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-   -   Has Anyone had a Ganglion Cyst? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=223505)

  • Jun 5, 2008, 10:39 AM
    Libbers21
    Has Anyone had a Ganglion Cyst?
    About a year ago I had a little bruise on my wrist, right in the middle on the top. It was soar but I didn't think anything of it because I have problems with my iron levels and I have always bruised easily. Well maybe a month or to later I had this little bump that you really couldn't see unless I bent my wrist but everything was still working... It would be a little painfull here and there, depending on what I did that day. Now a year later it's becoming more and more painfull! 3 days ago I couldn't pick up anything with out shooting pains right up my arm , and it right in the joint so if I move it just right there's numbness and tingling. It was too bad yesterday but I am losing serious movement of my wrist because when I do move it, there so much pain. Now I'm not one for taking pills or going to the doctors, I hate pain meds and anyone that is going to poke and prod me :rolleyes: but I finally broke down and call the doctors off and made an appointment for tomorrow, but I am wondering if anyone else has every had one and what they had to do to get rid of it? The doctor mentioned over the phone that I could possibly need surgery to remove it but not to worry about it until they looked at everything. But if they did do surgery that would splint my hand for a week or two, and I'm a workaholic so If I have surgery I will be returning back to work that day or maybe the day after!

    Has any one had one?

    If you had surgery on it what was the recovery like?

    Thanks !
  • Jun 5, 2008, 11:37 AM
    eeseely
    I had, and still have, a ganglion cyst below the base of my thumb.

    About two years ago, in lieu of surgery, I had it drained. This is a simple procedure
    In the doctor's office.

    Although the "bump" is still there, it does not bother me anymore.

    I think you should have it drained.
  • Jun 5, 2008, 11:52 AM
    HistorianChick
    I have had one in my right wrist that dissipated by itself and one developing in my left as a result of a car accident.

    The procedures to drain the cyst are very simple. I've also had a cortizone shot in the joint that helped alleviate the pain. Your doctor will be able to tell you more.

    Its kind of funny, but my Grandmother called her Ganglion cyst a Bible Cyst... because when she was a kid, they used to take the family bible and smack the cyst... effectively "popping" it... I wouldn't recommend that... lol

    Don't worry sweetie. Your doc will take good care of you. :)
  • Jun 5, 2008, 11:58 AM
    Sues Lab
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Libbers21
    About a year ago I had a little bruise on my wrist, right int he middle on the top. It was soar but I didnt think anything of it because I have problems with my iron levels and I have always bruised easily. Well maybe a month or to later I had this little bump that you really couldn't see unless I bent my wrist but everything was still working... It would be a little painfull here and there, depending on what I did that day. Now a year later it's becoming more and more painfull! 3 days ago I couldn't pick up anything with out shooting pains right up my arm , and it right in the joint so if I move it just right there's numbness and tingling. It was too bad yesterday but I am loosing serious movement of my wrist b/c when I do move it, there so much pain. Now I'm not one for taking pills or going to the doctors, I hate pain meds and anyone that is going to poke and prod me :rolleyes: but I finally broke down and call the doctors off and made an appointment for tomorrow, but I am wondering if anyone else has every had one and what they had to do to get rid of it? The doctor mentioned over the phone that I could possibly need surgery to remove it but not to worry about it until they looked at everything. But if they did do surgery that would splint my hand for a week or two, and I'm a workaholic so If I have surgery I will be returning back to work that day or maybe the day after!

    Has any one had one?

    If you had surgery on it what was the recovery like?

    Thanks !

    When I was a teenager I had one on the top of my right hand and two on my left hand. One on top of my hand and one on the bottom of my wrist. I had both hands operated on at the same time and had both hands wrapped and I was still able to drive and I had 4 speed Volkswagen so its really not that bad.
  • Jun 5, 2008, 12:19 PM
    bushg
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by HistorianChick
    I have had one in my right wrist that dissipated by itself and one developing in my left as a result of a car accident.

    The procedures to drain the cyst are very simple. I've also had a cortizone shot in the joint that helped alleviate the pain. Your doctor will be able to tell you more.

    Its kind of funny, but my Grandmother called her Ganglion cyst a Bible Cyst... because when she was a kid, they used to take the family bible and smack the cyst... effectively "popping" it... I wouldn't recommend that.... lol

    Don't worry sweetie. Your doc will take good care of you. :)


