update having surgery - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

chelespiglets · 06-03-2003, 06:34 AM

Hello, Just thought I would let you know that I went and seen the doctor yesturday and I am having surgery on the 17th of June. She is doing the ulner nerve decomp. for my Cubital Tunnel syn.

She said even though my emg was neg, she is worried about the lose of strenght in my hand. So she said it would be better to take care of it now then wait and it get worse.

So thanks for reading and you all take care
bye Chele'

lidia09 · 06-04-2003, 12:12 AM

Hi Chele
I sometimes wonder about the accuracy of some of these tests as I've heard of several people who had negative test results but knew there was something far wrong with their arm. I had surgery for cts about 7 yrs ago in the UK & had no tests at all - except for the simple ones not involving machines. The severity of the cts was based on my symptoms.
Good luck with your surgery.
Lidia

ShelbyS · 06-05-2003, 08:31 PM

Hi Chele,
Interesting message. I too am having surgery on the 17th of June for the same thing and a release of my right hand carpal tunnel. The EMG was a torture and something I'm sure I will never do again. I did have 50% strength loss and nerve conduction loss; however, my surgeon would not say "you really should have the surgery NOW." I also had a second opinion and he said basically the same thing....You will need surgery sooner of later it will not repair itself or get better. I figure I'm in my late 30's and would rather not put off the inevitable. I've also heard that the longer you wait, the more damage, the more difficult the recovery, and less chance of recovering your muscle strength and nerve sensations. Are you nervous about the surgery? I'm a little nervous, I heard the first 3 days after surgery can be tough (painful) and my Dr. wants me to use the arm as much as possible after the surgery. Best of Luck to You!
ShelbyS

chelespiglets · 06-06-2003, 08:23 AM

Hi Shelby.

Well one thing is we both know that we are not alone the day we go in.

I to am worried. I know it is for the best, I am really sick of the pain. The doctor said that the pain might or might not get better. But one thing is that the strength will not get better that will get worse if we dont have surgery. The doctor told me that I will be in a split for 10 days and no using it at all till I get the split off and then i start therepy.

I thought for sure after all my female surgeries that I would not be seeing the inside of another operating room. Boy was I wrong

I'm with ya on the EMG, that did hurt. Bothered me a whole lot. I had it done on both arms. Did you? Well Shelby I wish you best of luck on the 17th and let me know how your doing.

To Lidia,

I to wonder what the accuracy of the tests are. I know they are not all right all the time. My doctor did all tests, with machines and without, and I failed all the tests with out the machines, but the tests with the machines where normal. That does not make sence at all. The doctor seen the swelling and the lump in my arm and how painful it was, but the mri came back normal. Like I can fake a lump and pain for all these years. She thinks it is a musle spasm. (sorry for spelling) I dont care at this point what it is, I just want some pain relief. Which I know is low with the surgery, but at this point I will try anything new.

Well thanks for writing Lidia and Shelby and I will let you both know how things are.

Bless you, Chele'

ShelbyS · 06-07-2003, 05:19 PM

Thanks Chele''
You are right; I hope that both of our surgeries and recoveries will be clean sailing! "Whenever"? you are able to get to the computer, after surgery, I would be anxious to hear how you are doing and what post op approach our Dr's take (ie. Physical Therapy, splinting, etc.) I will keep you in my prayers.
Shelby