We have the results....We have answers...

Aaron finally received all the results from his MRI and Nerve Study. He has Carpal Tunnel which makes perfect sense.

Some key points from Webmd.com that I found interesting because it explains Aaron perfectly -

What is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller.

I know carpal tunnel doesn't cause swelling, however Aaron does have swelling in his fingers. In fact, he no longer can wear his wedding ring. His ring is a 9 and he now needs a 10.5 - that's a big difference considering he is still the same weight as he was when we got married.

Things that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:
(one that I feel relates to Aaron....think about Aaron working on sprinklers)
Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over.

What are the symptoms?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.

Aaron was sent home with 2 handsome wrist arm splints. The doctor said it would be great if he could wear them 24 hours a day, but knowing that won't happen....he said he must sleep in them. The more he wears them, the more they will help. He also prescribed him an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain.

Surgery is another option if Aaron ever decides to go down that route. Surgery is recommended when symptoms are so bad you cannot work, so he may decide on the surgery sooner rather than later. However.....I am really.....really.....really....hoping they may consider doing one hand at a time. I already have 2 boys in the house I have to take "personal" care of if you get what I am saying.

I am just glad we have an answer. After we heard from his Uncle that the MRI was normal, we were extremely happy, but still questioned what in the world was going on. Our fear was that the nerve study would show nothing was wrong as well, when we knew there was something. I know it sounds weird to hope the test shows something, but when you know there is something going on, it is nice to have confirmation of what it is.