Bono Undergoes Surgery

[last unicorn]

I'm sorry so to hear that, Love and Logic and LU.

Carpal Tunnel is very painful. My mom had several surgeries for it and it only helped her for a while. I will keep you both, in my prayers, tonight.

And no, neither one of you caused yourselves to have this painful disease. It is not your fault.

Thanks. Most of the time it doesn't bother me much anymore, but if I work on the computer too much or do a lot of writing, it often gets worse again. I was so tired of it, it caused me a lot of trouble and I had to take time off work regularly. I couldn't sleep at night because the hand hurt so much. I had ato wear a splint while working which made it a little better. I had to learn to keep my arms in a special position that would cause me less trouble. I've had it on the right hand first and later on the left hand as well, but by far not as bad as with the right hand. It just sucks so much if you cannot use your hands properly, especially in my case with writing which is so important for me, but sometimes I was unable to even hold the pen, it simply fell out of my hand.

 

[A stor]

Just wondering......Do cold packs help your wrist? Ease some of the stiffness and pain? I use them for my knees, as needed. And they do really help.

I do understand how bad Carpal Tunnel can get. It was the same for my mom. She couldn't hold a pen either. Her right hand became like a claw. She couldn't move her fingers. Her last surgery worked best for her. She had a much better surgeon, this time around.

PS. Sorry, if I have gone off topic.

 

[LoveandLogic]

Me, too, both hands, though I'm a bit older, but I've been having problems for years. It does suck.

Thanks. Most of the time it doesn't bother me much anymore, but if I work on the computer too much or do a lot of writing, it often gets worse again. I was so tired of it, it caused me a lot of trouble and I had to take time off work regularly. I couldn't sleep at night because the hand hurt so much. I had ato wear a splint while working which made it a little better. I had to learn to keep my arms in a special position that would cause me less trouble. I've had it on the right hand first and later on the left hand as well, but by far not as bad as with the right hand. It just sucks so much if you cannot use your hands properly, especially in my case with writing which is so important for me, but sometimes I was unable to even hold the pen, it simply fell out of my hand.

Oh geez. I know what you mean. I write ALL THE TIME. And I always have. Plus drawing and painting. It was just a matter of time before it caught up with me. My thing is, I know a lot of writers and hang around a lot of tattoo artists who have been tattooing for 12, 15, 20 years and don't have carpal tunnel. So why a 21 year old, ya know? It's horrible. If I can't use my hands, there is no point for me. And I sometimes feel it my left but not like my right. And I, too, have to use the wrist splint and sleep a certain way. It's very painful. It was to a point where I couldn't squeeze a shampoo bottle. And I've been noticing that I drop things a lot now. Today was the first day that it didn't actually bother me a whole lot. Have you gone to a doctor about yours? If so what did he say?

Just wondering......Do cold packs help your wrist? Ease some of the stiffness and pain? I use them for my knees, as needed. And they do really help.

I do understand how bad Carpal Tunnel can get. It was the same for my mom. She couldn't hold a pen either. Her right hand became like a claw. She couldn't move her fingers. Her last surgery worked best for her. She had a much better surgeon, this time around.

PS. Sorry, if I have gone off topic.

See, I'm so scared of that, my hand being a claw... How many times has she gotten surgery? And as for a cold compress? I've always used warm. Never tried cold.

 

[A stor]

Ten surgeries.......All of it were during the eighties and early nineties. At a VA hospital. Known, for not giving the best medical care.

My mom's eleventh surgery, was the best so far. Done by a better health insurance DR. Her hand is no longer a claw. She has about seventy percent usage. Which, is great for her.

 

[LoveandLogic]

Oh my! Eleven? Wow...that poor woman. I'm glad she's doing better, though! And thank you for the prayers.

 

[last unicorn]

I haven't had surgery so far, but I'll probably have to if it's getting worse, if the nerve problem is getting worse. Right now I only have cooling ointment, ice packs and the splint to help. I have to train the hand daily. The left hand is hardly affected because I don't use it much, it actually got better, but I'm still having problems with the right hand. I don't want to have surgery because it would mean having to take time off from work for many weeks, which is a scary thought. However, the doctor said if it's getting worse I have to have surgery. He says it's not a big deal and a lot of people have surgery on their hands because of that problem. I know a lot of people who've had one or two surgeries on their affected hand and it was ok after that, but I've never heard of anyone having so many surgeries.

