CT Surgery? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Erica · 11-10-2000, 03:38 PM

Hi everyone,

I guess I am either scheduled for surgery on
this coming tuesday, or in a few weeks. not sure depends on what the doc says. Have any of been through surgery or had the new mini carpal tunnel release?
I think I'll probably be getting the mini release done as I know the docs office now performs this.
What happens after the surgery? How long before you can return to work? Or in my case work and school? How long before you can write or drive?
And what do they put on the wrist to protect it from over use right after the surgery and before they take the stitches out?
thanks much.

Erica T.

Carol · 11-11-2000, 01:12 PM

Well, i had the surgery on both of my hands. I wasnt allowed to drive until the stiches came out. They will put an ace bandage or splint on your hand to prevent you from banging it.Of course, every doctor is different. My uncle had it done but they didn't open his hand as much and he only had a bandaid. Whether he did that himself I'm not sure. Anyway, you will be limited to only one hand. It will take at least 6 weeks before you can start using it again and a full year for total recovery. It's not as painful as it sounds. Don't listen to everyone,everyone person is different. I had immediate relief from burning/tingling . It was alot easier on me when I had my left hand done then my right because I am righty.Good luck and don't be nervous.
Carol

Erica · 11-11-2000, 01:48 PM

Thanks so much Carol,

Sounds as if I am just the opposite of you as i am a lefty and use that hand constantly at work, writing, driving etc..
I'll let you know how everything turns out for me. And what kinda surgery I had or am going to have when I find out!

Thanks Again.

Erica

~mandy~ · 12-01-2000, 04:34 PM

You don't need surgery....try massage. With carpel tunnel you basicly have an inflamed tendon which is putting pressure on your nerve...tendonitis...massage can help to break down any scar tissue and help with inflamation, which causes the pain.
I would definitly hold off on surgery....try calling around to physio clinics and places like that, they usually have a massage therapist on staff.
You of course can go through with the surgury, but it doesn't have a very high success rate......and it can take quite some time for you to heal enough to use the hand. Condsider the alternatives before going through with it.

cwalker · 12-01-2000, 09:07 PM

Hi everyone, Well, I guess everyone is different because I had surgery on my right hand ( my dominant hand) just this past Tuesday 11/28, and I was using it the next day. I drove myself to choir practice on Thursday (two days after surgery) and then had a full day of errands today,even took my dog to the vet. I am sore and it does sting a little with the stiches, but I just take my pain meds and do what I have to do. I plan to be back at work on Monday. I haven't had too much trouble with typing today. I am trying to be careful, but I am not used to being lazy and lying around on pillows and just doing nothing all day. I guess I am a bad girl, but hey, I'm a nurse, and you know what kind of patients we make!! (the bad kind). I really think I am doing OK. Nobody needs to be too worried about the surgery. After 15 years of pain and numbness, I can already tell a big difference!
Cynthia