My name is Vuokko Svedström, an occupational health nurse with a long career in the field. In December, 2018, my right hand began to go numb at night and it gradually got worse.
I went to my occupational doctor in February, 2019. According to ENMG tests, I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. I was due for wrist surgery in April, the month I was also due to take my retirement. However, I was also due for a knee replacement operation in May, so the wrist surgery got deferred.
As I was recovering from the knee surgery, I didn’t use my arm as much and the carpal tunnel symptoms lessened.
In May, 2020, I took a job in elderly home care because I got bored at home. Home care is physically demanding work and my carpal tunnel symptoms became increasingly worse. By December, the symptoms were unbearable. I was ready to make an appointment for surgery as soon as possible.
At the last moment, I found out that Hannu Timonen had also treated wrist ailments with excellent results. So I contacted him. I told him about my symptoms and the impending surgery. He said he was fairly certain he could get my wrist symptom free.
So I went to see him and yes, after a few treatments, my wrist really did recover and the numbness and pins and needles stopped. I am really glad that I was able to avoid unnecessary surgery. If the symptoms come back, I know where to go.
08.08.2021 Vuokko Svedström