I don't think it's a question of age. Sometimes the nerve tunnel is just too tight from your birth on, people are practically born with it and it's starting to cause problems without even using your hands so much. Sometimes it happens if you're pregnant or have a hormonal disorder that causes the muscles around the tunnel to swell, sometimes it's just holding your hand in the wrong position for years when you're working on a computer. Age really isn't a factor here, it can happen to anyone.

 

[A stor]

Oh my! Eleven? Wow...that poor woman. I'm glad she's doing better, though! And thank you for the prayers.

You are very welcome. Her surgeries were during the late seventies and eighties. I'm sure this procedure has gotten much better now. Same for back surgery. Less invasive and a smaller incision. Patients, Bono included, recover much faster than they did twenty/thirty years ago.

 

[A stor]

I haven't had surgery so far, but I'll probably have to if it's getting worse, if the nerve problem is getting worse. Right now I only have cooling ointment, ice packs and the splint to help. I have to train the hand daily. The left hand is hardly affected because I don't use it much, it actually got better, but I'm still having problems with the right hand. I don't want to have surgery because it would mean having to take time off from work for many weeks, which is a scary thought. However, the doctor said if it's getting worse I have to have surgery. He says it's not a big deal and a lot of people have surgery on their hands because of that problem. I know a lot of people who've had one or two surgeries on their affected hand and it was ok after that, but I've never heard of anyone having so many surgeries.

I don't think it's a question of age. Sometimes the nerve tunnel is just too tight from your birth on, people are practically born with it and it's starting to cause problems without even using your hands so much. Sometimes it happens if you're pregnant or have a hormonal disorder that causes the muscles around the tunnel to swell, sometimes it's just holding your hand in the wrong position for years when you're working on a computer. Age really isn't a factor here, it can happen to anyone.

I agree.....age isn't a factor. And it can happen to anyone.

I think it is the same for back problems too. Plenty of young, especially athletic people can have back injuries. Bono did. He isn't old and is in good physical condition. We have seen many pictures of him walking, jogging and swimming. All of which, are great for the body.

I think my mom's doctor was just a general surgeon. Not a specialist. In the past, some United States VA hospitals, have not given the best care. When, she went with private insurance. Her last surgery went great. She has full usage of her hand. It aches her now and then. But, that is too be expected.

 

[kafrun]

Oh, and btw, I read in a medical book that the spinal cord canel contains grey matter in the middle and is surrounded by white matter. Probably like a bone marrow. So they can't be described as floating around. Benji said that most of the risk from Bono's injury was the nerve compression not the disc fragments.

The white matter is part of the spinal cord, just a different kind of cell, not bone marrow. The bone marrow is in.. the bone. The spinal cord and the brain are both surrounded by CSF or cerebrospinal fluid, which would be where the bone fragments were floating.

Just a thought, but if you have no knowledge of anatomy and physiology, or physiotherapy for that matter, you probably shouldn't be putting your assumptions out there as facts.

 

[kafrun]

For those dealing with wrist pain, there are some simple steps you can take to make it better. Surgery should always be a last resort as it creates scar tissue, resulting in new restrictions in the area and new problems can develop.

Always warm up before doing any computer work or whatever activity it is that is causing you pain. Take a stress ball and squeeze it in your hand for several seconds, release, and repeat. Do this with both hands for a few minutes before starting work. It will warm up the muscles, causing less strain throughout the day. It will also slowly build strength in the hands and forearms, which will allow the muscles to cope with the daily stress and strain. End each day with forearm stretches. Lay your hand flat on a desk or similar surface that is approximately waist height. Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds, then flip your hand and lay the back of it flat on the desk. Hold again for 30 seconds. Repeat on both sides of the hands a couple of times to get the maximum benefit. You always want to finish the day with some kind of cold. An ice pack will work, but cold arm baths are excellent therapy(just not too soon before bed, as they will tend to perk you up. )

- Fill a basin or similar container long enough to fit both arms in with cold water. Add a few ice cubes to decrease the temperature if need be. Submerge your forearms for several minutes. You will feel several sensations: first cold, then ache, finally numbness. When you're finished, gently pat your skin dry and allow it to then air dry. Do not rub, it will change the affects on your body. Cold will decrease the inflammation that is present and creating pressure on the nerves and pain.

Also, try massage therapy to help release tension in the muscles and break down any scar tissue that may be forming.

These conditions are very treatable, but you have to keep on them.

//end threadjack.

