carpal tunnel surgery

[ylecoyote]

last jan. I went in for what ended up as three surgeries [ one in jan second in march and third in june] for carpal tunnel in my right hand. After the third surgeryI complained about alot of pressure in my hand [ like it was wrapped to tight], the nurse gave me a shot of morphine and sent me home. by the time I got there the pain was so bad I thought the skin was being wripped of my hand. since the surgery I was placed on 900 mg of gabapentin every 8 hrs and 1000mg of lortab or similar drug[ they tried three different ones] every day for pain. I have no feeling in my thunb index finger and only on half of my middle finger and upper palm, about half of the surface of my palm. I have intense burning swelling and I am unable to bend these fingers or thumb from about mid joint, even with 6 months of therapy. I would like to know if any one has a similar experience, and what they did about it

[HURTEN]

Hi,i Had The Surgery In Aug 2006, I Too Thought It Was Routine.
Some Time Off Of Work To Rest No Heavy Lifting Or Cleaning.
After 4 Weeks I Started P/t, It Felt Fine For A While But I Still Got The Pain And Tingling In My Fingers And Still No Strenght To Pop The Tube Of Toothe Paste Or Hold A Dish To Wash. My Dr Suggested A Hand Therapist Which I Did, But The Therapy Was Too Intense And Caused More Pain So I Discontinued It,went Back To My Ortho And He Put Me Out Of Work Again.
When Do We Know To Stop Treatment And Move On To The Next Step,
Im Afraid Of Any More Surgery And My Other Hand Needs It As Well.
People Dont Believe Wheni Say Its Not Right Because I Look Normal And Healthy,
Should I Look Like A Train Wreck Because Of The Pain???
I Tryto Do Everything On My Own But I Suffer In Pain For Days After.
Does This Make Sense To You?
Thanks For Listening,
Hurten

[ylecoyote]

I understand about the pain, although I do have swelling and dicoloration I still feel like I'm being judged by people. It is hard to explane to someone how bad this actually feels. I have some info for you or anyone else with this problem, I just went to Cleveland Clinic on friday and they told me they want to try a Stllate Ganglion Block. Basically it shuts down the nerve for a small amount of time, so several shots may be needed. He also wanted me to think about spinal cord stimulation, he gave me information about it to take home and review. The spinal cord stimulator is an implant that controls the nerve like a pacemaker. I hope this information was helpful and I am still seeking more information from anyone with a similar experiance. Thanks Hurtful for your response.

[Taimse]

ylecoyote. Sounds like you have RSD.
Why did you have 3 surgeries so close together?
The ortho surgeon who did my initial ct release, said he could send me for a second opinion. But, after consulting with that doc, was told that I wouldn't be seen until at least a year to 18 months post op, to make sure it had enough time to heal. (It certainly hadn't gotten better between 6 months post op to 6 weeks short of a year post op)

I had similar type of problem, though I don't think I have RSD. First ctr surgery on left hand, I thought bandage was too tight, but when I called dr on call several times the first couple of days post surgery, was told I didn't need to come in. Fingers were swollen, especially index finger and middle finger and thumb. Hot needle poking pain at times.....I had hypersensitivity on thumb, index finger, part of middle finger and webspace between thumb and index finger. I had desensitization and strength therapy for about 3 months post surgery and then was put on 900 mg/day gabapentin at three months after done with therapy. Because if blurred vision side effect, was switched over to amytriptyline. I wore latex exam gloves most of the time to be able to touch anything....paper being the worst.

I had a bone scan, MRI, autonomic tests done for second opinion at the facility my doctor was going to refer me to and was told to go home and live with it, that problem was not from surgery but was problem yet from before surgery...even though symptoms were almost entirely different, and consistant with many RSD symptoms. When I asked for a cortisone shot, my original surgeon wouldn't do it because he said it would interfere with the healing process. ( What "healing" process?!!). He had offered to give me one before I went for second opinion.

I went for another opinion.

I had another surgery at a totally different facility almost a year later.....that doc said that the surgeon from first surgery had nicked the nerve.He tried to repair/line up fascicles as best he could, but said it would never be 100%.
I am still taking the amitriptyline.
Your symptoms sound worse than mine.

Hope you find relief!

[Johands333]

Hurten,
You make perfect sense to me. Someone who has never experienced this pain has no idea. I have weakness in my fingers and my biggest problem is driving my car any length of time. I'm good for about 3 miles, that's it. I want to see another doctor this year and if surgery is recommended, I want it. Anything to fix my pain. I had both hands done in 2005. I get shooting pain feelings in my fingers and parts of my palms. Sometimes it makes my hand jerk.