They call it a test, I call it Torture

For the past 3-4 months I have been complaining about my left ring and pinky fingers being numb. After a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, it was decided that I probably have ulnar nerve compression (kinda like carpal tunnel but a different nerve). The ortho dude sent me for a nerve conduction study, which I had today. I'm pretty sure we use this test to torture prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

He started by placing wires in different places then giving me electric shocks. OUCH! This went on for about 20-25 minutes. Then he decided that he needed more information so he was going to stick a needle in my muscle and do some more tests. I figured 1 needle, no big deal. WRONG! It was one needle that he stuck in about 6 different places then had me try to move my wrist or fingers a certain way.

Finally he was done. I had survived.

Good News- it's only mild/moderate compression
Bad News- Conservative treatment means wearing a brace on my left arm all day and night to keep it straight. Or I can have surgery to decompress the nerve.

So, it's offical....I'M OLD.