Post Op Problems - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Jobberdun · 09-28-2008, 07:37 PM

Hi All

New here and really need help.

I had CTS surgery on my right hand 7 weeks ago and my left hand only 5 days ago, after suffering with the condition for 4 years, it had got so severe, with the cramping and the shooting pains up the arms.

The numbness has completly gone but I get really bad pain from the scar of my right hand and feels like my left hand is goning to be the same.

I can only discribe it like someone inserting a knife into the scar.

I keep getting told that the scar can be sensitive for a long time but the pain is keeping me awake at night and at times unable to do anything dueing the days, hand on heart can say the pain is at times worse then the CTS.

I live in the UK and it was in for the surgery and sent home with painkillers there isn't any follow up just advice to take two weeks off work. I haven't been able to work since the first op.

Anyone had any similar problems, the people I do know that have had the op (most of them years ago) say they was ok after a few days!!!

Any advice, please.

Taimse · 09-28-2008, 09:29 PM

Sorry to read about the pain post op. Was any physical therapy recommended?
What were your post op instructions? Part of my post op care( after stitches were removed) was to immerse my hand in warm water and do simple finger exercises. I was also instructed to rub/massage along the incision site to help keep scar adhesions from forming and limit mobility of my hand. I also wore the scar limiting 'band aids'
I do remember how it hurt, though, after the first surgery on my left hand, when the occupational therapist showed me what to do by massaging the scar. Adhesions had already started forming and the massaging hurt a lot at first.
Can you see the surgeon or physical therapist just to follow up for your own information as to whether it is healing o.k. or not?
Good luck.

Jobberdun · 09-29-2008, 04:21 PM

Thank you for you help.

No, no physical therapy was offered or advised. I received a fact sheet telling me to keep it dry and visit the nurse to have the dressing changed in 2 days!

When my right hand was done I received a call from the surgeons nurse after 2 weeks asking how I was getting on and I expalined the pain to her and again just advised that it can take up to six months to return to normal. The pain just seems far to much just to be normal recovery.

I have been to my own doctor and been told the same.

I looked up some recommeded post op exercises on the net today and thanks to you did find some relief in my right hand by doing these..........still early to start on left hand, stiches still to be removed.

Will follow the programme and see what happens in a couple of weeks.

Thank you again.

HURTEN · 10-07-2008, 06:13 PM

Scar Tissue Does Form And Can Cause Much Pain, And I Think U Went Back To Work Too Soon. I Suffer From Pain Also It Has Been 2yrs And No Relief. The Drs Want To Do Surgery Again And I Am Refusing It. No Guarantees.
I Take Pain Meds When I Cant Take It. Other Than That I Just Deal With The Pain.

Good Luck To You I Hope You Will Get Relief.

Johands333 · 10-11-2008, 11:31 AM

Once stitches are removed from your one hand, try soaking both hands in warm water with baby oil in it. Take a pain reliever (Aleve) for pain. Recovery from cts surgery takes a long time.