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Day 9 after Carpal Tunnel Surgery

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suzanne1709
suzanne1709

So, I am on day 9 following carpal tunnel surgery to my right (dominant) hand. The pain today has been quite severe, and I just wondered if this is normal? I am due to have stitches out in 2 days time. I was told I had to keep the huge bandage on until I have the stitches removed, so it hasn't been checked since the op. I can't really feel my little finger and ring finger, have lots of pins and needles, burning sensations, soreness and general pain. Feeling very down about it! I will need to look after my 2 year old alone on Thursday and Friday which concerns me. I haven't a clue how I am going to change his nappy! Any advice would be much appreciated xx 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • elaine02726
    elaine02726 suzanne1709

    Posted

    Hi Suzanne

    i was told to take the big bandage off after 2 days and start using my hand. The pain may just be stiffness due to it being held in the same position for too long. I was in plaster for six weeks last year when I broke my wrist and this resulted in arthritis in my wrist and subsequently CTS. My stitches came out on day 7 and they were already getting embedded. I would visit your GP or practice nurse and get advice about them they may be causing the pain. Also phone the physiotherapy dept of the hospital where you had your op. And get advice about exercises or you can find some online. Once your stitches are out you should start massaging the scar, any hand cream or oil will do, this will help prevent hard scar tissue. The nerve endings will be sensitive and touching the scar will 'go through you'. The nerves lose their memory when cut and you should stroke the scar with lots of different textures. Cotton wool, rough towel, toothbrush and I even used an emery board. 

    I am now 4 months post op. with no problems atall, really successful and I believe the main reason is the good advice and support I received from the hospital and GP practice. Don't be afraid to pester people that is what they are paid for. I say this as a retired nurse and NHS manager!

    best wishes Regards Elaine 

    • suzanne1709
      suzanne1709 elaine02726

      Posted

      Thank you Elaine. I phoned the hospital and asked them if I should come back before 2 week appointment to have my dressing changed and scar checked. They said the surgeon instructed for me not to have dressing changed until the stitches are removed. I am worried as I think it does seem a bit long without having it all checked. My appointment to have stitches out is tomorrow, so worried about how painful this will be as it hurts a lot now. Putting up with CPT for 2 years was easier than the pain and discomfort that I have now!
  • Du145
    Du145 suzanne1709

    Posted

    Hi I am. Having stitches out today had mine in for 15 days as my last hand ( had done 5 weeks ago ) slip open .honest take time my first hand is only just starting to feel right and some grib coming back to it .i have had a lot more pain this time around but put that down to the nerve being very compressed ( surgeon told us after )chin up give it time I thought after 2 weeks I would be back at work and riding a bike how wrong was I .peoplesay it's a common op no one tells u the after affects before 
    • suzanne1709
      suzanne1709 Du145

      Posted

      Thank you. I am having stitches out today, really nervous. I stupidly thought common surgery meant very minor with little recovery time. I thought I could look after my 2 year old after a week, how wrong was I! Feeling very fed up x
    • Du145
      Du145 suzanne1709

      Posted

      Hay chin up first time

      I sat and cried when I could not open the toothpaste and still get down now.habing stitches out is fine honest I was shaking u may feel a rug if one is stuck but it's quick I am going today at 2 for my stitches out and even so I know what it's like I am scared .more u use hand the stronger it gets 

    • tom_6
      tom_6 Du145

      Posted

      Hi I have carpel tunnel moderate on the right and left do not want to do the surgery so I am wearing splints the pain is still there and tingling comes and goes till this day I have not dropped anything what would your advise be thank you.  
  • tom_6
    tom_6 suzanne1709

    Posted

    Hi I have carpel tunnel moderate on the right and left do not want to do the surgery so I am wearing splints the pain is still there and tingling comes and goes till this day I have not dropped anything what would your advise be thank you.   
    • suzanne1709
      suzanne1709 tom_6

      Posted

      I can't really say if the operation is worth it as I haven't recovered yet (had op on 15th). I am a full time mum to a 2 year old, and I will be honest the last 2 weeks has been awful as I can't do anything so have had to have help with my little boy.

      But, if the operation cures the pain, numbness and tingling that I had them it will be worth it.

      What are your circumstances? Do you work? 

    • Du145
      Du145 suzanne1709

      Posted

      I also had op and yes u get some pain but then they have just cut ur hand but normal shop pain killers work .I think it's worth it no pins and needles at night .its early days so I don't have much grip but that will come back ,I had both mine done within 4 weeks so I am guessing that's why it's been harder .go for op don't suffer ,
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