1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Posted , 4 users are following.

FranB
FranB

Had my second carpal tunnel surgery last Thursday. My left hand (I am left handed) was done five and a half years ago. I remember it being pretty painful and put off having the other one done until I was actually losing sensation in my fingertips. I finally gave in about 6 weeks ago and went to my GP who referred me to the Orthopaedic Triage team. It took only a few weeks to see a Consultant (at the local private hospital, but funded by the NHS). Nerve conduction studies were undertaken a week before my surgery and confirmed the need, and my operation was at 8.30 in the morning seven days later. it took a little over half an hour and was not nearly as painful as I had remembered the first one being. I am now five days post surgery. The padding and bandage were removed yesterday and I now have only a small dressing. I can touch type, use scissors, and lift all but heavy items, and am astonished at how well recovered I am for this stage. Pain is no more than an ache when I try to do too much, and the occasional ache at other times too, but nothing that needs pain killers. I only took to Zapain tablets the afternoon of the surgery and have needed nothing else. My advice to anyone needing the surgery is to have it sooner rather than later - I am not expected to get the feeling back in my fingertips and if I'd had the surgery six months earlier I would not have had any permanent damage. It is nothing to be afraid of - go for it!

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Ram2645
    Ram2645 FranB

    Posted

    So happy for you Fran.  What you describe is exactly my experience and I am 10 days post op.  My pins and needles were gone right away thankfully. Time will tell whether this has also helped my dropping things alot.  I can now hold my hand up with a book or telephone without it falling asleep...so pleased !  smile
    • FranB
      FranB Ram2645

      Posted

      It's great, isn't it? When I had my left one done (I am left handed), I had had to give up my hobbies of playing the guitar and doing cross stich, as well as having great trouble writing for more than a couple of minutes. I was able to return to all of them within a couple of weeks. In terms of quality of life, it's a wonderful procedure - so simple and so effective.

       

  • andrea34800
    andrea34800 FranB

    Posted

    Thats fantastic Fran, i back at hospital 12th dec and going to tell them to book me in for my left hand, i was unlucky to get regional pain syndrome after my right hand  op. Its nice to know that ur looking good. I only had pins n needles and numbness for a month, then all i had and still got was pain in my hands. I need to get back to work but no way i carnt do my job and i know my job coursed it 😞. Keep in touch please Fran let me know how u doing xxx
    • FranB
      FranB andrea34800

      Posted

      Hi Andrea, sorry to hear about the regional pain syndrome - that's just really bed luck. I hope your second is much more trouble free for you. By the way, how soon were you able to return to driving? I feel I would be fine driving now, six days after, but am worried about whether my insurance company would back out if I had to make a claim.

       

    • andrea34800
      andrea34800 FranB

      Posted

      Hi, i was about 10 weeks maybe more, cos of the regional pain syndrome. When they operated he said my nerve was squashed badley. My doc told me pain sydrome could take months and even never go. My hands still swollen, my first two fingers still stiff to move. But i having left hand done i have to same pain. Take care kerp in touch xxxxx
  • rachel92942
    rachel92942 FranB

    Posted

    Hi. Sounds like a success then :-)

    I had my right hand done last night and am feeling rather sorry for myself.  I didn't expect it to be so painful. I have taken paracetamol. Lots of people were saying how they had such immediate relief yet this feels so painful ( 2 cesarean were a doddle compared to this !) Having left hand done after Christmas.  

    • FranB
      FranB rachel92942

      Posted

      Don't despair, Rachel - mine was very painful the afternoon and evening it was done, and much much much much better the next day, and even better the next day. Once it starts improving, the rate of improvement seems to be very fast. I too have had Ceasareans - four of them, and the advantage there, I seem to remember, was morphine for the first couple of days!

       

  • andrea34800
    andrea34800 FranB

    Posted

    Only time i never had pain was when i was having the op and a few hours after but then it's been pain and still us be a year 1st dec 2013 
  • Ram2645
    Ram2645 FranB

    Posted

    Wondering how all of you are doing!  My left hand has done so well that I;m booked for my dominant right hand this Friday Nov. 28th.  I expect managing when it's the dominant hand is more tricky but I'm up for it to get it all behind me!

    BTW...I have started a new group on FB today called Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery Support. If you're on FB do come and join me !  I'm going to post articles etc. and hope others do too !

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.