View Privacy Policy

CTS LETTER RE: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Letter Of Appreciation)

Dear Doctor Fulk:

I am writing this letter in much appreciation of your help regarding my carpal tunnel syndrome which began in 1990.

Since 1990 I have seen myriad doctors, had my myriad treatments, suffered through many painful tests – even had bi-lateral carpal tunnel releases performed twice – and still the pain continued…until I began treatments with you regarding my continuing pain and problems with bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

As of this writing, my carpal tunnel symptoms have been almost totally eliminated. My daily pain has been reduced dramatically; such that now I am able to begin doing activities I have not been able to enjoy for 10 years.

Let me give a synopsis of how my "CTS" began and all the treatments and testing I have had to endure during that 10 year period:

In 1990 I was working for NCR Corporation (5 years total) in Dayton , OH as an Executive Secretary. I have always typed for a living and was quite proud of my speed (114 wpm accurate) and abilities in this area.

In April of 1990, I injured my left thumb. At first I thought it was a simple sprain…but the problem grew worse…eventually developing into (Trigger Thumb" with my ligaments actually catching inside my thumb and becoming stuck in a bent position periodically. I tried to compensate for the pain and inconvenience, but this backfired as "Trigger Thumb" led to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms on my left hand/wrist etc. NCR's medical personnel referred me to a hand specialist for the thumb problems. He gave me an immobilizing splint for my left hand/thumb and also did an injection of cortizone into my thumb (which hurt a lot). I got no relief from the injection. After treating with the first doctor for a couple of months; he referred me to another doctor for treatment options/possible surgery.

Doctor #2 did the "Trigger Thumb Release" surgery on my left hand in July of 1990. He continued to treat me for what had now become bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome. He insisted that I have "CTS Testing Procedures" done before he would consider surgery; NCV and EMG tests. These tests are quite painful and I had to have each test done three times. Every test result was negative for "CTS". I had now been off from work since April 1990. NCR insisted that I could not return to work until I had received bi-lateral carpal tunnel releases. My left hand was done 11/1990 and my right hand was done 01/1991.

It should be noted that since April 1990 I had needed pain medication and sleep medication because the pain and aching of my hands/wrists/arms was so intense that often I could not sleep at all. My medications included motrin, various codeine-based pills/vikodan and elavil for sleeping. Starting in April 1990 I had to wear full metal-bar braces on both hands to keep my wrists in a preferred position while I tried to sleep.

It should also be noted that prior to the first set of bi-lateral releases being performed, my hands were so sensitive that I had to constantly wrap them in ace bandages up to my elbow. It hurt when water ran over my hands/palms etc. I dropped almost everything that tried to hold. I was unbelievably sensitive to the slightest movement and vibration. (You can imagine my level of pain during the "NCV and EMG" testings.)

I did not get any relief from any of the hand surgeries performed by doctor #2. My wrists continued to hurt and ache as before. To make matters worse, this doctor insisted that he had done his part by performing the surgeries and that I could no longer treat with him.

I learned to live with the pain. NCR fired me the day that I returned from surgery leave in 1991. As I had no other income choices, I applied to Crown Services and Manpower Services for temporary work as a typist. I typed with my arms in ace bandages, wearing full metal-plate braces and did the best that I could. Even in this state I could still type about 75 wpm – but it was painful.

Eventually, I decided to find work in the travel industry. I worked for several different agencies in temporary positions; and then landed a job with WagonLit Travel as a quality control agent. I enjoyed the change and redoubled my efforts to become quick and accurate. After a year or so, I was transferred to the WPAFB Travel Offices to do travel itineraries for official travel for the base. Again, I enjoyed the work and tried my best not to let my pain hamper my performance. I then took a position in the leisure travel office at WPAFB.

While I was working there, I injured my hands/wrists again and my carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms returned. It felt like my fingers were on fire, and the burning pain extended from my fingers up my arms. There was a lot of sharp wrist pain, shooting pain in my arms, bruising, and swelling. I could not write to take phone messages at all and I found that I could not type even a sentence or two. I was forced to take a leave of absence as I again tried medical treatments to end the pain.

