Thumb-body doesn't like me!

[ladycop322]

Recently, I was experiencing a lot of pain on the inside of my right (strong hand) thumb. The pain got so bad, I began to worry about my full-time job as a police officer, being that it is my shooting hand.

I visited the hand specialist on Friday and was told I had a digital neuroma, aka, bowler's thumb, aka, nerve damage. I was told that there were NO shots, NO medications, NO anything to help this...so,

the doc suggested I not use the hand/thumb for two months. If the nerve is still affected, then I need to undergo surgery to actually move the nerve from that location.

I am real bummed out because I was looking forward to my first show as a vendor in October. Also, if I can find another way to hold the chisel other than gripping the handle as I usually do, then I can continue to turn. So far, I haven't figured it out.

is all I can say right now.

 

[tbroye]

Adapt and overcome. As we age I think all have to change the way we do things. I have Carpel Tunnel and bad Rotator Cuffs in both shoulder and a bad leg from equipping California Highway Patrol vehicles for 30 years . In fact I retired a year earlier than I had planned because I couldn't do the physical part of the job anymore, and I was supervisor. I have to be careful when turning to much time at the lathe and the hand start giving me trouble. I will be 73 soon and haven't had to have any corrective surgery so far I just do things differently and slower than I used to. Rest sometime is the best thing for our bodies even though we don't like. God luck and resting you thumb. Does it affect you ability to fire you weapon? Ask my Son's I am dangerous with hammer have no clue where it will when I swing. I use screw guns now.

 

[bjbear76]

Michelle,
I know what you're going through. I developed that in my right thumb several months ago and just recently I started having the same thing in my left. There is a wrist brace called a 'thumb stabilizer' that you can wear that will reduce the pain. You're right though, other than ibuprofen and ice there's not much else you can do. I took a couple weeks off from turning and felt better, but as soon as I started turning it returned within a couple days.

I feel your pain :frown:

 

[Jim15]

Michelle, I'll put you in my prayers that your thumb gets better and you don't have to be operated on and that you find a way around it.

 

[mecompco]

That is terrible! You can't put your career at risk. I have bouts of carpal tunnel and make my living typing and mouse jockeying most of the day. There is always the metal lathe--not a lot of thumb action involved (well, besides sanding/finishing).

 

[PenPal]

I find the hand grip relaxing helps me greatly as for the weapon use the thumb is vital trust it eases.

Peter.

 

[oneleggimp]

So sorry to hear this. Prayers for you. Is there any way you can switch hands for turning?

 

[BRobbins629]

Get well soon and in the meantime get a metal lathe. No stress on the hands. Maybe good for long term if condition persists.

 

[SDB777]

Sorry to hear about the 'shooting hand'....
Having shot competitively, I learned it always time to try using the other hand. Running a 1991A1 'weak hand' isn't what I'd call fun, but I can still qualify in Master Class with it. And the race-gun...."A" class(go figure?). So don't count out the 'weak hand', got to practice with it in case of an injury anyway.



Scott (get well, and stay safe) B

 

[wob50]

Sorry to hear this, I hope and pray for your recovery to be a fast a easy one.

 

[Kragax]

I had a go around with that years ago. I wore the thumb stabilizer for two weeks and it was gone. Still minor flare ups from time to time but nothing serious. I can still shoot IDPA with a .45 ACP. Rest it a see for yourself. You are in my prayers as well

 

[RedBeard]

Hope this clears up for you quickly.
I know all too well how disconcerting it is when a doctor tells you that there is no medication to alleviate pain. I was diagnosed with a spinal condition a couple of years ago that causes sever pain in my back. Cauterizing the nerve cluster was talked about but, according to the pain management doc, there was no guarantees and it would eventually grow back and have to be done all over again.

 

[ELA]

Sorry to hear of your thumb problem. I am right handed, but from the start have found it easier to turn left handed. I use a roughing gouge like a skew for pen turning. You might give that a try since the thumb is not necessary to control the tool.

 

[TonyL]

Lori takes a supplement that has averted a second surgery. I will get the name for you.

 

[tjseagrove]

Take care of yourself...if I had to call you in an emergency, it won't be your pens I am looking for. :wink:

Can you switch hands? I use a mouse in my left hand but had to adapt because ALL my clients at the office are right handed and that is where the mouse is.
46

 

[low_48]

I prefer less traditional treatments for this kind of pain. I'd suggest you find a good chiropractor, and/or an acupuncturist.

 

[D.Oliver]

As far as less tradtional treatments go, I bet this would be good for thumb pain.

 

[ragz]

If you must turn the first question to ask is...
What size tools are you using? If you are using larger full size chisels you may be able to brace against your side and either rest your hand on top of the handle or cradle it and not use the area between your thumb and index finger. You'll need to get used to taking lighter cuts though.

You might also consider a Vega mini duplicator as well. If you have a particular kit and style you turn a lot of, you can mount a template which can be a turned tube and it will do the heavy work and leave the finishing sanding and treatment to you. Also good for doing a run of several pens in a particular style. You can do several rough turns in minutes and have more time for complicated or long cure finishes

 

[Ligget]

Sorry to hear about your thumb, here is a link to an inspirational lady who makes beautiful stuff without having any hands, this may give you a few ideas! Click here

 

[TonyL]

This what has helped my wife http://www.amazon.com/Osteo-Bi-Flex...8&qid=1437525970&sr=1-7&keywords=ostio-biflex

 

[Fay Prozora]

So sorry to hear this. You turn beautiful pens. I have arthritis all over too and the ones in both hands are changing. Some times my fingers freeze up while I'm turning and then I have to stop for awhile. My right arm is deformed because of arthritis and have had surgery on it. Hang in there, there are people in the world who are worse shape than we are in and they create wonderful things on a lathe. Best wishes. Fay

 

[bobleibo]

I turn left handed and a few years ago, I injured my hand on my mountain bike. Rather than sit it out for the time being, I learned to turn right handed. Over the years, it has come in handy especially when turning bowls. Black cloud, silver lining. Hang in there, things have a way of working themselves out.

 

[nativewooder]

A few years ago an MD who was a member of that particular forum spoke up because, like a lot of us, he had developed pain in his thumb, changed hands for turning and eventually had the same thing in his other thumb. According to him, it is actually a type of arthritis caused by constant vibration and wear and tear for which there is no cure or recommended medication.

I wish you well, Michelle, and with your career at stake, please stay away from snake charmers, voodoo, other witchdoctors. I would recommend the Farmer's Almanac, reading tea leaves, and long walks on the beach (armed)!:wink: