carpal tunnel diagnosis - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

judy1026 · 06-18-2001, 02:23 PM

I was recently diagnosed with CTS by my PCP, she referred me to a neurologist who performed an EMG/NCV test. His diagnosis was moderately severe CTS in both wrists, right being worse than the left. I have an appointment to see my PCP on 6/25, what would be the possible next step in dealing with this problem? TIA for any help.

Carol · 06-19-2001, 07:32 AM

He will probably want you in for surgery on one,and then the other....it's not as bad as everyone makes it seem,it's just slow healing........good luck!

BLM · 06-20-2001, 10:41 AM

On October 12, 2000 I had laser surgery on both wrists and traditional surgery on both elbows, all 4 surgerys at once.

I recovered quite nicely, however I still have some soreness in my right elbow, with this being the worst place even before surgery.

I had total and complete support from my dear husband and I would highly recommend anyone who is to have this type of surgery to think about doing these all at once. For one thing, one hospital time, one bill, one of everything.

They told me I would not be able to do anything for myself for about 2 weeks, but in 2 days I was holding and pouring my own cup of coffee and doing the bathroom by myself. I did have to have help with shower/bath until I went back for my 2 weeks checkup and could take all the bandages off and get the incisions wet.

Good luck with your CTS.

barb

judy1026 · 06-20-2001, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the tips...I have thought about having both hands done at the same time, but I am very reluctant to do that. I am not opposed to having the surgery either because I am bothered by this problem 24/7. I am worried about the time off work due to the fact that we are short-staffed at my office and I don't want to be off work very long. I answer the phone, take messages, type, copy, etc...basic office work, but I figure I could go in and do limited work (answer phone is the biggest task) with just one hand.

Thanks again for your input...I'm glad I'm not the only one in this situation!
Judy

[This message has been edited by judy1026 (edited 06-20-2001).]

raynbow · 06-20-2001, 04:57 PM

I just went in about a month ago and had one of my hands done. I stayed off work on doctor's orders for 2 weeks, but he said that some people are able to return to work after surgery the next day. I probably could have returned to work sooner, but it being my dominant hand I had the surgery on, it would've been difficult to not use it.

It still hurts a little bit, but nothing like before. The day after the surgery I took 4 ibuprofen all day - instead of the vioxx and 8-16 advils I was taking before the surgery.

I would recommend looking into other forms of treatment before jumping headlong into the surgery, esp. if you are reluctant to take the time off of work. PT worked fairly well, and acupuncture helped take the pain away - but both only worked to a point, and stopped working when I stopped going. It's a way to get you through the pain until you decide to do something else, however. I would NOT recommend cortisone shots.

Good luck to you!