 

[LoveandLogic]

thank you for the advice, kafrun! I've been told about the stress ball so I should go out and get one. Another problem is, too, is that I'm a server and I'm constantly picking up heavy objects with one hand. I use my left hand to carry the heavy trays but I sometimes feel my left wrist starting to strain a bit. So now I really have to be careful.

And, yes, I suppose age isn't a factor. I wait on a nurse and she checks up on me every now and then again. My wrist sometimes cracks a lot, which is a sign of arthritis. So it could either be carpal or arthritis. I'm thinking carpal. My fingers used to hurt a lot but now it's just my wrist and forearm every now and then. And I now take breaks when I'm typing a lot. Stop for about ten minutes, do some stretches and then proceed with what I was doing. And you are correct that surgery should be the last resort, I've been told that many, many times.

Once again, thank you A Stor, Last Unicorn and kafrun! I really appreciate it.

 

[A stor]

Yes, thank you kafrun!

That is excellent advise. I do get a wrist tendon flare up, with my right hand, now and then. Especially, If I type or write, too much. I will certainly do what you have said. The soft rubber ball was part of my mom's everyday PT. It really made the difference. She still uses one.

Just like, I do PT back stretching exercises everyday. Even, thirteen years after my injury. I think Bono will do the same. They are so easy to do. The back feels better. Safe for almost everyone, and is wonderful for that annoying, occasional, mild Sciatica. It really does help to keep those back muscles strong. Same for walking and swimming. Bono does both. No wonder he looks so good. He is the new "forty!"

Love and Logic.....you are very welcome, sweetie. I am happy to help. I don't have medical degree. My degree is in Liberal Arts. But, I have had my share of aches and pains. We all have. No matter what our age is.

My step daughter has her BSN and additional training as an orthopedic surgical nurse. Worked in her profession for over twelve years now. She has assisted in many knee replacement and back surgeries. Usually a GA is used. After the procedure is done. They can wake you up, fairly quick.

 

[A stor]

The white matter is part of the spinal cord, just a different kind of cell, not bone marrow. The bone marrow is in.. the bone. The spinal cord and the brain are both surrounded by CSF or cerebrospinal fluid, which would be where the bone fragments were floating.

Just a thought, but if you have no knowledge of anatomy and physiology, or physiotherapy for that matter, you probably shouldn't be putting your assumptions out there as facts.

A portion of the disc certainly can become dislodged and "float in the spinal canal." The very reason, I had so much follow up care with my doctor and several sets of x-rays to confirm. My lumbar disc was still completely, intact. I was also given a time frame, as to whether or not, conventional treatment was working or not. In my case, it did. My disc had bulged, not herniated.

 

[last unicorn]

Good advice, thanks. I always train both hands with my stressball before I go and work on the computer, and whenever I feel my hands going weak in the course of a day. It helps to keep the fingers more flexible. Also, I try to avoid putting pressure on the arms while writing or putting the elbows on the table, which, IMO, is the worst thing if you do it for a longer period of time. Sitting straight and keeping your lower arms straight while working also helps. I often stand up, walk around and let my arms hang down and move the arms and wrists when I'm doing longer computer work because having the arms bent all the time makes the condition worse.

Right, surgery is usually the last resort and it can cause a lot of new problems.

 

[Marien]

I was out for a few days, I'm just catching up with this thread again
LU, A stor, Love and Logic (I hope I don't forget anyone) I'm sorry to hear about your hands
I hope you and those members of your families you're talking about get better soon, I can imagine how bad it is, hands are constantly in movement.

 

[mama cass]

for those with carpel tunnel/wrist/hand problems, make sure it's not your neck and shoulder muscles compressing your nerves, which then causes the paresthesias and possibly pain... this can happen through stress/tension and cause the tingling sensation/numbness in the hands and fingers - i thought i was developing carpal tunnel about 10 or so years ago, had all the symptoms in my hands, couldn't open bottles or jars, and had trouble leafing through magazines/books, but it turned out i had a knotted muscle in the back of my shoulder which also resulted in my neck and other shoulder muscles super-tensing til they were literally rock hard, which then led to nerve compression... physio and neck stretching didn't do much, neither did NSAIDs (especially since i turned out to be intolerant to them) but massage worked wonders! when i'm stressed it always gets to my neck and shoulder muscles, so i just have to learn to relax them, and i've not had so many problems since... now and again if i'm working too much and typing too much my fingers get a bit tingly, but nothing like before... taking time to de-stress and being aware of the problem was definitely the key for me...

