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

Surgery...?

Posted , 5 users are following.

nicnic8
nicnic8

I've been reading lots of posts on carpal tunnel surgery. I'm now at the stage of wondering if having the surgery is more of a risk than just living with the pain and hoping it gets better naturally. 

Many people who have already had the procedure report that they are still in pain and that it could take up to ten weeks for the hand to be healed. 

I have already had four weeks off work due to my broken wrist and fear that if the recovery after CP surgery takes quite a long time and I need to take much more time off work.. I will lose my job. Having said that, there would be no way I could work at present with my hand the way it is... I work with very lively and energetic young children and therefore need my wrist and hand to be 100%.

I'm having such a dilemma. I'm due at the hospital this afternoon and have no idea what they are going to decide to do.

Is there any alternative to surgery?

Thanks.

Nervous Nic

What happens if there is still pain after the surgery? Do they investigate the cause or do you just have to live with it?

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • debbiermn
    debbiermn nicnic8

    Posted

    Hi Inc. I am 4 weeks post surgery on my right hand. I also have co in my left hand. I am pleased with the result. Little pain, neat scar. My wrist is very weak but I expect it to get strong again over time. I was told that co is progressive and won't get better on it's own. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
  • howard13749
    howard13749 nicnic8

    Posted

    Hi there Nic as I am told that when ever surgery is discused you are told that yes there is a risk to all operations big or small but then the discion to have the the op is left in our hands so if any thing goes wrong the surgeons are covered well I warned you there is risk what I don't understand is they are  surgeons do they not trust there own work
  • nicnic8
    nicnic8

    Posted

    Apart from numbing the actual incision site do they give you any sedation? I suffer from high anxiety, which I am on medication for, and I really don't think I could let them cut my arm without having a panic attack.

    Thanks 

    Nic

  • elaine02726
    elaine02726 nicnic8

    Posted

    Hi Nic

    try and remember there are thousands of these ops. done annually with complete success. The small minority who have problems are the ones who use these blogs.

    good luck this afternoon

    Elaine

  • Guest
    Guest nicnic8

    Posted

    Hello Nic!

    9 out of 10 are pleased/very pleased with the outcome of a cts surgery.

    It normally won't go away by itself. But there are other things to try before surgery though - it also depends on how long you got it.

    Wrist bracelet during night and/or day.

    Handmaster plus ball

    CTRAC

    cortico steroid injection in the wrist

    How long after surgery you will suffer after surgery depends on a lot of factors:

    * How much the median nerve have been compressed and if it has been stretched during the period pre surgery. (Absolutely #1 factor)

    * Other underlying diseases (tumour, diabetes, hormone diseases etc)

    * How the surgery went.

    * Your age.

    * No to return to activities too soon and too much that can trigger cts.

    Both my GP and my surgeon told me that the recovery time will depend on and be as long as the time you've actually have had cts. So if you have had it for 1 year coming slowly, the recovery time will be at least 1 year normally. But some instant effects can come during the first week.

    Good luck Nic!

    /Ken

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.