? About Carpal Tunnel Surgery

I haven't dealt with this issue, but my uncle has. He had the surgery a few years ago and he said it was amazing the difference he felt. His recovery time was fairly quick and he recommends the surgery to anyone. On a side note, my mom thought she had carpel tunnel for years, but avoided the doctor's advise of surgery out of fear and it turned out that Rheumatoid Arthritis was what was causing most of her pain, not the carpel tunnel. I feel for you having to deal with both because I know what it has been like for her. Good luck!

The surgery is not a big deal. I had my left hand done 3/06 and my right hand 07/06. Figure you won't be able to do much with your girls for about 3 days. After that, you probably won't be able to pick them up, but you will be fine. I had immediate relief after the surgery. It took me about 12 weeks with each hand to be able to do everything. The hardest thing was my son was only 15 months when i had my primary hand done. Just make sure you have some help.

I have never had the surgery, but a few years ago my mom did. She thought it was a great thing. She had an easy recovery and little pain. Best of luck.

I found out that i suffer from the same thing in both of my hands. Had the shots done and got no relife from them. The doc. told me to strengthen my wrist. The only way that i found out to do that is to go for message thearpy. That dosen't work for everyone. recover time could be up to 6weeks. then physical therapy. But it is better to have the test done and have the surgery if that will give you feeling back in your hand. Best of luck .

i never had it but my mom has it mildly, she uses a wrist band brace when it bothers her and that works. now a friend of mine had the surgery in both hands he was sore for like two weeks and couldn't really use his hands for a week...then it was like starting over with his hands and the surgery was like 9 years ago and he still gets pain in his hands not all the time but he still gets pain. good luck i will pray for you...

Hi A. D

First of all let me say that Im sorry for your loss. I had a miscarriage a year ago so I can sort of relate to how you must feel.

Have you ever tried chiropractic for your CTS? I work for a chiropractor and have been a patient for over 15 yrs. It really helped me. I work on computers all day and my hands and wrists ached me terribly. I didnt have much hand strength and my fingers were really stiff. I had pain that went all the way up to my shoulder. Sometimes CTS is something out of place in your neck and shoulder. I would definitely try chiropractic before surgery. It cetainly couldnt hurt. If it doesnt work, you can have surgery. I personally know some of our patients had the surgeries prior to becoming our patients. They are not any better and a few got worse after the surgery. What ever you decide, I wish you luck and comfort for the pain in your hands and the pain in your heart.

Hugs
A. R

I am diabetic (30 years this year) and had severe carpal tunnel. The surgery worked great. I have no problems with my right hand/arm now and the surgery was years ago. I was back at work in a week, but did limited things with that arm for a few weeks. I am glad I had the surgery. However, I should tell you that my neighbor also had the same surgery and she had some problems. Something happened with a blod cot during her surgery and she was off work for months. But I was in a lot of pain, and I am glad I had the surgery. I still need to do my left arm now. Good Luck.

I had carpal tunnel surgery back in 91. For me it helped for about 5 years and then it started up again. I know the pain you are feeling I am there also. I just havent gone to the dr's beucase of the limitation you have after the surgery. I did go to the Hand and Arm Specialist in Philly the 1st time. I also had therapy and the nerve conduction tests along with other tests.

Good luck! L.

A.,
I had the surgery done on both of my hands. It was painful, but I did it seperately and I didn't have many problems (if you do it at the same time it will take a lot longer to heal and it really isn't good when you have kids, plus how do you wipe? lol). Basically you just get a little cut in your wrist and they stick a tool up inside and release a blade that cuts the carpal tunnel release. The first week isn't too bad b/c you have stitches and a hard support on yoru hand that you just have to watch and not get wet. Normally the stithes get removed 6 days later and you have just an ace bandage to cover the area and exercises to do. You will slowly build strength back up in your hands and it will be a lot better than before.
I still have problems in my hand, but the surgery was experimental because I tested negative on the other tests. Most people who have the surgery like getting the relief and are happy they did it (I work in a big office with a lot of people who have had it done). I know my pain is a lot less painful than what I had before! I'm not sure the area that you are from, but my surgeon is in Harrisburg and he was phenomenal! The nerve test was painful, but if you got cortizone shots in your hands then you should be able to handle that pain okay. Good luck and keep us updated.

Hi A.! I never had CTS myself but I do know people who have had the surgery. I hear there is a new procedure that barely makes any cuts and the recovery is usually no more than 2 weeks. I wish you a better May and an amazingly great June!!!

Good luck!
S.