After a long term misdiagnosis I have ultimately ended up with a wrist like no other. It has been four corner fused 16 months ago and 4 months ago I endured a Darracks Procedure on my right ulna after almost an entire year of the ulna head out of socket. I am a disabled veteran woman and have been hacked six ways to Sunday. Basically after 12 years of suffering, the other day my CHT, Ana from the Providence Hand Clinic in Medford,OR, pulled out a wrist widget. For the first time in a long time I felt a sense of stability and also a sense of hope in the long term pain management. My real question was,"What the hell? Why wasn't I given this device IMMEDIATELY upon my official diagnosis of an unstable ulna???? Today I talked with my surgeon, a chronic pain Dr. specializing in hands, and of course Betsy the CHT at the Portland VA. I hope you will make introductions with some folks around the VA territory. I assure you there are many other veterans that suffer with wrist pain and weakness that could directly benefit from this amazing invention. I'm a big fan, thanks for your innovation. Regards, Rachelle Arthur
Hi Wendy,
I hope you are doing fine. I just wanted to write to you to thank you. My father has almost completely recovered and is now doing his daily activities without any pain.
You have really made a big difference to us.
Thank you so much !!
Sincerely,
Nihar
The WristWidget is a great product. I have been able to start being active and pain free since I started wearing it. I highly recommend this product. Wendy you're a genius! Thank you.
This is a great company. Wendy is more than willing to stand behind her product and ensure it works. She has offered us a great deal of advice and expertise beyond the transaction.
This Widget rocks! Quick shipping from Hawaii no less! This product allowed me to go back to work where as the large doctors brace got in the way and was four times as expensive! Thank you!
Comments: I didn't have an analog scale, only digital. But I tried the weight bearing test anyway. Sure enough my left wrist failed with pain. I had been using a Futuro wrist wrap. It helped bu was very cumbersome. I decided what they hey and ordered the Wrist Widget through Amazon. I received it today, and WOW! The weight bearing went from 70lbs-92lbs. I have great movement that that other wrap did not provide. I hurt my wrist doing bicep curls and pullups. I can't wait until my wrist gets better to start exercising again. Thanks for a great product.
The concept is simple. Produce pressure in painful area to relieve pain and stabilize the area. It's stems from the instinctual urge to hold whatever is injured. Although cheap bandages will alleviate pain, they themselves cause their own problems: reduced blood flow and range of motion. Talk to any doctor and they will tell you that's what not to do.
I was a little skeptical at first to be honest. The wrist widget seemed a little pricey for me (back when it was $50), and really didn't understand the whole concept. This is not an elastic band! It has two separate straps of which you can increase or decrease pressure as desired. It is much more comfortable than those cheap sport braces. Plus, with the minimal surface area, loss of blood flow is kept to a minimum, even with greatest of pressures.
During my wrist evaluation I was only able to push down 52 LBS without feeling pain in the ulnar part of my wrist. This stems from an old wrist injury (slip) while I was active duty using the perfect push-up too fast. The VA hospital kept lying to me and saying it was carpal tunnel/tendinitis, and it wasn't until I spoke with Wendy (the inventor and hand/wrist specialist) that I had any hope at all.
I WENT FROM FEELING PAIN PUSHING DOWN 52 LBS TO NO PAIN AT 85 LBS! In response to the person that claimed this item was cheap. I had a chance to examine both the old and new model tangibly, and although the new design is slightly better, it is still just a wrist brace. The same quality that you would find with the most expensive wrist brace on the market (like futuro a very good brand). Like anything Velcro, I'm sure this will have a limited shelf life.
<<<<<<OVER ONE YEAR LATER>>>>>>
Alright, well here I am still stuck with VA insurance, and am hoping I can get this wrist taken care of once and for all soon. Paid full price for an MRI, and although it shows fluid build-up in my ulnar wrist area, no visible broken cartilage tear can be seen with both my MRI and the many X-Rays that have been taken(which is making this surgery hard to obtain). I still use this device daily, and only take it off to shower/wash the widget. I can usually get 4ish months of continuous use (24/7) out of these widgets before having to finally throw them out when the Velcro ceases to function properly.
