Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Support Group

I had 2 CTRS this last year. The 1st was in Nov and is pretty well healed. The 2nd was just 2 months ago and is still rather painful, but the CT was worse in that hand. I am glad I had it done, I do not drop stuff any more, I still use both hands to lift heavy things but I can do things I was not able to do before. It is not like 5 years ago when I was ok, but better by far. I still have arthritis in both hands at the lower joint at the base of the thumb and it causes pain and stiffness too but only half of what it was before the Ct surgery. The scaring on the 1st hand is minimal and the 2nd is coming along ok. I was told by the surgeon to massage as much as I could and he was very surprised at how fast and well the incision site looked. I use coconut oil to massage with and do it until the hands are nice and war, I also find simple flexing the hands has helped speed things along and I wear my small hand splints when my hands are tired or if I will be driving a distance. At least my hands and arms do not fall asleep anymore and the total arm pain was gone instantly after the surgery.

I had both my hands done 3 yrs ago, and I lost the fillings in both. I also had one open hand and one mic. they both still give me prob. But the mic. is much better to have done, and as the other lady said, get a surgeon that knows what he is doing and not wait for the surge. this is what makes most prob. after the surg. I also got what is called RSD/CRPS. This suck! burning pain uncontrollable, along with the aches and the numb, shooting pain up the arm, and elbows also painful. this was from working hard for years! My advice to anyone is...Don't use your hands so much that they ware out! thus is not what they were made for, woman's hands are for the litter side of work, thats just my point of view. Hope that all goes great for all of you thats just going though it or still having problems. I will pray for all. blessings to you.

I had it done in Jan. Stayed home two weeks and it's better but still goes numb and I have shooting pain up my arm. My hand is still swollen. I use it too much at work and it's not healing correct. Well, I don't think it is, but I have neck and back issues as well. I just want to feel better. Go to doc tomorrow and I hope he can help me. Good Luck!

I had bilateral Orthoscopic CTR about 5 yrs ago. The second surgery was about 3 mos after the first. I'm glad that I had it done, it feels sooo much better, BUT, all I have to do is wipe a countertop or try to hold something heavy & my wrists are back in pain for at least a week. Still better than how they felt before the surgeries, but it doesn't take much to set off inflamed wrists for me. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi there.
I had my right hand done 8 days ago. Straight away the numbness went and the feeling in my hand is normal now. I work mostly in an office now, plus some packaging of goods for post. I had 3 hours off work (yes, 3 hours). No pain relief needed since. The surgery was not micro- just an old fashioned cut (1 1/2"). Left hand booked for 3 weeks from now. No hesitation in getting that one done at all.
Just a last comment. I am in Australia. We have universal health care. The whole proceedure cost me $23.00. I am not insured. Support your polititions who are trying to do this for you!
I kept the bandage on for a few days only to let the wound breath, and now I don't cover it at all. I have been moving firewood as well as doing my regular work around the house. All good.
Just have a positive attitude and keep the hand moving- that is what it was made for!
Good luck.
Dennis

I have had the surgery 3 - 4 days ago. I am wondering is there anything you are not suppose to do after this surgery. All I was told was to make sure I move my fingers as this helps with recovery. I am a little concerned as I think I can still feel some pins & needles in my fingers & was wondering if this is what can still happen. My wound still has stitches in I have them out in 4 days time. I am hoping I haven't done anything to ruin the result of the surgery. I didn't do too much for 2 days but now I am typing, & holding things (not too heavy) with this hand & wondered if this can irratate or cause the operation to be ruined? I'd love to hear some answers from anyone. Thanks for your time

Hi spice girl.
I am 2 weeks now and I have found I can do more each day. I was pretty active from the start. My Dr said just to do as much as comfortable- if you do too much your hand will give you the message.
Even today I found actions in my work that I can do pain-free that I could not a few days ago.
I was told that the best thing to do is to keep the hand active as it erecovers.
So I don't think you need to worry too much. I recon you are doing the right thing.
Cheers,
Dennis

i had my surgery last year,only took 19 mins in operating theatre under local anesthetic,i was fully wakened,only felt pressure.when anesthetic wore off i was in pain so took diclofenic and paracetamol.stitches came out 10 days later.quick recovery,tender to begin with after op.full strength took few months to use my hand/wrist again.no numbness at all since op,a success.
still to have other hand done.