DR. GOTT: Carpal tunnel causes night-time numbness

Dear Dr. Gott: I have some symptoms that I have never seen addressed in your column.

Several times during the night, I wake up with numb, tingling arms and hands. When I rise in the morning, these symptoms cease. About six months ago, this occurred with my one hand nightly, then it stopped completely until just recently. Do you have any idea why this is happening?

Dear Reader: I’m sorry that you have missed one of my many columns about carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the nerves at the wrists become compressed, especially at night, leading to tingling and pain in the hands.

The diagnosis is made using a nerve-conduction study. Treatment includes splinting, physiotherapy, acupuncture and other modalities. Surgery, used as a last resort, is almost always curative. I know because I had one wrist done, and what a difference.

Dear Dr. Gott: What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Can this form of cancer be genetic, and is it terminal, or can it be cured?

Dear Reader: Pancreatic cancer is, in its initial stages, difficult to diagnose. It can cause abdominal pain, digestive disturbances, weight loss, malaise and other symptoms. To my knowledge, it is not inherited. Although not always successful, surgery and chemotherapy are helpful in treating – but not curing – this affliction.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Viruses and Cancer.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 55-year-old female in good health. I had pelvic-floor reconstruction with a rectocele repair. I had the surgery in April 2004. After my post-operative visits and a check-up a year later, the surgeon told me that everything had healed well. I still have some discomfort. I have followed all of his instructions carefully, but he has assured me that this area takes a great deal of time to heal fully. I have also spoken to my niece, who is a nurse for a gynecologist. She has also reassured me that in her experience with patients who have had the same surgery as mine, they often have complaints for up to two years, and some even longer than two years.

I would appreciate any input or answers that you may have regarding this matter.

Dear Reader: You had major gynecological surgery. I agree with your doctor that recovery is painfully slow. Be patient and check with your surgeon periodically.