Although this device has not cured my condition, it has almost completely hidden the symptoms during use. Only side effect is the occasional rash that occurs from my extreme use which a little A & D cream takes care of. If I take off the widget for more than a couple hours, full symptoms return. My only regret is the price of this unit, but if this is your first time using this device, the price includes a personal wrist evaluation (like I had) by Mrs. Wendy Howard and I consider a great value-Adam
I was diagnosed with tendinitis involving the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon with tenosynvitis as well as TFCC tear. I tried a carpal tunnel brace at night for 3 months and then it progressed and I had to wear during the day and night. It was aggravated by my constant data entry of posting money all day at work. This was also very cumbersome and was slowing me down. We had to meet stats every month and the pain was unbearable. The Dr. then proceeded with cortisone injections ( 3). The first one worked great, the 2nd about a month and the 3rd only about 2 weeks. The Dr. suggested surgery as cortisone injections and the brace was not helping. He really couldn't guarantee 100 % and I did not have 3 weeks to take off work. I decided to go on the internet and search the TFCC injury because the pain was even starting to hurt more and I was even wearing the cumbersome brace day and night and could barely work. Advil was not helping and I also used my lavender oil. I came across stories and this one man spoke of the Wrist Widget- he was a golfer which I was very skeptical I do admit at first -----but my husband said just try it- it can't hurt and it was only 50.00 and if it did not work then get the surgery. Well I started noticing improvement in the first month. It was great because it just fits around the wrist and I had my fingers to move freely. I could wash dishes and even scrub floors. It was improving my stats back up and my hand felt like the pain was decreasing by the 2nd month. It took about 5 months to completely take the WW off at work as I was so afraid that the pain would return but a year and half has gone by and I have not put the WW back on. My hand tolerance is back to normal at 65 and there is not one bit of pain.
I liked how the progress was also followed every week by Wendy. She has an awesome product and I owe her my life!!!!. When you use your hands for a living it is hard to do without. I recently visited Wendy on her beautiful island of Hawaii and she was so gracious and sweet. She has indeed one of the best products I have bought and I also feel like I have a friend. Noone would have followed up after the purchase and so concern about your progress was her goal and she cured me.
Mary Lou Frohnapfel
Weirton, WV
1/28/2010
Wendy,
Thank you for all your advice and help. I received the wrist widget a few days ago. Its great so far. The pain in my wrist disappeared as soon as i put it on. One question though. Do you think its safe for me to lift weights while I'm wearing the wrist widget? I just don't want to slow the healing process or anything. thanks for all your help and for making a great product. so glad i found it!
Owen
Dear Mrs. Howard,
I have found the wrist widget to be amazing. I had problems when I was playing softball, swinging the bat. I started
using your product about 4 months ago and I love it. It has taken all the pain out of my playing. I had to order a new
one last week because my original was stolen and I found I could not play without it. Thank you for coming up with this
amazing product.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Nidiffer
Aloha Wendy:
I have been trying to call you to give you an up date on the status of my hand. All is well. I recently finished painting the 278 condo units without any futher injuries to my hand. Since I started wearing the Wrist Widget I have not needed any pain medications or injections. As you know, this was not ossible for me to do prior to meeting you. Your invention works! The Wrist Widget is part of my body. I continue to wear it 24/7 and will for the rest of my life because it allows me to functon pain free in my work and sporting activities. Please call me at your convenience. I would like to order more. Scott Webb Blue Sky Productions President
1/19/2010
I am amazed that I got more relief than I have from 3 weeks of physical therapy. I'll keep you informed on the status of my recovery.
Thank you,
Robert E.
10/16/2009 Wendy, You are a GENIUS!!!! I got my wrist widget and got immediate relief and functionality. After 4 weeks of pain and lack of being able to use my wrist/hand, I feel like a new person.
My weight bearing test went from a 70 (110 on good hand) up to 95.
Needless to say I am ecstatic, and cannot thank you enough for your wonderful product!
I am resting for the next two weeks and planning on resuming playing golf after that. (Even though I feel like I could play right now since putting my wrist widget on....)
My doctor had recomended a generic wrist brace for 4-6 weeks based upon a tenonitis or TFCC injury, with possible steroid injections, then MRI, then surgery.... I feel like the Wrist Widget may have saved me all of this future waste of time and painful set backs.
Could it actually be this EASY???
THANY YOU!!!!!!!!!!