Doctor #2 refused to treat me again. A friend told me about a chiropractor who might help me. He helped me deal with the pain through treatments three times a week – but could not control the pain or the swelling and bruising. He referred me to another surgeon, Doctor #3. This doctor did not want to do surgery either – but knew that I was in such terrible pain that he agreed to treat me. We tried all the regular things that I had done in the past. I was at the point where I felt that surgery was the only way. He insisted that I go through another "EMG/NCV" testing which was unbelievably painful. The tests were still showing negative for "CTS." He finally decided to do cotizone injections into each wrist with the idea that if I got relief from the pain that I would confirm that another bi-lateral carpal tunnel release procedure would work.

Doctor #3 was wonderful. He truly listened to me and definitely wanted to help me if he at all could.

Note: This was my second ordeal with the bureau of workers compensation. The first time I dealt with them was during my medical leave of absence from NCR. They kept insisting that since my "NCV/EMG" testings were negative it was all in my head – that I really did not have the pain of carpal tunnel at all. They were the reason that I had to take painful test after painful test.

Doctor #3 submitted the proper forms to the bureau for surgery, but they would not approve it for payment. After we had waited for several months and my pain/symptoms grew worse and worse – he decided that he would go ahead with my bi-lateral releases for my health's sake.

This time I got immediate relief the day of each surgery. The pain and pressure in my wrists was gone. I was jubilant.However, I found that I was unable to do even the simplest task because my wrists were so fragile. I could not lift (even a pound or less) without shooting pain. I could not use silverware or write without pain. If I sat in a chair and did nothing…then I had no pain or swelling. Doctor #3 treated me after surgery for a while – but then advised that there was nothing further he could do for me; and that I would probably have to live this way for the rest of my life. Again, he was wonderful, and I have nothing but great things to say about him…unfortunately again I had to "live with the pain."

A few months later, my husband was given Dr. Fulk's name by a college professor he was taking classes with. He had told her about my problems and that I could not do anything – that I was practically an invalid. He told her all about the medical treatments, testings, etc., that I had been through since 1990. She told him that she new a chiropractor that specialized in treating carpal tunnel – Doctor Fulk at Valley Chiropractic. My husband got Doctor Fulk's name, phone, and address and we went to visit him.

Doctor fulk told me that he could relieve my carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, and that – in fact – he felt my pain was not coming from my wrists, but was originating in my neck. It was hard to believe that someone could really relive my pain and give "My Life" back as far as daily activities, etc. It sounded too good to be true…but I had tried everything else – what did I have to lose.

Doctor Fulk began treating me in July 1999. X-rays confirmed his theory that my pain was originating in my neck and radiating down both hands/wrists etc. He began special treatments three times a week designed to help me and continued to do adjustments each time. Doctor Fulk had himself, designed new state-of-the-art equipment machines specifically for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and other types of pain. Each time I met with him he carefully and in great detail explained what was happening and how my body would react.

I found myself feeling better and better. What a relief!! After one month of treatment, I found that I no longer had to wear braces for sleeping…a true miracle! As we continued on with treatment, I could not believe the progress we made. After 10 years of pain and no relief in sight, Doctor Fulk had my body mending itself. Activities that I thought I could never participate in could now be considered and even slowly tried. I could use silverware, hold items without dropping them, lift small objects without pain.

At this point, we are still working to get full hand/wrist arm functions for my daily activities. I still have periods of time where I am in pain, but never to the extent prior to Doctor Fulk's treatment regime. Writing is still very painful and I cannot write more than a paragraph or so. As the music director at our church, I have had to give up playing the piano during this 10 year timeframe and Doctor Fulk is currently working on getting me well enough to possibly get back on the keyboard.

I can cook again – I can do some household cleaning – I can grocery shop by myself. It is a true miracle.

I want to tell anyone (AND EVERYONE) out there who is dealing with hand or wrist problems that Doctor Fulk can help you.

Don't just treat the symptoms you are experiencing with splints and braces, pain medications, and the regular treatments that are out there. I have had good doctors (and some bad doctors) – but no one could relieve my pain despite all their best efforts.

Doctor Fulk can give you back the life that your pain and immobility has taken away from you. I thought no one could help me and was resigned to living my life forever dealing with daily pain and aggravation. No more!!

Call him and make an appointment today!! You'll be glad you did!!

Sincerely,

Patsy Caudill

P.S.

If anyone would like to speak with me directly regarding my past pain and problems – as well as my current treatments with Doctor Fulk – I would be happy to do so.

The information on this web site has not been evaluated by the FDA an is not designed to cure, treat, or prevent disease without a proper diagnosis.