 

[A stor]

I was out for a few days, I'm just catching up with this thread again
LU, A stor, Love and Logic (I hope I don't forget anyone) I'm sorry to hear about your hands
I hope you and those members of your families you're talking about get better soon, I can imagine how bad it is, hands are constantly in movement.

Thank you for your kind thoughts........ They are certainly appreciated!

 

[A stor]

for those with carpel tunnel/wrist/hand problems, make sure it's not your neck and shoulder muscles compressing your nerves, which then causes the paresthesias and possibly pain... this can happen through stress/tension and cause the tingling sensation/numbness in the hands and fingers - i thought i was developing carpal tunnel about 10 or so years ago, had all the symptoms in my hands, couldn't open bottles or jars, and had trouble leafing through magazines/books, but it turned out i had a knotted muscle in the back of my shoulder which also resulted in my neck and other shoulder muscles super-tensing til they were literally rock hard, which then led to nerve compression... physio and neck stretching didn't do much, neither did NSAIDs (especially since i turned out to be intolerant to them) but massage worked wonders! when i'm stressed it always gets to my neck and shoulder muscles, so i just have to learn to relax them, and i've not had so many problems since... now and again if i'm working too much and typing too much my fingers get a bit tingly, but nothing like before... taking time to de-stress and being aware of the problem was definitely the key for me...

Thank you so much for the information. This certainly help some of the poster's here.

I don't have neck problems, but i can understand how difficult it is.

Nerve pinching, compression, of any kind, is horrible. It really does disrupt your life.

 

[LoveandLogic]

for those with carpel tunnel/wrist/hand problems, make sure it's not your neck and shoulder muscles compressing your nerves, which then causes the paresthesias and possibly pain... this can happen through stress/tension and cause the tingling sensation/numbness in the hands and fingers - i thought i was developing carpal tunnel about 10 or so years ago, had all the symptoms in my hands, couldn't open bottles or jars, and had trouble leafing through magazines/books, but it turned out i had a knotted muscle in the back of my shoulder which also resulted in my neck and other shoulder muscles super-tensing til they were literally rock hard, which then led to nerve compression... physio and neck stretching didn't do much, neither did NSAIDs (especially since i turned out to be intolerant to them) but massage worked wonders! when i'm stressed it always gets to my neck and shoulder muscles, so i just have to learn to relax them, and i've not had so many problems since... now and again if i'm working too much and typing too much my fingers get a bit tingly, but nothing like before... taking time to de-stress and being aware of the problem was definitely the key for me...

I never knew that! Thank you so much! And I do get really bad tension/muscle cramps in my neck and shoulders. I blame it on my job. LOL!

 

[last unicorn]

mama cass, thanks a lot. Yes, I have had indeed many problems with neck and shoulder muscles as well and my upper spine is also bent a little too much, I've had therapy and I have to do gymnastics daily and really take care of my sitting position when I'm working. It's also about little things you do on a regular basis like carrying your bag on one side of the body for years and stuff like that. I've also had massages because sometimes I couldn't even move my head and neck for days. I woke up in the morning and was totally in pain and very stiff. Since I got a new matress and an ergonomic pillow it has gotten much better.

 

[Cactus Annie]

I'm pleased that you are feeling better, LU.

 

[A stor]

I'm always pleased when I see pics of Bono exercising. He is in great shape! Especially, for 50 years old. His athletic ability is more like age thirty!

I have people, who are half his age. Some are even in their teens. Who morbidly obese, quite a few, 100 pounds overweight and not because of any health reasons, either. They need to stop eating all that junk food. Turn off those video games, get outside and have some fun.

Bono looks better they do. He is not obese. By any stretch of the imagination. Middle aged folks should and do, weigh somewhat more than they did as teenagers. It is perfectly normal. We have finished our growing.

I am proud of Bono. He is doing the very best. He can. To heal and do what he loves to do the most. Sing!

A little over a month to go for U2's first show. Can't wait for those concert pics! I love them. Especially, the ones that the fans take and share with us.

Thank you so much! Makes me feel as though, I am there with you.

 

[Pamelakellett]

And I agree that we need to take care of ourselves and our body, but sometimes we don't know when our body is going to take a downfall. Accidents happen and we can't control them.

No-one plans an accident!! I know....I was rushing to work one day and tripped over a paving slab, resulting in a radial head fracture! However I carried on working through the pain, swelling and bruising as x rays didn`t pick up the break. Only a MRI scan 5 months later showed what I`d done, but I was lucky and have managed with physio and without surgery.

