How many of you have nerve tests done?

So Mark from the start of getting these tests to the actually op how long are we talking ;-)

Hi Dorothy

I'm not Mark, but for me it was pretty quick.  The nerve test took about half an  hour to 45 minutes, the results were back to the Dr in a day or two and a week and a half later I had surgery.

Hi Jaqui well that was pretty quick..This isctotally random but as I was just thinking today as I was getting out the bath. .and you automatically put the palm of your hand down to get yourself up I thought how the helk would you do that when im looking at some peoples hands and stitches it like ouch how would I do it lol

Hi Dorothy - Therein lies the challenge. I still can't support the weight of getting up or leaning against the kitchen counter with my right hand.  You are correct in that it definitely limits that type of action.  I'm still having trouble opening heavier doors (shop doors and so on) and picking up a pot while cooking is still a left-handed job for now.  You'll find yourself getting creative in how to handle things and get up and down out of the tub and cook and all that.  Holding the steering wheel of my car still hurts and I'm so thankful I no longer drive a manual transmission car. 

Jacqui im soon getting the picture..and feeling quite nervous about the whole process lol

Dorothy

Try not to worry too much.  You're doing the right thing getting information beforehand. I wish I had done the same. I went in with the expectation of it being a quick recovery and since my surgeon ended up being less than desireable about the whole thing he didn't do any clear explaining or helping me afterward.  When I found out later on my own that the healing process would take time, that there could be this and that popping up I was disheartened. 

I'm glad you reached out now because you can go in with realistic expectations.  Plan for some down time, rest the hand, don't overuse or overdo anything for several weeks, ask your surgeon a plethora of questions. He should be prepared to answer all of them and take the time to talk with you about your concerns. 

As long as you know it will take time, and that you can do certain things to make the healing process go smoother you'll be OK and come out of it well. 

One thing I've found over the past few weeks is that this site is like finding gold.  For me this site is like when I first walked into a Tesco in London.  Needless to say I am thrilled to find all the support, making new friends and finding that my experiences are able to help others who are just beginning the process.  Keep in touch with us here, you can PM me anytime and I'll always be happy to chat. You will make lots of friends here who can offer help and suggestions on how to manage post surgery.  It feels daunting at first, especially when you realize you really cannot use your hand for several weeks but when you stop feeling the nightly carpal tunnel pain (which will end the day of your surgery!) and you start to see the improvement you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Oh yes, I forgot one thing that's kind of cool but really weird.  The pain block they do on your arm for the surgery will leave your arm and hand totally numb for about 24 hours.  It's really odd but for me it was kind of cool because I'm also diabetic and I have to test (pricks in my fingertips) several times a day.  For me that 24 hours of numb meant that I tested without feeling it for the whole day. It was actually quite a lovely side effect.  

Please keep us posted and let us know how your consultation goes, when surgery is and how you're doing. If you have questions there are loads of people here who are willing to help and offer support.

After nearly two months since my surgery I can finally start feeling like I'm honestly getting better. Gaining strength but I still have to take care not to overdo.  It's so easy to forget and pick up something you think you can handle and find it too heavy, lol. Also, before surgery maybe practise doing some of the things you normally do with the hand that will be done with the nondominant hand.  I had trouble brushing my hair with my left hand and wished I had thought of working on that before surgery.  Thank God I eat left handed anyway, LOL or it would be really messy and awkward.  

Most of all, try to keep positive, and keep a good sense of humor about it.  If you can laugh it off, do your physio, talk with new friends here, it will make it easier. 

Remember you can PM me anytime, too.

 

Thank you for that Jacqui..I see where your coming from I just realised to myself last night just getting out of the  bath..putting the palm of my hand down..and now with you saying about your hair...its like my god how am I gonna use the straighteners. .lol you just take it all for granted I guess...I can understand how some people could easily get down and depressed over this by the simpilest of tasks..as you would automatically go to do it with your prominent hand..I think it does need some getting your head round it so to speak lol 

Yes I will keep in touch with even now daily questions lol

Dorothy

It's wonderful making new friends, Dorothy!   This whole process makes us rethink the simple things we do take for granted.  I never imagined I wouldn't be able to do some of the things I've found so difficult or impossible since, but they're slowly coming back.

Depression is easy to fall into because you feel so helpless, but anytime you feel like that, get on here and chat with friends. It does help.  

Hugs

Hello, I am still having similar problems with both of my hands after 9 months. I have just had another emg testing for nerve damage. They say there is no nerve damge but I need some one to expain to me how I can have this much pain in my hands after surgery when I had no pain just the numbness before surgery. Is anyone else having pain? Have you found out how the surgery has caused this?

As I understand it there may be a cause from the nerves in your neck. When I saw the consultant he ordered a nerve test but to be sure I also had an MRI scan of my neck. It may be worth asking for one

good luck Elaine