Your Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
Donna asks…
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Returning to work after surgery?
I had surgery on my hand about a week ago. I have suffered major bruising to the whole lower half of my arm. Has anyone else suffered from this? Also I am a chef and I am worried about returning to work as I use my hands and arms strength a lot. Is there anyone else out there who has returned to a similar type of job? Did they find it difficult?
admin answers:
My mother was a chef as well and had to have surgery on both hands. The treatment and surgeries have left her disabled.
She has to retrain for a different job if she wants to work, but she can’t type for long… Which is sadly a required part of training.
You might want to keep an eye on how you’re healing.
Do feel better though.
Donald asks…
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the elbow – surgery?
I was told I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my elbow and that I might need surgery. The doctor explained that they would take the nerve from the funny bone and put it on the other side of my elbow. Has anyone had this done? Was it painful? How long will it take to heal/stop hurting? Any information will be really helpful, thank you.
I’ve been to 2 GP’s and 1 doctor who specialises in Neurology. The two GP’s have said that it’s the nerve in wrist and will heal with time (that was 3 months ago) and the neurologist said it was in my elbow and I needed to keep all pressure off of my elbow to help it heal (he recommened waiting 6 weeks) and if that didn’t work then to have the surgery.
The doctor called it by the professional name first and then said it was the funny bone.
He didn’t say the nerve was in the bone so they wouldn’t take it from the bone. He said that it was the nerve between the 2 bones.
The doctor said that the nerve had been trapped at the elbow, but I didn’t have any exams done to show it (I was supposed to be having a Nerve Test when I went to the hospital to see the neurologist).
The Ulner Tunnel Syndrome sounds more like what I have as the numbness is in my little and ring finger.
I have tried various anti-inflammatories as well as a wrist splint (these were advised when I first was told I had CTS).
admin answers:
I thought Tunnel Syndrome in the elbow was called Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome because it is the Ulnar nerve that is affected in that area.
And you say 2 GPs AND a Neurologist tell you you have this.
Did the doctors really call it the funny bone ? And they want to take a nerve from the bone ?
Additional :
Have you had an EMG (Electromylogram) to test to see exactly which nerves are being compressed and where ?
I suggest you read this site to help you understand what you may have troubling your arm.
Http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00025
It is best to fully understand what is wrong and work out what you can do yourself to make the condition better, before considering surgery.
Orthopaedic Nurse
Sharon asks…
Any one else have carpal tunnel, tendonitus, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, & De Quervians tendonitus?
I developed De Quervians tendonitus in both of my thumbs 3 months after each surgery ( I had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists) Now I am having surgery on both elbows for cubital tunnel syndrome. I would like some answers as to why all this is happening to me.
admin answers:
All of those problems are related to repetitive motions- so I don’t know what you do (or did) for a living or for sports prior to this, but repetitive movements will inflame/ irritate/ pinch nerves in the extremities.
Have you tried conservative therapy (physical therapy, acupuncture, deep tissue massage etc) already ? That cubital tunnel surgery is very complicated & difficult to recover from.
Please ask your doctor for more information & get a second opinion if you feel unsure about it.
William asks…
Carpal Tunnel Surgery…?
Hi, I’m 22 and I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I have tried everything and it’s become so bad that I now have to wear braces 24 hours a day.
My doctor is recommending surgery and I’m wondering if anyone else has had it and if it worked for them. Plus, how long it took to recover. I’m a full time student and I use my hands for work.
admin answers:
Massage in addition to the chiropractic work will help. There are many bones in the wrist and that nerve doesn’t have a lot of room to move around. Any slight swelling or movement can entrap that nerve. Massage can help reduce the pain. Always exhaust every option prior to surgery, there are some clinical massage therapists out there who can work miracles. Look on amta’s website for a massage therapist skilled in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
George asks…
Has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ever forced you to change careers because you want to avoid surgery?
I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and all the work I know how to do involves harsh, repetitive movements (i.e. cleaning stalls, welding, manufacturing, etc.). I am seeking to retrain and have applied for a program through dissability. I don’t know if they’ll help me but how does one switch careers, if I have to?
admin answers:
After you contact your attorney (from the phone book), it’s really not difficult. They’ll set you up in a training program – pick anything you’d like to do for the rest of your life…usually a program under 2 years. Remember this is for the REST of your life, braces will work, but not forever and you can’t be doing the same thing…Good luck!
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