Hello All.

My name is Scott and I first experienced Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in the summer of 2003. It was brought on by my summer landscaping work. It was quite painful and I experienced the classic symptoms in both hands – but especially the right hand.

I initially took anti-inflammatory medication and used a wrist splint. I also stopped the activity that triggered the problem. All was well until this summer, when I started routine yard work. The symptoms returned in the my right hand – but in a much more mild form.

After talking with my doctor, I decided to have surgery. The surgery was performed Monday (two days ago). It actually wasn’t all that bad. My symptoms of hand falling asleep was immediately eliminated and I did not need pain medication the following morning. Today, I am typing with both hands.

So far, I would recommend the surgery. Fortunately, in my occupation (educator), I do not need to take time off work.

Sincerely,

Scott

Hi All..

Things are going well with the hand. I can type with no problems, hold a recycle bin, button my pants, hold books, and so on. I have needed no pain meds since the second day of the surgery.

It was so hot today, I had to take off the dressing for a while.

Sricheso- great pictures. My hand looks the same, but all healed and done quite a few years ago. It worked wonders for me. No problem at all once it was done. Glad to hear it has been successful. Continued good luck. Maggie

Thanks for the reply. Here is another development.

Over the past few days, my hand has gotten much stronger. Sunday afternoon, I felt strong enough to start up my lawn mower and mow the lawn. We had heavy rains and I also had to do a little shoveling (to prevent basement flooding). It went well.

However, Sunday night, my son left a little bit of water on the bathroom floor around mid-night, I slipped and fell whilst entering the restroom. I instinctively put forward my right hand to break the fall and some bleeding developed from the sutures. Now I realize my mistake.

The doctor gave me a plaster brace to immobilize my hand and had it wrapped in several layers of gauze. The brace was made specially to fit the contours of my hand and to prevent any impact to the sutures. However, the thing was excessively hot and I ended up taking it off at night and wearing my old wrist-splint instead (with a gauze underneath). So when I slipped, I had minimal protection. And it hurt so much, I decided to take the pain medication. That made me sleep until 11:30 this morning.

Anyway, I have learned something. It’s better to be hot and sweaty than risk an impact injury. So I am wearing that plaster brace all the time now.

Sincerely,

Scott

Sricheso- great pictures. My hand looks the same, but all healed and done quite a few years ago. It worked wonders for me. No problem at all once it was done. Glad to hear it has been successful. Continued good luck. Maggie

Oh, wow! What a shame. Glad to hear you've learned from your experience. Take care and let us know how you're progressing. My recovery was without incident. The one thing the Doc told me that helped a lot was after the sutures were removed to massage the area - I used vitamin E oil whenever things felt tight or uncomfortable. I have never regretted having the surgery done. Maggie

Well, two days ago I had my stitches taken out.
As for now, the only tenderness I have left is in my wrist. Otherwise, I have full strength. And most importantly, the carpel tunnel symptoms are completely gone.

Sincerely,

Scott

Hi Scott - Looks great. My hand surgeon had to extend the incision down into the wrist a short distance, also. I don't remember the reason - I think something to do with the damage to the nerve. He didn't want to because it is more tender there, but after awhile, it was fine. So glad to hear of your success story - continued good luck. Maggie

hey scott, good to hear another good cts surgery story! i just had mine done about 6 monthes ago and its great. i do have to say, my scar is a lot smaller than yours though. my scar is only about 3/4"-1" long. the doctor who did mine has been useing a new mothod. "smaller incision, longer recovery time". but all in all it is wonderful. good to hear you're doing so well. seeing your pictures brought back some memories :)

WOW......great pics. Thanks for sharing them. I am glad to hear your recovery is going so well although sorry to hear about your fall. I hope that hasn't set you back too much.


Missy

Yes... It's been going well. I have used vitamin E on the scar and it's getting smaller. I have cut two pickup truck loads full of fire wood. My hand is well enough to do that -- as well as stake them. Splitting wood is still not ready. I tried, but once I hit the plastic part of the ax handle on the log. That made my hand hurt.

So I have some limits. But I expect to be fully recovered soon.

Scott