Bilat Hand pain numbness Help!

[luvdogs]

Hello- Iam a dental hygienist.age 39.  I have had bilateral hand pain and numbness that started almost 10 yrs ago! I just had my 4th EMG today for carpel tunnel testing. The prior one was maybe 4 yrs ago. ALL were normal. I went through many tests and specialists including neurologists, orthopedist, hand surgeon, had cortisone injects, many differnet oral meds, complete blood work ups and another just recently, MRI of hands and cervical area that was 4-5 yrs ago, x rays hands and elbows, phys and occup. therapy. So as you can imagine it's frustrating and I can only work p/t due to the pain. The numbness actually sets in more at night and does wake me up. I did also try wrist splints which made  the numbness unbearable.
Last year bilateral elbow pain started and still continues so that concerns me as well and makes it harder for me to manage.
When I have my 3 days off in a row or if I have a vacation from work it will subside but never entirely goes away. Iam at a complete loss and if anyone can offer advice. Where do I go from here? I can't bear to think that my occupation is ruining my quality of life. I enjoy my job but I'm in so much pain. Please help!

[sandee1818]

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
I found this and it sounds like you have some of the symptoms listed here. Ask your doctor it couldn't hurt to look into it:)

[sandee1818]

I am sorry I totally missed that you have had the EMG.
I know that mt previous PM doctor has written many articles on nerve damage and nerve pain. He says that nerve damage and nerve pain can not always be detected on test. It is very hard to diagnose with the test provided also.
My aunt has the same problem as you and she too has had every test done that's available. She was finally diagnosed with carpal tunnel as a last resort king of thing and is treated with injections and pain medications. She also takes Lyrica.
I do not have an answer for you other than to keep searching for whats wrong. I would find a doctor that will not stop until the answer is found and that will treat your pain in the mean time.
I wish you luck and hope you will keep us posted on how your doing:)

[luvdogs]

Hi- Yes alot of repititive movements. I try to be as ergonomically correct as possible. How does the nerve conduction study differ from the EMG? Thanks!

[sandee1818]

I am thinking you may have some nerve damage. have you had a nerve conduction study done? Also with the repetitive movements you must make that could be a cause for the pain also.
I am sorry your having such pain and not able to work as you want to but don't give up. Have the NCS done and see what it shows.