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carpal tunnel surgery post op

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976pamela
976pamela

I had my surgery  carpal tunnel syndrome 7 weeks ago on my dominant right hand.  My job requires alot of manual handling with adults with learning difficulties and pushing of heavy wheelchairs therefore I am still off work.  I am in constant pain and scar area is solid and tender feels lumpy.  I started physio exercises 2 weeks ago and hadnt really done much before that except wiggle fingers as I had not been given any advice at all post op.  2 weeks ago I couldnt even make a fist or reach my thumb to each finger, now I can make a fist and touch all finders and am using it normally but with alot of pain, more so at night and shooting pains, my grip is extremley poor which worries me after this length of time.  I am scheduled to have my left one done in around 6-8 weeks but I am now considering cancelling as I worry constantly that this will not resume to 100% mobility. Has anyone had this problem after this length of time? and did it improve up to 12 weeks post op?  any reply would be appreciated.

8 likes, 191 replies

191 Replies

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  • margaret57718
    margaret57718 976pamela

    Posted

    Oh dear, such negative posts. I had surgery to my right hand 2 weeks ago today, and every thing is back to normal. The only thing I find is that I can't push or pull heavy items, but that's improving.

    I was advised to start wiggling fingers and to do wrist rotation as soon as possible from the first day, but most importantly to keep the hand up by the shoulder. I wasn't given a sling,( NHS cuts no doubt) so I used a scarf to support my arm for 48hrs. Do all that and you should have a good recovery. Good luck to everyone who is due for surgery. t!

    • faezeh20
      faezeh20 margaret57718

      Posted

      Hi margaret , i hope your hands getting well.was you surgery "endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery "?

  • jjslingo429
    jjslingo429 976pamela

    Posted

    Hi Pamela,

    I just had carpal tunnel surgery on Friday.  Well I was told by my doctor that I would be 100% within days and this is just not true.  I know have shooting pain from the right side of my hand shooting to my neck.  I also still have tingling sensation but the numbness has subsided to a certain degree.  I have found that if my hand is in a certain position it still goes numb.  I am upset because I thought I would be fine after surgery and I could go back to work.  I am scared that I have to change occupations now.  My doctor seems aggetated with my degree of pain I have and can't solve it. 

  • tom042243
    tom042243 976pamela

    Posted

    My operation was in May and I'm still having trouble making a fist and still in pain.  I'm going in for more tests but I doubt it will accomplish anything. Best of luck to you. I will have my left hand done but will; have it done at Andrews Institute with a doc the only does carpal tunnel surgery.

  • david42670
    david42670 976pamela

    Posted

    Hi.

    I had my carpal tunnel release surgery 4 months ago. I massaged the area very well for many weeks after and also rubbed in BIO oil as instructed by the hospital. I almost have no visible scar no in my hand. However I am experiencing a strange feeling. When I touch slightly to the right of the scar site I get the feeling of touching the skin / nerve in the middle of my palm/hand and not where I am actually touching.

    Before the surgery my middle finger was numb and this has now improved about 90% so overall the operation has been a success. Has anyone else expericenced this?

  • patricia5766
    patricia5766 976pamela

    Posted

    I am 23 days post op of Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel. At the 21st day, my fingers started tingling again, which I found devastating but then shrugged it off as part of the healing process. The incision on my palm is healing although my skin is peeling. I am using Bio Oil daily as well as a non scented lotion. I can move my fingers but cannot make a right fist yet. As per the nurse, I am sleeping with my brace on. The scabbing is ugly, though.

    I am to get my other wrist/elbow done in about 6 months or so...but am kind of scared if some people are still having pain at that amount of time.

    • jjslingo429
      jjslingo429 patricia5766

      Posted

      Hi patricia. I am post op 2 months and at have pain throughout hand.sometimes I have the pain so bad almost like a Charlie horse that I cry. People have told me at least 6 months to a year
    • Edfrogz3
      Edfrogz3 jjslingo429

      Posted

      I had surgery on 12/15/16.  What you are describing in your hand I'm experiencing myself.  It almost makes me vomit how bad it hurts.  Are you guys experiencing painful lumps on either side of the incision.  Almost feels like a bruise/blister? I go back to work next week and Ivan barely hold anything weighted in my hand for a prolonged amount of time.   I'm starting to regret doing this surgery.  

    • jeremydpbland
      jeremydpbland Edfrogz3

      Posted

      A month after surgery it should not be that painful so get it seen again by your surgeon, primary care physician or another doctor entirey for a second opinion if they are not interested. There are several possible reasons for persisting pain, some of which can be fixed and some not so it needs accurate diagnosis before deciding what to do about it - something that cannot be done on a web forum with ut seeing the hand and, usually, carrying out some further investigations. Dr J Bland
    • jjslingo429
      jjslingo429 Edfrogz3

      Posted

      I am as well experiencing painful lumps as well; I to date; 2 months post op have no strength in my right hand; lumps and shooting pains still but the numbness has subsided; not sure waiting for approval of MRI of neck area.  I believe I may have a pinched nerve which is still causing pain; or something other than the carpal tunnel; problem is now I have to have my left hand done as well but I am sure it won't be as bad since I am a right handed person!

    • jjslingo429
      jjslingo429 Edfrogz3

      Posted

      Hello,

      I read your comment; I am now post op on dominant hand for carpal tunnel surgery; I had terrible lumps but they do subside please massage as much as possible even though it will hurt.  Also, I still have numbness in thumb and shooting pains from right hand to my neck area whereas it stops me in my tracks; doctor thinks I have a pinched nerve as well.  Hope you all the best.  Have to have left hand done shortly.!!!!  My doctor is awesome and kind and very gentle and knowledgable so I am glad I did do the surgery but to date 4 months after surgery; I cannot make a fist and actually still utilizing my left hand for everything!!!

  • somerset_morn
    somerset_morn 976pamela

    Posted

    you should be well into recovery, had mine 2.5 weeks ago back at work on light duties 
    • julie25682
      julie25682 somerset_morn

      Posted

      Hi All, I went to a hand specialist today and found that besides CTS I also have Ulna nerve damage.  There are two nerves that work the hands. the Median nerve and the Ulna nerve.  The Ulna nerve affects the wrist and pinky and ring fingers.

      I am going to get another EMG test on my left hand which is the one I had surgery on.  The CTS appears to have worked but the Ulna nerve was never addressed until today.  Need additional surgery on my left hand and surgery for both CTS and Ulna nerve on my right which can be done at the same time.  It is more invasive and will require stiches and a cast.

      Worried but at least I know I am not crazy.

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