Bi-Lateral Carpal Tunnel Release...Ouch

[jaybee]

I've had both wrists for carpal tunnel, both thumbs for dequervain's tenosynovitis, one trigger thumb and three trigger fingers. I can still play the viola as well as I ever could (was in our local symphony while going to university). When I expressed concern, my surgeon showed me his carpal scars. The only concern I would have for anyone is, how long do you have to wait, and can it be done yesterday

[rjwaldren]

It's been 8 days now and I only wear braces to protect the incisions, which are healing nicely. For the most part I have full use, though I did try to tap a shelf in place with my palm about an hour ago - that brought me to my knees. As far as recovery goes, the Dr said it should feel better immediately, he was right, I've only had "healing pains" from the wrist incisions - Fingers and thumbs feel great, just a little stiff from the braces, which have been pretty annoying since about the third day. I take them off in the evenings after the kids wind down. He also said there may be palm tenderness for up to 3 months as the area continues to heal and fill with tissue. They pretty much just open your palm and cut the carpal ligament in half to make room - then allow the void to fill in on it's own.

If you need it get it done, I've been dealing with it since I decided to hand dig post holes for a fence in 2000. At the time I was wearing braces on both hands or I couldn't move my hands the following day. I do think Ed restrained himself describing the pain . It got to be manageable over the years then, dramatically worsened over the past few months.

The only option really presented was to wear braces. But that was just a stop-gap until the testing was done. Then the option was to stick with braces and deal with it or have a CT release. Scheduling was quick - I arrived for the surgery at 12:30 and was leaving the recovery room for home by 2:30. I only remember the Dr saying "he's ready" and suddenly I was in another room eating a turkey sandwich (with my wrapped hands).

[RyFitz13]

Well, I finally got to see my hand specialist this morning... And let me tell you, I'm a little miffed with my regular doctor right about now.

My regular doctor ran the EMG test, got the results, and contacted me to tell me nothing more than "You need to go see the hand surgeon." No more detail on my actual condition than that.

I talk to the surgeon this morning, to find that what I have is a minor case of carpal tunnel syndrome, aggravated by another injury whose name I can't remember. Basically, I've been prescribed an oral steroid and a ton of Vitamin B6, and this should be back in control in just a week or two.

No promises that it won't progress and need surgery down the road, but for now I can avoid that step.

[cabinetman]

Well, I finally got to see my hand specialist this morning... And let me tell you, I'm a little miffed with my regular doctor right about now.

My regular doctor ran the EMG test, got the results, and contacted me to tell me nothing more than "You need to go see the hand surgeon." No more detail on my actual condition than that.

I talk to the surgeon this morning, to find that what I have is a minor case of carpal tunnel syndrome, aggravated by another injury whose name I can't remember. Basically, I've been prescribed an oral steroid and a ton of Vitamin B6, and this should be back in control in just a week or two.

No promises that it won't progress and need surgery down the road, but for now I can avoid that step.

That sounds like really good news. Did you consider a second opinion? If you have continuing problems, I wouldn't hesitate to go back to the doc.
.

[RyFitz13]

I plan to give the initial course of treatment a shot and see what happens. Basically, it's the steroid for 5 days and 6 weeks worth of 400mg of B6 daily, then follow-up. After that, if all's well, I should drop back to 200mg of B6. If it gets worse, or doesn't improve at all, I may pursue multiple opinions at that point...

I'm just frustrated that my own doc couldn't be bothered to give me the exact same information and prescription a week and a half ago... Since it's non-surgical and really non-structural, I'd think this course of treatment would be a conservative no-brainer. Would've gained me a week or so on my recovery and/or figuring out next steps. Ah well...