Another Surgery??? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

HURTEN · 09-02-2008, 01:16 PM

Well I Just Got Back From Yet Another Ortho Dr,
And He Said The Same , To Operate Again On My Left Hand.
But This Time Go Up Higher On The Arm To See If It Needs To Be Released From There And Also He Will Leave My Arm In A Cast For 3 Weeks To Heal.
The Last Time I Had A Bandaid.
So I Have To Make A Decision. Im A Bit Scared And Confused Is Anyone Else Having To Make This Choice??

psalm46 · 09-02-2008, 02:09 PM

I have no experience with surgery as I have been able to find relief through accupuncture. Hang in there and sorry you have to go through this.

rose4me · 09-02-2008, 02:29 PM

I had cubital tunnel transposition surgery at the elbow and guyans canal release at the wrist (same surgery). I don't know what your symptoms are (carpal tunnel) and the need for further medical intervention, but there must be something that is significant enough to warrant it.
I had a cast 15 days, from knuckles to well past the elbow. It was bulkly, hot and downright cumbersome. Having good emotional support and physical support helps through the part of recovery that isn't always talked about. The 'when will I ever be normal again part'. I am six months post surgery and if I dont' get to ambitious and clean the whole house from top to bottom, then I do alright. I am so much better and I am certainly glad that I had the surgery and if the need were ever present again, I'd do it all over again for certain. My injuries were the result of a t-bone auto accident.
I suppose more info about your situation would help us to help you better.
Rose

HURTEN · 09-03-2008, 02:55 PM

HI ROSE,
HERE IS MY BACKGROUND,
I HAVE BI LATERAL C/T HAVE WENT THRU PT FOR 24 WEEKS THEN HAD SURGERY ON LEFT HAND 2YRS AGO.. AND MORE P/T STILL CANT FUNCTION WITHOUT PAIN AND LOOSING MY GRIP AND I CANT EVEN SEW A BUTTON, SO THE DR SUGGESTED SURGERY AGAIN THIS IS MY THIRD OPION, SAID HE WILL MAKE THE INCISION INTO THE WRIST TO RELEASE THE NERVE AND HAVE ME IN A SPLINT FOR 3 WEEKS AND NO P/T SAYS IT MAKES IT WORSE??? WHO NOS WHAT TO BELIEVE ANYMORE. IM AFRAID IF I DO IT AGAIN IT MIGHT BE WORSE THAN BEFORE. AND IF I DINT I COULD LOOSE WHATEVER MUSCLE I HAVE LEFT.
SO THERE IS MY DILEMA. I JUST DONT NO WHAT TO DO AND I WISH SOMEBODY WOULD TELL ME.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN

rose4me · 09-03-2008, 03:28 PM

Do you trust your ortho? I hope so. There are some out there (where I don't know - but according to lots of ranting from other sites, there must be) who aren't upfront, but I think your gut will tell you if this doctor knows his/her stuff. If you are still suffering so much, you must consider his recommendation for further release of the nerve. As to returning to full functionality, it is not certain that will occur. You will however, with their surgical expertise, stop the regression of nerves and muscles that must be occuring, otherwise you'd be all better now wouldn't you? That is the main reason for surgery again, I have been told, to not cure, but stop the wasting away of muscle mass and nerves. If it were me, I'd consider it. I trust my ortho doc. I hope you do too. This is not an easy decision for some to make. I wish you the very best with whatever you decide. Take care of yourself.
Rose