Bilateral carpal tunnel and Martin-Gruber anastomosis

I too wondered whether it would be best to have both hands done at the same time, but I'm so glad I didn't!  I hadn't realised how incapacitating it is - apart from the post operative pain.  I had the carpal tunnel decompression on my right, dominant hand 2 weeks ago and haven't been able to use my right hand since, although I have just begun to be able to hold things lightly but cannot cut my food, open doors, drive etc.  And my hand is still quite painful because of the interference with the nerves - its like a stinging pain.  It is improving but I believe it could be 6 weeks or so before it will fully recover.  I will probably wait till after Christmas before having the left one done.  Hope this is useful.

I had my right (dominant) hand released on 18th August 7 weeks on today it still hurts, I wouldn't go for both hands at once, you don't realise how much you use your hands until you can't. I'd say one then the other.

I would not do this surgery on both hands at the same time.  You need one to be functioning, don't you?

Thanks for the replies I thought it would be separate, I'm not looking forward to it just the long term outcome and the possibility of no or reduced pain, hope you all start to feel better soon 

I find all these comments about carpel tunnel release surgery to be so frustrating.  There is a simple, easy, 15 minute surgery (under anesthetic) that works extremely well.  I don't know what conditions would preclude using this kind of surgery, but I can't say it enough times: ask for a referral to a surgeon who does the minimally invasive endocopic surgery.  I had the type with only one incision and so I won't speak for the type with 2 incisions.  I have no scars.  I did more than I should have during the first week out of surgery and my bandage got dirty!  That was the result of using my hand quckly.  Luckily there were so many layers of bandage that no dirt got to the tiny would.  Two weeks out I had the one stitch removed and the surgeon checked my hand strength, etc.  And that's it!  That's it folks.  Of course you want a surgeon experienced in this type of surgery.  I would make sure of that and I would travel to have it done elsewhere, if needed.  There is no reason to go through all the pain and suffering that I hear about.  I'm really sorry for what people have had to go through.  The only thing I can think of to force you to have the bigger surgery is perhaps it would be because of the Martin Gruber anastomosis.  At least you could find that out.

I also can't imagine why the surgeon would find it necessary to operate on both hands.  That is not recommended by anyone.  It should be done for your health reasons, not the doctor's schedule.  You have the right to have the best possible procedure.  Best wishes, and take care.