May Have Carpal Tunnel...

[DentalMBA]

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Hey All!


So I finished up with my Chemistry/Biology degrees and I am working on an MBA while working in a Dental office. I’ve been there almost one year.


A month ago I had my yearly health screening and I mentioned to my doctor some wrist pain I’ve been having. Not to severe but enough to cause me discomfort while assisting on longer procedures. After some initial testing by my PCP she thinks I may have carpal tunnel... I am going to a specialist next month.


I’m scared, nervous, and upset because I have spent the last 4 years of my life focusing on getting into dental school with two DAT takes, retaking 20-30 credit hours of science classes, and getting a job as an assistant. I don’t know what to do or even if I should consider pursuing dentistry. I love it. I haven’t told my boss about this yet and I’m afraid to. He wants me in dental school probably more than I do, lol.


Advice/Words of encourgement are appreciated. Have you ever known someone with a wrist problem that was still successful? Or someone who had to drop everything because of a wrist problem?


Thanks,


DentalMBA

 

[aspiringdentistplshelp]

I think you can still do it if you really want to, but the wrist pain and problems will only get worse and worse over time. At some point your burning passion will die down if you're constantly feeling pain in your wrist. Personally, I know several dentists in their late 40s and 50s who regularly complain about the fact that their wrist and neck hurt from working. So Idk, In the end it's completely up to you. I'd say wait until after you meet with a specialist to really make a decision.

 

[Faefly]

There is always a way to achieve your dreams.

For example, you work for 10 years as a dentist and then when the pain is too much. Work in your school clinics as an instructor.
Or study for the Ph.D./dds program so you have an option if you lose your ability to use your hand properly to teach students in lectures.


It is not the end of the world, don't lose hope just because some doctor might have diagnosed you incorrectly.

 

[allantois]

There is always a way to achieve your dreams.

For example, you work for 10 years as a dentist and then when the pain is too much. Work in your school clinics as an instructor.
Or study for the Ph.D./dds program so you have an option if you lose your ability to use your hand properly to teach students in lectures.


It is not the end of the world, don't lose hope just because some doctor might have diagnosed you incorrectly.

Or pursue a profession that is not going to worsen your wrist pain

 

[Dandoonboy]

I completely understand how this would be a concern for you and your future, but before becoming worried go see a few orthopedic surgeons that specialized in upper extremities and I mean see AT LEAST 2 of them. You will most likely have to get a nerve conduction test done from a neurologist before the orthopedic surgeon can make any assessments.

 

[CanadianGurl]

Carpal tunnel isn’t a death sentence! Mild carpal tunnel can be healed using a wrist split (to be worn all nights). Moderate to severe, a surgery that is widely successful. You’ll be fine, but best get it checked and take care of yourself now.

 

[luisfigo]

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is not a big deal, there is connective tissue wrapped around the wrist like saran wrap that compresses the nerve making it painful, you just go in and cut the "wrap" and boom, pressure relieved, and pain relieved eventually after recovery and some physical therapy. My coworker had it, we work with our hands a lot, had the surgery and never complained again after she recovered.

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is not a big deal, there is connective tissue wrapped around the wrist like saran wrap that compresses the nerve making it painful, you just go in and cut the "wrap" and boom, pressure relieved, and pain relieved eventually after recovery and some physical therapy. My coworker had it, we work with our hands a lot, had the surgery and never complained again after she recovered.

Patient to patient mate. I have family who've had release surgery and for them it didn't go quite so smooth.