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What does successful recovery feel like?

Posted , 5 users are following.

johnnylane
johnnylane

Hello from the Pacific Northwest in the US!!

I am three weeks into what i beleive to be a relatively successful recovery from severe, bilateral open release surgery.

Almost immediatly following surgery, I had a mild tingling, buzzing sensation in my thumb and first two fingers.  Doctor told me this is normal, and a good sign of nerve activty trying to regenerate itself.

He has also told me, due to the severity of my symptoms, prior, I can expect several months of recovery (between 6 and 12).

This tingling sensation is beginning to diminish, as I guess I would think it would.  However, its quite a bit sooner than Id have guessed.

Can anyone tell me, if recovering from severe carpal tunnel, how long the tingling lasted?   Or, anyone think that regeneration can be occurring with out any noticible symptoms?

Thanks in advance.

~J

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • hillary67167
    hillary67167 johnnylane

    Posted

    Hi Johnny, I'd say if all you've got is tingling then you're doing pretty well!  I'm 4 weeks post op and still have swelling and hardness either side of the operation site and up to my thumb.  I also have quite a lot of pain - stabbing pain and the area is ultra sensitive to the touch.  My fingers ache and sometimes I have pain up my arm.  I have been told it can take 6 months for full recovery.  Good luck in your recovery.  (London)
    • elaine02726
      elaine02726 hillary67167

      Posted

      Hi

      I am months post op and still get unexpected odd pains. I think it is right to say British surgeons give little info. as to what to expect. However I did get excellent advise from a physiotherapist regarding the sensitivity around the scar. She explained that the nerves that have been cut need reeducating as to their role and she advised I should touch them with a variety of textures e.g. Cotton wool, rough towel, toothbrush and even emery paper! It sounds horrendous but is amazingly effective. The other important thing to do is massage. People swear by differentcreams and oils but they are just to make the massage smoother and any passing hand cream will do the job. Press really hard into the hard areas with circular movement of one finger.

      good luck Elaine

    • hillary67167
      hillary67167 elaine02726

      Posted

      That's useful info Elaine. All I have been told is to moisturise the area and try to use my hand normally.  I was given very little information about how long it would take to heal, even though I specifically asked.  I was told 2 weeks - I assume they were referring to the actual wound.  It was only when I went back after 2 weeks and explained the pain I was in that I was told it was early days and by the 6 week check it should be a lot better but it could be 5 - 6 months.  And the possibility of keyhole surgery was never mentioned - which I will certainly investigate for my other hand.
  • Tazchurch
    Tazchurch johnnylane

    Posted

    Everyone is different and you may be a fast healer.

    It could also be that unlike surgeons in the UK those in the US seem more realistic about healing times leaving you feeling pleasantly surprised rather than worried that things are going slower than you were led to believe.

    Hope it continues to go well.

  • Guest
    Guest johnnylane

    Posted

    Well, my surgeon's rule and that clinic´s opinion might be helpful: It will take at least as long to recovery as the time you've had the carpal tunnel syndrome.
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