Is this possible? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Luckyj0203 · 04-02-2003, 08:30 AM

I think my boyfriend's doctor is making his injury out to be more than it really is. He's 25 and he had only been working physical labor for a little over a year before he started having problems with his wrist. They never even suggested he try anything else before they told him to do the surgery. They cut his wrist and elbow and its been 3 months and he's being told to still keep his wraps on because they say his scars could still get infected even though he had the new surgery and the scars are minimal and healed. They also have him going to therapy 3 times a week. I'm getting frustrated because he has a family to support and its keeping him out of work and on disability. Do you think this doctor is crooked or is this reasonable?

04-03-2003, 01:03 AM

I haven't heard of the wraps being on so long but as for physical therapy that long, yes.

Are you giving the family any support (financial and mentally)during this time? Just wondered cause your post sounded like you were worried about him getting back to work. He might be wondering it himself. But nothing on how you are helping out.

I had R wrist surgery May 2001,returned to work 2 1/2 weeks later and then fell on both hands Jan 2002. Got fired Mar 2002. Now I can't find work as DR has me on quite a few restrictions. Seems nobody wants to hire someone who can't lift more than 10 lbs and needs to take a break every 4 hours plus no constant hand work. Thank goodness for unemployment right now.

If he has been doing physical labor the DRs may just want to know he will be able to go back to work and not reinjure the hands.

Of course its hard not knowing how bad off his hands were before surgery too.

Sweet Pea · 04-03-2003, 05:33 AM

Most drs undertreat instead of overtreat. They have to deal with insurance cos. and keep costs down. They maybe trying to prevent further damange especially since he is so young.

SilentStar1 · 04-12-2003, 07:33 PM

I just had carpal tunnel surgery last week, the stitches came out this week and the wraps taken off. The doctor has told me it could be 6 months to a year rehab and I have to wear a hard hand immobilizer. To be honest right now my hand feels 6 times worse than before the surgery. Be patient and supportive, this is no picnic and I am sure he needs all the support he can get. I know how stressful it can be when on disability but one has to tend to their injury or things will be even worse down the road. Good luck..

NancyH · 04-17-2003, 08:31 PM

Well, when they go into the elbow it can take as long as a year for complete recovery. I'm going in on the 28th for ulnar nerve decompression and carpal tunnel, Dr said the CTS is a few weeks really but the elbow is a full year to regain complete usage as before. i also heard the elbow isn't any picnic either.