Good health is taken for granted by all of us and only accidents and misfortune make us realise how lucky we are

 

[last unicorn]

^ That sounds bad! You're so right: Accidents can happen every day, in situations where you don't expect them. I'm glad to hear you're better today and that you managed to overcome your injury without surgery.

 

[A stor]

And I agree that we need to take care of ourselves and our body, but sometimes we don't know when our body is going to take a downfall. Accidents happen and we can't control them.

No-one plans an accident!! I know....I was rushing to work one day and tripped over a paving slab, resulting in a radial head fracture! However I carried on working through the pain, swelling and bruising as x rays didn`t pick up the break. Only a MRI scan 5 months later showed what I`d done, but I was lucky and have managed with physio and without surgery.

Good health is taken for granted by all of us and only accidents and misfortune make us realise how lucky we are

I am sorry to hear this, too. And thank God you are better.

You are absolutely right. Good health is taken for granted, until something happens.

 

[LoveandLogic]

No-one plans an accident!! I know....I was rushing to work one day and tripped over a paving slab, resulting in a radial head fracture! However I carried on working through the pain, swelling and bruising as x rays didn`t pick up the break. Only a MRI scan 5 months later showed what I`d done, but I was lucky and have managed with physio and without surgery.

Good health is taken for granted by all of us and only accidents and misfortune make us realise how lucky we are

Oh you poor thing! that's horrible! I'm glad you're ok, though! We had a woman fall off a chair at work and she landed on her arm and broke her shoulder in a very odd spot that it just keeps breaking over and over and over again. She's broken it like eight times. This happened about four months and the doctors just now decided to do surgery. They'll slit open her arm, take bone marrow out of her elbow and into her shoulder. And you're right, it makes us realize just how blessed we are to be healthy.

As for Bono, he's in great shape! All four of them are! It amazes me because most rock stars kind of let go of themselves after so long. And I was talking to my boyfriend's mom the other night about how good all four members look for their age compared to the Rolling Stones, etc and it's because U2 didn't do all those drugs! They have taken very good care of themselves and it's so wonderful to see! We've chosen a great band to use as our inspiration because they are very inspiring people!

 

[Rachel D.]

As for Bono, he's in great shape! All four of them are! It amazes me because most rock stars kind of let go of themselves after so long. And I was talking to my boyfriend's mom the other night about how good all four members look for their age compared to the Rolling Stones, etc and it's because U2 didn't do all those drugs! They have taken very good care of themselves and it's so wonderful to see! We've chosen a great band to use as our inspiration because they are very inspiring people!

Well said!

 

[A stor]

I agree! Love and Logic said it perfectly.

Drugs such as crack and meth take it's deadly toll on the body. And very quickly too.

I use to do some volunteer work at a hospital and would see the drug addicted patients coming in for care. It wasn't a pretty sight.

It is obvious to me and others. That Bono has taken very good care of himself. All of us middle age folks weigh more than we did as teenagers. And this is normal. Our metabolic systems burn calories at a much slower rate. Especially around the age of fifty, for both men and women. It doesn't mean we are not healthy. Just a little more of us to love.

Bono is doing everything right. With his exercise. Walking and swimming are best. Much less chance of injury. Plus, the rewards. Do pay off down the road. I think he is in great shape for a middle aged man.

 

[MsPurrl]

Oh you poor thing! that's horrible! I'm glad you're ok, though! We had a woman fall off a chair at work and she landed on her arm and broke her shoulder in a very odd spot that it just keeps breaking over and over and over again. She's broken it like eight times. This happened about four months and the doctors just now decided to do surgery. They'll slit open her arm, take bone marrow out of her elbow and into her shoulder. And you're right, it makes us realize just how blessed we are to be healthy.

As for Bono, he's in great shape! All four of them are! It amazes me because most rock stars kind of let go of themselves after so long. And I was talking to my boyfriend's mom the other night about how good all four members look for their age compared to the Rolling Stones, etc and it's because U2 didn't do all those drugs! They have taken very good care of themselves and it's so wonderful to see! We've chosen a great band to use as our inspiration because they are very inspiring people!

Plus the Rolling Stones are 15+ years older than U2, as well!

 

[VintagePunk]

Not to mention that in many cases, The Stones' drug use is vastly over-imagined. Some members have had decades-long issues (uh, hi thar Keith)...but I doubt that Mick has taken drugs in decades. He's 67, and couldn't perform the way he does if he had. In fact, I'm fairly sure that I read somewhere years ago that Mick has stuck to a fairly strict health regimen (diet, exercise) for many years now.