T Freehan
4/09
Hi Wendy:> > Thank you for sending the two additional WristWidgets. I wanted to > give you an update. I have worn the WristWidget for most of the past > three weeks and a larger brace to sleep in. I have played 18 holes > once and practiced 4-5 times. I did have slight pain when I hit a > "thin" shot but otherwise no pain while hitting balls or afterwards. > My bathroom scale readings have also improved. My right hand is 120 > lbs and my left(injured wrist) is 108 lbs, up from approx 80. You > WristWidget and suggestion to wear it full time have paid great > benefits. I intend to continue wearing your brace full time for > another three weeks and then repeat the scale test.> > Your device and advice has been very helpful.> > Regards,> > Tom E
4/09
YEAH!
I must tell you I love this brace!
It is not slipping anymore (not nearly so badly - I just crossed the bands over- like the top one I changed the angle to the bottom one, and vice versa - AND I have not been able to take advil since the poison ivy - NORMALLY my wrist would be KILLING me at this time... BUT - I can notice a remarkable difference!!! EVEN if I am not doing the exercises that wayne said you might have to help!!!
HOPE that you are having a great week/weekend!!!
THANKS!!!
LOVE IT!
:-D I appreciate you letting Wayne give me one to try out!
Dacelle
Thank you for your follow up! I injured my wrist during martial arts practice where we use Eskrima (sticks) as weapons. I felt a "pop" when I was doing some powerful wrist twisting and had the symptoms you listed on your website. The Widget is wonderful, and allows me to continue training and lessens the pain. I am so glad I ordered it! Thanks again, Gretchen G, P.E
Hello Wendy – Just received the new and improved version. Much, much better. For me…here is why. It stays in place better. My ulna bone stays in the space between the guides. This model seems a little wider and sturdier. It really holds the ulna bone in place. It is also much more comfortable. I will show Dr. Williams at my next visit with him. My friend, Linda Ruf said she ordered a WW and her sister Michelle Abrahamson is going to as well. Linda said that she is going to show it to Dr. Nagle. Maybe he will be more receptive than Dr. Wiedrich. Your talent and gifts are sincerely appreciated. Beth Dammeyer
Hi Wendy, It is nice to hear from you again! The widget had really helped amazingly. I wore it everyday since I received it and all my pain gradually diminished by the third week or so. I could have taken it off much earlier without any problem, but I kept it on for a few more weeks to ensure a more complete recovery. I will be sure to recommend my friends if they experience similar problems.
Thanks again!
Jean
Hi Wendy, Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm now receiving physio treatment on the wrist and this coupled with the widget mean that its been much better, i.e. no pain or even discomfort when golfing. My physio gave me several exercises to gradually strengthen the wrist and I am also having ultrasound treatment on it. I will also see a specialist in the next couple of months to determine if anything more is needed than the current course of action. For your information, I took my widget along to let the physio see and she was also very impressed with it, so your fan base is growing all the time. My sincere thanks to you again. Frank
Aloha Wendy!I was just diagnosed with a TFCC tear and will have wrist arthroscopy and ulna volar ganglion excision on 9/2/08 and googled TFCC repair and your website came up. I went to the MD for the ganglion which was causing much pain while writing which I do lots of since I'm a home care respiratory therapist. I have been wearing a ACE brand wrist support brace for a couple of months and find some comfort but it gets in the way sometimes. The possiblity of increase in grip from your wrist widget got my attention since I've noticed mine seems to be weakening somewhat. I look forward to the wrist widget. I also look forward to sharing it with my surgeon at Duke University and my hand therapist, Judy Morris. I realize that I may not get the opportunity to wear it long prior to surgery but I hope to use it during my recovery after the inital wrist brace comes off. I go into hand therapy 3 days post op. Also hope that it will prevent futher problems with my wrist down the road. This will be my second surgery, the first was a simple dorsal ganglion that was a difficult excision and the surgeon (different one) cut a tendon to my index finger. 4 months of hand therapy followed.Thank you and Aloha,Tammy James, Robersonville, NC
I am the supervisor of a hand therapy clinic in San Diego, and one of my staff heard about it at a course he attended a few months ago. Paul Bonzani was the therapist giving the course, and he mentioned it, as well as input from a few of my employee's colleagues. I wanted to order one for our clinic to show to patients, and let them try on. I have referred several patients to your web site already. We are using it for TFCC pain mostly, but any type of ulnar wrist pain,and a couple of my patients have already ordered it from you on their own. And they like it. Very good reviews from the patients. I am also glad you have the video on how to don it, and it is a little tricky for people. I will give you more input as I get it. We could order more from your company, to issue out to patients, if it continues have good results. Thanks, Kathy Gatley.
