New pain in hand..day#9..from open Carpal tunnel release surgery

Thanks so much! ! Your very right about how everyone is having different experiences. I was not given very much instructions about aftercare and had to call 4 times after surgery to ask questions. I am a little bit upset about how they handled this. I was explained a little while recovering from the anesthesia thathe hit me pretty hard. I basically couldn't keep my eyes open the first day. So for them to explain what to do at home in that state ,with no paper is kind of messed up. I still feel unsure about the whole using it. It's day#9 today...I haven't really used it at all. But should I be using it..? Their was time line on the instructions. .I got use ice,keep above my heart, take meds, and never let the hand hang down by my side...ugh..so annoying! ! Lol..I have been moving fingers, it feels stiff...I go back on the 24th to get the stitches out. . I also have washing it every day with antibacterial soap. ..did you have to do that? And what kind did you use? Sorry for the overwhelming questions. .lol...thank you! !!

i used my hand a little from the beginning but not to lift anything heavy - didn't wash as was heavily bandaged - i got no instructiions and thought it was a simple op but realise now how wrong that was - been told by doctor takes up to a year for nerves to heal properly - after 6 months feels stronger and can do more - need op on left hand but waiting a few more months - i have arthritis in my fingers and fingers curl in so more problems maybe than others have - arthritis only appeared after carpal tunnel problems started - good luck with your healing

I am sorry your having issues with the other one and need surgery. I also need surgery on the left. I didn't know it was a year recovery. ..I knew it was long ..but wow!! How does your hand feel now at 6 months? And thank you

much stronger but felt weak for about 3 months especially with pain in palm - getting better but i use squeeze ball and light weights for pain in my arm which probably comes from problem and is only when i use mouse for more than a short time - i had to adapt many things as i live on my own - lighter pots / travel kettle / couldn't use ironing board - anything that would be able to use

Have you had carpal tunnel for a long time before getting the surgery? It sounds like your doing good. ..I got Carpal tunnel from Pregnancy 8 years ago..didn't start to get really bad until two years ago. Then I starting having horrible pains in my hands and wrist and my hands would shake without control. Couldn't hold the coffee pot, or grip things anymore. ..do hair with out awful pains...then I started to loose control of with toeing shoe laces, or button buttons, dropping things...went to pt for 5 months,got an wrist injection that was super painful and did nothing. Then one day about a year ago I woke up and my hands were completely numb,couldn't feel hot or cold. And my right hand was burning. That was my push to get surgery. ..as soon as I woke up all my numbness was gone!

only started as burning pain in right hand at night last february but got quickly worse and when had op surgeon said was really tight and if left could have damaged nerves permanently - left hand not so bad just tingle in fingers and a bit of weakness - you have had a bad time with it going on for years and yes after op all my symptoms had gone - would rather not have left  hand done at all but suppose have to face up to it at some point

Yes that's what I am thinking that because I had it for so long and it was so bad at the end stages before surgery. It's gonna take a long time to heal..the surgeon did a nerve test before the surgery to see where I was at...the right hand was moderate to severe and the left was just moderate..but could wait..but still needed it done. I ask if they permanent nerve damage. ..they no..but it would take a while to heal...never said what amount of time was though

i was told up to a year but doesn't mean won't improve as months go on hope when stitches are out you find it's not too bad - i did use bio oil which is expensive but has helped the scar to heal - don't know if any cream would do the same - also read to gently rub scar on soft towels etc to get nerves back to normal more quickly - feels a bit tender but does help - you should read up on it - lots of websites out there

Thanks again for the help and information. ..I have read about that the scar is painful after and rub different cloths on it..it makes sense just weird. Have also read that people feel pain shooting through their hand randomly but after months it goes away. I used to paint and draw...haven't in a while because of the pain. I wonder if I will ever get back to that. .couldn't even write my name without issues before surgery. I am jumping way far ahead of myself. Congrats on the awesomeness of your surgery and the process of your hand!! Sucks we have to do it all over again with the other side...but from what I hear it's well worth it!!!

scar not painful just tender but an odd feeling - gets quite tight too if no oil or cream used on it hopefully you will get back to painting and drawing just try it till it feels comfortable - don't think you can do any damage but you will know when it feels right

I move my fingers slowly an bend them so they don't get stiff. I can't use that soap. I'm allergic to it. I break out in a bad rash. I didn't get much information either. Plus just after nerve block an anesthesia, telling me things I'm apparently not going to remember. I've had to take the wrapping off during the day because it's making it hurt. I put it back on before bed so I don't injure it in my sleep. I can't make a fist. I don't force it.