I had CT surgery 12 years ago in my right wrist, and was told that my left would need it eventually - not so far! I wore a splint for the nine months I had to wait to see a specialist, (this was in the UK) and the first couple of months after was a little sore, but not as much as before the surgery.
I avoided too much handwork until after the two month period, then gradually started again. Within six months, it was as if I had not had a problem at all, and I haven't looked back.

Sorry to hear that you are having pain when quilting..you may wish to take a look at this web site www.thimblelady.com as she has developed a way of quilting which she says is without pain. I purchased her book recently called Perfect Hand Quilting without pain by Liuxin Newman (the thimblelady) at a recent quilt and craft show and she also has another book on applique..
She is a very talented lady and has won awards for her handquilting and she also teaches but i have not been fortunate enough to be able to attend one of her courses. Having said that the book is very detailed and goes through everything step by step. From memory she can do 14 stitches to the inch and her stitches are perfect. She has a range of products from her own needles to thimbles. There are also videos on her website to watch.
The book comes with a CD and she has also been on Simply Quilts.
Hope this information helps you.
Oops nearly forgot she also has a new product out which all those people who are trying to find to mark their fabric with would probably like. It is like a pencil but with a needle in it and you run it along the ruler where you want the fold to be and like magic it holds the fold. It would be great for applique etc and i think there is a video on her site about it too. I bought one of them too!! I had a good day that day!!

Thanks for all your help--this forum is awesome and I appreciate all the support. It is depressing not to be able to do something you love! I don't hand quilt. I am having trouble gripping anything in my right hand due to the ends of my fingers being numb. I have seen an orthopedic hand surgeon but do not want to have surgery at this point. I am trying the splints at night and giving the hands some rest--hopefullly it will get better. Thanks everyone!!

I used to have problems with hand sewing or sewing tops all day as well as when I do a lot on the computer. I started wearing a brace at night while sleeping. I have a lot less problems.

If you ask the doctor you are seeing he should tell you once the damage is done to your hand none of the thing you are trying will really help. They are just away to please you I did all of them even had shots of corizone in my waist. The needle they used was so long they wouldn't let me see it before they did it. Plus the surgery isn't bad they don't even make you stay in the hospital anymore like when I had it done years ago. You should really think about having it done.

Rose,
I too have carpal tunnel and have not been able to quilt for quite a while. I have not heard of anything short of surgery. So I am to have the surgery. After it is done I have a joint - baseof the thumb near the wrist - that is being replaced. I am looking forward to getting these things done and getting back to quilting.

Colleen

I had it about ten years back. And had surgery. And now it's fine.
There is a lot of confusion out there about CTS and RSI. Only by rigorous testing can a doctor tell you the difference.
And whilst some supports which help both to a certain extent, supports will not cure CTS but might rest your hands for long enough to cure RSI.
A simple but not definitive way to tell if it is CTS is to gently rub the pads on the tips of your fingers against the edge of your teeth. If you can feel more through the little fingers than the other ones then it probably is CTS as the nerves caught in the tunnel from the fingers to the brain do not include the little finger. The definitive way is for your doctor to measure the current going through each finger.
HTH

I have CTS and tendinitis in both wrists, and I was told by a massage therapist that they can do wrist massages and exercises so I didn't have to have surgery. And then I talked with another friend, and she said not to have the surgery done,that it can be treated with massage therapy.
Cyniree

oh i'm going through the same thing right now myself. I'm in such pain I don't know if I can do any cutting today like I had planned. I've got my brace on and a lot of Ibrupren in me, hoping to get some relief. I too am trying anything and everything as I don't want to have surgery.
good luck

I do...I have had it for years...when I got pregnant it only made it worse...I use my hands every day...I have to just keep them moving and loose..hang massages, some times wrist wraps...I found if i go even a day without giving my hands and wrists exersice I can't use my hands for anything...the more I use them, and strengthen them the better they feel...not sure if this helps or not.