Hello Wendy,I have been treated by Valerie Hoke on the Big Island for a severe TFCC injury that dated back to April, 2007. She made a very effective ulnar-sided brace for my hand in July, 2007 and I healed much more quickly and fully than I had anticipated. I am a neuromuscular therapist and an avid “exerciser”, so this injury was potentially devastating.I had a follow-up visit several weeks ago and she told me about your “Wrist Widget” and ordered one for me. I love it so much that I ordered one for my husband who tried to make a too-quick comeback in his tennis game and, during a forceful forehand, felt a tear on the side of his wrist/hand. He now has persistent ulnar sided wrist pain that I think would be greatly helped by your Wrist Widget. I cut my straps too short for mine to work for him but, in all honesty, I want my own!!Valerie spoke highly of you. And I speak very highly of Valerie!! We are so fortunate to have her here on the Big Island .Aloha and Mahalo for a great product,Kelen Geller Casey
I heard about them from the Kailua Racquet Club. The best things I've ever used to help my wrist pain.Thank you,John LandovskyDear Wendy,
I injured my wrist and tore some tendons,ligaments had surgery at the end of January. Shortly there after I went through therapy and my wrist specialist introduced the band to me. I love it, it helps in everyway possible. Tje current one I have has worn out and frayed so its time for another.
I am happy knowing my purchase is coming because of the wear and tear my 1st one has went through I have been without it for a week or so. For the delay is there anything you can do for m foe having to wait for it.
thanks,
D. Johnson
Hi Wendy, This is my second order of wristwidgets. I bought this product from you guys after searching the internet to find a wrist brace that worked well for golf.I injured my wrist (mostly tendon damage) playing golf and was unable to play due to pain and weakness in the affected wrist. Upon receiving your product I was amazed at how I instantly felt about a 90% decrease in pain and the support made up for a lot of the weakness. This product saved me from taking a year off to rehab my wrist and allowed me to play golf while going through rehab. Believe me as an avid golfer (1 handicap) this product WORKS great for golf!I also gave my other one (I ordered 2 originally) to a buddy who had surgery on his wrist and hand and he got the same results I did.Thanks for making a great product. Aaron EgdahlWendy,
>
> I know we had a mix up with my order, but both of my
> widgets arrived last week. I wanted to write you
> earlier and let you know, but I've been so busy with
> work. First off, I wanted to thank you for caring
> so much about my injury and my situation. I have
> been wearing them for the past 5 days, and lifting
> weights again, with NO pain. I swear to you. I am
> actually quite curious about how it is working? I
> am pretty sure I have a minor tear in my TFCC and
> the widget is literally relieving the pain about 95%
> when I'm lifting, and 100% when I'm just at work
> doing my everyday activites. If you ever need a
> testimonial for your product or for an ad or
> anything, please let me know. I'm amazed. My boss
> has carpel tunnel syndrome and I already recommended
> the widget to him. Again thank you, and if it would
> be possible, I'd love to know why and how it is
> working so well.
>
> Thanks Wendy,
>
>
> Steve
Frequently asked Questions:
Hello All,
The weight bearing test: Place your palm flat on a NON digital scale keeping the elbow straight. Push down to the point of pain and not beyond and compare the results with the unaffected wrist. Normally, weight bearing is pain free and about 20% more than your grip.
Note the location of your pain. Is it on the back of the wrist or on the ulnar side of your wrist.
Now perform the same test with the WristWidget on. Does the pain decrease? Does the weight bearing tolerance increase?
This test cannot be performed with a digital scale because digital scales require holding of the weight bearing until it registers. Holding this level of weight bearing is difficult.
Weight bearing demands the greatest stability of the ligaments. It is the last thing that returns after a TFCC repair, typically taking one year before full pain free weight bearing is acquired.
Weight bearing strains the TFCC significantly and should be performed with caution.
People who have Extensor Carpi Tendonitis only have pain free and full weight bearing.
Cortisone injections will skew the data on weight bearing tolerance. There is no pain but limitations on tolerance.
Wendy
