Tell Me About Your Ulnar Nerve Surgery - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

sivyaleah · 07-29-2005, 09:51 AM

Hi everyone. I've been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome in my right arm. Currently, low-tech methods haven't had much success nor have medications. My doctor (whom I trust completely - he already fixed my bum knee) suggested I think about having the surgery to move the nerve. I'm hesitant, since my hand isn't numb all day long, however, it is causing a lot of sleep disturbances at this point which are affecting me in other ways (making me cranky and tired to say the least).

I'm concerned about the length of recovery mostly. The surgery itself doesn't freak me out, nor does the prospect of therapy (been there done that for my knee - tedious, tiresome and painful at times, but the end result was worth all the work). It's the actual recovery I'm concerned about because my job completely relies on me being able to use my arm. I'm an administrative assistant for a very small busy office. I type all day long, am on the phone frequently, and obviously your arm is used constantly - there is no way around it. Plus, I'm right-handed of course. I'm also worried about home care too. My husband will be around to help quite a bit, but, I know there are things I can't expect him to do for me (nor do I want him) such as attending to my own personal hygiene! Guess I'm going to have to learn to do a couple of things left handed LOL!

Anyway, I'd like to hear about people's experiences with this type of surgery. Please only respond if you've had ulnar nerve surgery NOT Carpal tunnel, as that is a different area and recovery is different as well.

Thanks!

Laurie

JParrott · 08-01-2005, 03:16 PM

I had ulnar nerve surgery 10 weeks ago. I also had the carpal tunnel done at the same time. This was on my non-dominant arm. I can honestly say that I wish I had done it sooner. I had gotten to the point where I had a burning in my elbow, electrical like shocks and wrist constantly hurt as did all fingers, not to mention the numbness. I wasn't very pleasant to be around and pain pills got to where they didn't work at all. I was diagnosed with half the conduction across the elbow. The surgery was done outpatient under general anesthetic. When I woke up, no more numbness and the fire was out! There was some pain but vicodan took care of it. Only took it for 24 hours. I was in a soft cast for 2 weeks. The hardest part was dressing but hubby and daughter helped me there. After the stitches were out there was some stiffness but not really pain, unless I forgot and straighted it too far. The incision site was very sensitive and still is in one spot. It hurt to have a shirt touch it even. Thank god it was sleeveless weather. The elbow is healing better than the wrist. I can completely straighten my arm. The scar is healing nicely, just some sensitivity and a little weakness. Please don't let it go too long. The surgery really isn't bad. Good luck

sivyaleah · 08-01-2005, 03:28 PM

J, thanks for responding. I've only heard bad reports - that people have more problems after than before. I saw my doctor a few days ago and we're giving it another month to see if low-tech measure are of any help. If not, he said I should seriously think about the surgery - even tho the problem is mostly affecting my sleep. I have it at other times, most especially when driving but my husband does most of that anyway. The longest I drive is just to the grocery store or the train station LOL. I prefer being a passenger

Thanks again!

Laurie