Neuropathy post chemotherapy = Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An update on my neuropathy:

Neuropathy in my hands has continued since November, post chemotherapy. It’s especially painful at night when I get constant pins and needles – even with meds which have improved it significantly.

I had some tests done by a Neurophysician at the RMH last week. They were little shocks on my hands and wrists – feeling like an electric shock from the trampoline. As I left, she quickly told me it’s likely I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which can be common, related to nerve damage from chemotherapy.

There’s a graduated approach to treatment – for now I am on meds and I have hand splints (they’re much like my skating wrist guards – pink too!). Steroid injections and surgery are a long way off.

I had a great chat with my GP yesterday. The Neurophysician‘s tests confirmed I have early stage, mild carpal tunnel syndrome, as a side effect of chemotherapy.

I bumped into a friend in the waiting room at the RMH – she told me the tests would be “straightforward but uncomfortable” (true!), and the Neurophysician and I had a great chat as the tests were quite long.

Lots of people I know have told me about their Carpal Tunnel and neuropathy – after chemo and during pregnancy. It’s a large club, fortunately relief seems possible.

Cancer, hey?! Every day there’s something new and unexpected! At least I no longer get my period.
👏🏽
Image: navy and orange signs at the RMH. They read “Clinical Neurophysiology
EEG, EMG, Evoked Potentials, Vestibular Studies”
And
“Neuroscience Clinical Trials
MELBOURNE BRAIN CENTRE”. Green cabinets are on the wall next to the signs.