a few events a year, but im still at it. You can find a way man!
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Adam Cook
Silver Member
Life is on the table, everything else is just waiting.
Posts: 445
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Post by Adam Cook on Sept 22, 2009 12:49:48 GMT -5
Is your last name really "Bigwood?"
Because that is awesome.
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Post by Janie Morse on Sept 22, 2009 14:00:01 GMT -5
Hey Rob....it just so happens that I work for a D.O.- (physiatrist) who focuses on nerve pain...etc....mainly spine and musculoskeletal. What all have you tried at this point? Bone spurs actually occur as a natural defense that your body makes to help tissue issues...I agree the main thing you will need to focus on is your nerve. Unfortunately, once you are having numbness/etc., over the counter anti-inflammatories aren't really gonna do anything for you/much for you. Has your doctor talked to you about any kind of injections? From patient experiences, I would recommend trying anything and everything prior to surgery...surprisingly enough, you can find a lot of relief from alternative healing methods like acupuncture, PT...etc. Electrical Stimulation can help with pain....what kind of Doctor are you seeing? An orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist?  Try finding a D.O. (board certified) in your area- I always recommend a second opinion from another physician before getting into surgery...let me know a little more info., and I would be happy to talk to the Doctor I work for about recommendations- he is amazing. Good luck until then.... keep your head up....being proactive in your own treatment is the first step!  |
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Post by Steve Inzalaco on Sept 22, 2009 14:32:58 GMT -5
What Janie recommended is correct. Other posts make sense too. Your a cool guy Rob, hope all works out for you. Being a puller, Paramedic for 10 years and a PA student...in addition to what Janie said try a Sports Medicine M.D. They tend to be a little less bias on our sport VS a D.O. ...P.A. and Other M.D's that don't practice Sports Medicine......Give it a try and demand a Sport Med M.D. from your Primary Doctor......Good Luck..... PS ....Dont worry your left is your bread and butter anyways......  See you soon bro. Steve |
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Post by Lee Browning on Sept 22, 2009 15:35:50 GMT -5
Rob,
I know Craig Tullier had a compressed nerve in his right elbow relocated. That was back around 2005 and he was strong as ever after he healed up from the surgery.
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Post by Vic Sargent on Sept 22, 2009 19:20:43 GMT -5
Hey Rob the only thing I would suggest is listen to your doctors and your body and do what your mind is telling you is right for you. NO two ppl are the same and neither are their injuries.. Everybody heals and rehabs differently so just do what is right for YOU!!
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Post by Dan Fortuna on Sept 22, 2009 19:49:00 GMT -5
Ditto all the above and feel better buddy.
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Post by Jason Vale on Sept 22, 2009 19:59:00 GMT -5
Would work though it and rub DMSO on it and herbs and have pressure put on it and throw a ball and bowl and play handball and flex into the pain and and and not get surgery.
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Post by Ed "Bam" Moehle on Sept 23, 2009 0:14:26 GMT -5
whatever u decide bro goodluck it's your call |
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Post by Rob Bigwood on Sept 27, 2009 19:49:41 GMT -5
Thanks for all of the encouragement guys!! I am getting a few other opinions. And honestly it was MUCH worse a few years ago so I am hoping to avoid surgery!! BUT I am getting these damn bone spurs removed for sure.... |
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Try finding a D.O. (board certified) in your area- I always recommend a second opinion from another physician before getting into surgery...let me know a little more info., and I would be happy to talk to the Doctor I work for about recommendations- he is amazing. Good luck until then.... keep your head up....being proactive in your own treatment is the first step! 
