Just curious, I see a lot of posts from people with carpal tunnel in both hands who spaced their carpal tunnel surgeries several months apart. Is this common? If I need surgery, I would rather get them both done at once. Can they do that?

Want a reason to NOT have both hands done at the same time? Do you have a personal assistant who would help you go to the bathroom, put your underwear on you, do things you need two hands to do? Even with only one hand in a bandage, I squirmed into an exercise bra one handed for about two weeks and I had to repeat that when my other hand was done. I think anyone who gets both done at the same time either has about 3 weeks of time where they don't mind having someone do things for them. As it was for me, I put my bandaged hand into a newspaper bag and ducted taped it well so I could take a shower. The hand that is operated on cannot do much at all. You are pretty much one handed. So if you have BOTH hands done, then what is your plan to function normally with everyday tasks? So I ask you do you really want both done at the same time? I spaced mine surgeries 3 months apart.

I was just curious because the recovery time is supposed to be cut way down with the endoscopic surgery, versus cutting through the palm to get to the carpal tunnel. A lady I work with had cts surgery several years ago and she had to be back at work after about 5 days, though she was in pain, and they did both at once. They did the endoscopic surgery on her.

I'm not sure if my doctor was telling me the truth or just wanted the money an open surgery procedure would bring, but he told me that endoscopic doesn't always work, the problem can come back. He said with open, it's always going to work unless you have scarring bad enough that the median nerve is cramped. We liked my doctor a whole lot and I kinda believe he's telling the truth.

I'm not sure if my doctor was telling me the truth or just wanted the money an open surgery procedure would bring, but he told me that endoscopic doesn't always work, the problem can come back. He said with open, it's always going to work unless you have scarring bad enough that the median nerve is cramped. We liked my doctor a whole lot and I kinda believe he's telling the truth.

I have read on a couple of websites that the open release is most cost effective. Endoscopy is more $$...even though it is less invasive. The sites also mentioned that there is a higher risk of snipping a nerve with endoscopic release. Unfortunately, the open release I had in Feb of 05 resulted in orthopedic surgeon nicking the nerve, causing nerve damage, so open doesn't always work. :(

I want the proceduce that is most effective as I enjoy several crafts that require fine motor skills, and I play 2 instruments. Cost is not a factor as workman's comp is paying for everything, but I have a second job, and I have my doubts that work comp will pay for missed work at that other job, so the quicker I get back to work the better. I go back to my doc at the end of the month to see if the steroid injection worked in my left hand. If not, I expect him to discuss surgery, as we've exhausted all treatment options that I know of. From what I've read on other websites, the endoscopic is supposed to be really good, but I will discuss the pros and cons of both procedures with my doc beforehand.

Hi There, I can't help but over hearing everyone talking about open cts surgery vs endoscopic. I had both endo first and my median nerve was cut so ten days later open release was done because 1) the endo didn't get the full release done and 2) they made a attempt to repair the cut nerves. I won't give them the oppurtunity to try the lefthand. Why do you think a Dr. office is called practice? I have been suffering for 3 yrs now with RSD due to practice and I live on meds lots of them so that I can work with limits. I'm currently scheduled for a nerve block to relieve some of the arm pain as I had 14 months ago. I would wear splints and go PT until the cows come before I would have another hand surgery also do strching exercises use vitamin B6 and super B complex and get work limits for a while with plenty of breaks. And that is all I have to say about that, FBcoach

Johands-

Loved the description of the personal assistant "position." :D

That's the exact reasoning to have them done a month apart or so. I had my dominant hand done first. The surgery lasted 15 minutes and I was awake for the whole thing. I have had 2 previous back surgeries, so I was able to decline the Valium that they offered.

After that first surgery, a friend drove me home. Since I wasn't under the influence of anything, I was allowed to drive myself home after the second surgery since my dominant hand had been done.

The amazing thing was the incredible feeling. I never realized how bad my hands were until after the surgery. I guess it was because the problems gradually progress over time.

Good luck on your surgeries!

wb

Photo, From what I have read on other websites, there is a greater chance of nicking the nerve with endoscopic release than with open release...higher percentage of complications with endoscopic vs open and endoscopic costs more ( but WC pays for it anyway?)
My orthopedic surgeon who did Feb surgery said that....and then he nicks the nerve during open.

Hi Photo

I just wanted to say that I had both hands done by open surgery in August last year. My husband did have to help me with the loo etc for the best part of a week. Still I am pleased I got it over and done with - I'm sure work were happier too. I went back to work after 3 weeks - and really I could have pushed it at 2 weeks probably. I drive and use computers for work mainly. If you do anything heavier I guess it would take longer.

I was lucky and everything worked out well. I have no pain or numbness now - hard to believe how much I put up with, I'm happy to say it's a distant memory.

Good luck with your decision and any possible surgery - remember most people do have sucessful surgery, but they tend not to come back to the boards as they are free of the CTS. I am grateful to be one of those people.

Best regards

Julie