I have diabetic cheiroarthropathy and am incredibly frustrated with it. I have had 8 trigger fingers, carpal tunnel in both wrists, 2 frozen shoulders and Dupytren Contractures in both hands. My hands are no longer working well and after nearly a year my most recent shoulder is still stiff. And yes, I have had multiple surgeries for each of these issues except for trigger finger #8.
All of my issues are classic Cheiroarthropathy. But I am having more and more stiff joints which the doctors are all saying is related to the diabetes. Has anyone else dealt with this? I have been diabetic for 34 years and until about 3 years ago had never heard of Cheiroarthropathy. Now its majorly affecting my quality of life. I would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this. Thanks!
Interesting that you should mention this today; just last week there was a very similar posting on the Joslin Medalist Group - all members have been diagnosed with T1 for more than 50 years. Within a day or two there were a couple dozen members who posted experiences very similar to yours.
I have long know that carpal tunnel syndrome was one of the forms of “Autonomic Neuropathy”. And as you know neuropathy in its many forms tends to target PWD; I do have a trigger finger and for many years had carpal symptoms. I managed the wrist, thankfully, with a brace. Actually, there are four basic types of neuropathy but I won’t go into medical descriptions here.
I do feel for you and although my discomfort hasn’t been great, I know it causes MANY people much pain. The “good news”, if there is such a thing, treatments are available and from what I hear, they are successful. As I tell people with T1, THINK POSITIVE!
I have been type 1 for 71 years, and have experienced the same problems. Frozen shoulders requiring physical therapy, carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve problems requiring surgery. I have neuropathy in my feet and legs. My doctor suggested that I use Lyrica, a prescription medicine, for the neuropathy, but the pain is not bad enough to require medication. When I keep my blood glucose numbers healthy, without many highs and lows, the neuropathy does not bother me much.
I have not experienced any of the more serious diabetes related complications. My eyes, kidneys and heart are in good shape.