How long after surgery are u out of commission? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

farscape66 · 05-14-2003, 06:25 AM

Just diagnosed, in both wrists. Trying 6 weeks of wrist brace treatement first. If not effective then surgery. How long can you expect to be out of work if you go the surgery route?

lidia09 · 05-14-2003, 10:58 AM

Hi Farscape, I had surgery for cts around 7 years ago. I think the average recovery time is around 6-8 weeks judging by a cts message board I've seen. Some people amazingly go back to work after a week but I'd say it's too soon. I think the reality is that if you return to the same things which caused your cts in the first place - after any length of time - it'll come back. I still have symptoms but then I choose not to give up what caused my cts (creative stuff).
Have you tried Bromelain (comes from pineapple)? It's a good natural anti-inflammatory, also vitamin B6 is said to help cts as sufferers have been found to have a deficiency.
Hope you're not wearing the braces 24/7? They're good for at night & whilst typing etc. but if you wear them too much other parts of your hand/wrist suffer from lack of exercise.
Good luck & best wishes.
Lidia

farscape66 · 05-14-2003, 12:01 PM

Currently wearing the wrist splints only at night. Just started yesterday. Maybe they will help.

Chaos247 · 06-19-2003, 11:14 AM

Honestly I was able to get out of surgery twice in a period of 10 years by switching jobs. I know that is not an option for alot of people but even if you are in a factory using your hands repetitvely in a different motion can make the difference. I had it severly in both hands. If you do have the surgery and return to what caused it you will have it again and again. The only thing that truly helps is a break from what is causing it. I did not find the splints helpful since was only using at nite and getting right back up and putting them through it again. It took 2 months this time to completely rid myself of pain and agony after stopping this last job but it worked again. I have strength coming back in my hands also. This is just my experience. My mother had surgery had to return in 3 days to work. I know other folks that have done the same.