    Lol, hc that is a cute story and so like old timers. Many years ago I worked with a girl and that is what her doctor did to her. Keep in mind she had been in the Army and she almost kicked his butt. He did hers with a medical book. Lol she was so astonished that he did that, I guess that is the only reason she did not kick his butt. It was so funny when she came to work and told us about that.
  • Jun 5, 2008, 08:15 PM
    Libbers21
    Thanks sooo much EVERYONE! :)
  • Jun 5, 2008, 09:45 PM
    Joey G
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Libbers21
    About a year ago I had a little bruise on my wrist, right int he middle on the top. It was soar but I didnt think anything of it because I have problems with my iron levels and I have always bruised easily. Well maybe a month or to later I had this little bump that you really couldn't see unless I bent my wrist but everything was still working... It would be a little painfull here and there, depending on what I did that day. Now a year later it's becoming more and more painfull! 3 days ago I couldn't pick up anything with out shooting pains right up my arm , and it right in the joint so if I move it just right there's numbness and tingling. It was too bad yesterday but I am loosing serious movement of my wrist b/c when I do move it, there so much pain. Now I'm not one for taking pills or going to the doctors, I hate pain meds and anyone that is going to poke and prod me :rolleyes: but I finally broke down and call the doctors off and made an appointment for tomorrow, but I am wondering if anyone else has every had one and what they had to do to get rid of it? The doctor mentioned over the phone that I could possibly need surgery to remove it but not to worry about it until they looked at everything. But if they did do surgery that would splint my hand for a week or two, and I'm a workaholic so If I have surgery I will be returning back to work that day or maybe the day after!

    Has any one had one?

    If you had surgery on it what was the recovery like?

    Thanks !

    Ganglion cysts are common. Formed by leakage of the lubricant that allows the tendons to glide smoothly. The leakage don't have a place to go and eventually a capsule form that cyst. Most of the time, they are painless and not much of a nuisance except for their presence, but sometimes they can get large and bothersome. We sometimes drain them which may work or not. If they keep on coming back, your provider may inject cortisone and if they don't resolve, then surgery is the option. It is not a complicated surgery and recovery may take anywhere from one to two weeks. So don't be scared. In good orthopedic surgeons' hands, you should do well. Joey G
  • Jan 8, 2009, 08:05 AM
    kellyjade

    If you have a ganglion cyst and it accidentally bursts, is there a problem where you should take anticiotics for the sac liquid that usually dissipates into the tissues? Should my daughter still be seen by the Orthopedic Surgeon if the cyst is not deflated?
  • Jan 8, 2009, 08:18 AM
    HistorianChick

    You probably should start your own, new question about this subject to get more responses :)

    Is the cyst causing her pain? I would recommend an appointment with an Orthopedic (Hand/Wrist specialist) surgeon just to get it checked out.
  • Jan 8, 2009, 08:55 AM
    kellyjade
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by HistorianChick View Post
    You probably should start your own, new question about this subject to get more responses :)

    Is the cyst causing her pain? I would recommend an appointment with an Orthopedic (Hand/Wrist specialist) surgeon just to get it checked out.

    Thanks for your input HistorianChick. It caused her pain last night, I put hot compresses on the arm while she slept. She is an architect so uses her hand and arm excessively but the cyst is not there any more. Some of the web articles say you might have to have antibiotics if you start running a temp. Today she is much better. Will do on the Ortho appointment.
  • Jan 8, 2009, 09:10 AM
    HistorianChick

    Sorry that it has caused her pain. I am very familiar with it!

    Heat definitely helps. As does a splint at night. I remember waking up many times because it bends while sleeping and causes shooting pain.

    Hope she feels better soon!

    Oh, if the ortho recommends a coritisone shot, be aware that it will HURT for the first two days. The pain of the shot is really bad. BUT, after the first couple days, she will feel much, much better. I'm not sure they'll recommend it, but she should seriously consider it if they do. They do work wonders, but they really do hurt in the beginning.

    Best of luck!
  • Jan 8, 2009, 06:24 PM
    Joey G
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kellyjade View Post
    If you have a ganglion cyst and it accidently bursts, is there a problem where you should take anticiotics for the sac liquid that usually dissipates into the tissues? Should my daughter still be seen by the Orthopedic Surgeon if the cyst is not deflated?

    In my last posting I described how ganglion cysts form. I don't anticipate any problems given the above scenario. I would probably avoid picking on this area. Antibiotics are meant for bacterial infections and there is no need for them unless the area is infected (red, painful and may have red streaking). Only a health professional could determine if there is a need for antibiotic treatment. Your daughter can be evaluated by her primary provider, who can determine if aspiration (removal of the fluid in the sac) is needed. Sometimes this works. If the cyst is less than a centimeter, I usually will just leave it alone, if it does not bother the patient. More than that, aspiration can be attempted. It may come back. Some providers will do a second aspiration with injection of cortisone. If it does not resolve, then an orthopedic consultation can be obtained for surgical removal. I hope this helps.
  • Jan 8, 2009, 07:19 PM
    kellyjade

    Joey G Thanks for the input. After the hot compresses to the arm last night, she is better today. We are going to wait for it to arise again but will keep a look-out for red-streaking up the arm. Thanks again
  • Jan 10, 2009, 04:42 PM
    Joey G
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kellyjade View Post
    Joey G Thanks for the input. After the hot compresses to the arm last night, she is better today. We are going to wait for it to arise again but will keep a look-out for red-streaking up the arm. Thanks again

    You're welcome.

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