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Carpal Tunnel Post Op Complication

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CarpDog
CarpDog

I had  both hands done. The first (my right) back in January. 4 weeks out and all is fine. The left one was done 4 days ago. Everything is good except for my index finger. It is numb all the time and pain shoots through it if I put  pressure on it or try to hold even the lightest things. I know it's early in the recovery but my right hand came through amazingly well and this one's not responding nearly the same. I need both hands as I am Letter Carrier .Any ideas? 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mark26805
    mark26805 CarpDog

    Posted

    I had jolts of pain up my middle two fingers for a week, and then the jolts got lighter and stopped completely. It felt like someone was sticking red hot wires along my bones. It only happened when I forgot about it and did something quick, like flick on a light switch. I was very pleased when it stopped happening.

    I think nerves are being repaired under your operation, and they manage this job very well, but you must give them time to recover. I also had numbness in the ends of my main fingers. All gone after 3 weeks, but the surgeon told me it might take a year! So don't panic but let your Dr know.

    • CarpDog
      CarpDog mark26805

      Posted

      Thanks. It's nice knowing I'm not alone. Just want to ba prepared for my follow-up appointment with my surgeon. It's good to be an informed patient. 
    • mark26805
      mark26805 CarpDog

      Posted

      I have been active on a few forums since my right hand was operated on and it does seem that the most consistant thing is "Everyone reacts differently on each occasion". Even seen a big difference from people who have had both hands done at different times AND both hands on the same day by the same surgeon!

      The one regular, is keep exercising your fingers... bend them several times a day, baby waves (little finger waves); and as you get further into recovery, make a fist and allow it to get slowly tighter after two weeks. For the first 24 hours, keep the operated wrist high. But keep exercising, it increases blood flow to the fingers which seems to reduce the numbness. Those exercises will get you fingers back quickest.

    • CarpDog
      CarpDog mark26805

      Posted

      Thanks Mark. I have been opening and closing my hand. Making a fist, bending and stretching the fingers. Hope to get feeling back in the index finger and lose the shooting pain. I do notice pain when I extend my arm and twist my wrist certain ways. Guess I'll just have to keep doing that too.

       

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