Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

KloD · December 12th, 2006, 10:24 PM

About 2 years ago I went to the University (while I was still a student) clinic and was told the numbness and pain in my wrists was not CTS. After living with the pain and wearing braces over this time it only worsened. A few months ago I saw a surgeon I know who's a hand specialist and they tested the nerves and such with electric shocks and needles (painful) and determined both hands were severe. I can no longer make a fist or hold a pen to write. The pain wakes me up throughout the night and after trying everything over the past few months including softcasts 24/7 and the condition only getting worse, I've decided to have the surgery. This won't happen until mid January for the first one because of the end of the year insurance switching. Thursday they are injecting both wrists with cortisone to give me some relief until the surgery takes place.

Has anyone ever had this surgery and can you tell me about your recovery/expirence? Also, has anyone had these shots? Do they help much? Thanks..

Linderbee · December 13th, 2006, 07:00 AM

my husband had the nerve testing done before his neck surgery (to determine the amount of damage that had been done to the nerves by his herniated disc) and I got to witness how painful that can be--I'm sorry you had to go through that. They determined that he also has carpal tunnel in both wrists, but it's very mild right now.

I had cortisone shots in my wrist for severe tendonitis when I was in my early 20's, but it provided virtually no relief. I recommend staying away from cortisone whenever possible. It's just not good for your body.

I have a friend that had the surgery in one hand, and she seemed to recover fairly quickly. She has limitations still--I think it's been about 6 months since the surgery (maybe a little more). I know she is VERY glad she had the surgery. I'll ask her if she has any advice for you. She's 50, and recovery has been pretty good for her, so I would imagine it would be even better for you (you're 30-something, right?)

Anyway, I'm really sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I hope the surgery brings you relief.

KloD · December 13th, 2006, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linderbee

my husband had the nerve testing done before his neck surgery (to determine the amount of damage that had been done to the nerves by his herniated disc) and I got to witness how painful that can be--I'm sorry you had to go through that. They determined that he also has carpal tunnel in both wrists, but it's very mild right now.

I had cortisone shots in my wrist for severe tendonitis when I was in my early 20's, but it provided virtually no relief. I recommend staying away from cortisone whenever possible. It's just not good for your body.

I have a friend that had the surgery in one hand, and she seemed to recover fairly quickly. She has limitations still--I think it's been about 6 months since the surgery (maybe a little more). I know she is VERY glad she had the surgery. I'll ask her if she has any advice for you. She's 50, and recovery has been pretty good for her, so I would imagine it would be even better for you (you're 30-something, right?)

Anyway, I'm really sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I hope the surgery brings you relief.

Thanks Linderbee, I'm meeting with the surgeon tomorrow morning and will discuss the cortisone injections further before getting them and ask about alternatives. I really don't want them, but I need something...
I have talked to a few folks that have had the surgery in one hand and they feel it was a success for them too. I wish I could just have the surgury done on both hands at the same time, but that would make life impossible and though my wife loves me, I doubt she would be thrilled to hear me say, "Ok honey, time for a bathroom visit."

I'll be 38 next month so hopefully my recovery time will not stretch too long. I still have to work...I've been trying to write my code using voice recognition software. Different, but I'm getting used to it. I'm finding it amazing how much we take for granted how our bodies will function as we are used to them until something prevents them from doing so and then the limitations expirenced that make simple tasks impossible or darn right difficult. I've got my first child due next May, I need my hands!

Linderbee · January 25th, 2007, 10:32 AM

Update???

KloD · January 25th, 2007, 10:41 AM

I had the shots....really sucked and painful, won't do that again. After a few days I had better use of my hands, but overall not worth it IMO. Since, the cortisone has worn off and I have percocet for nights when I can't sleep because of pain. I have an appointment with my new surgeon on the 8th (Feb.) and hopefully will be able to get my surgery dates in the book. I just wan this over with!

Linderbee · January 25th, 2007, 10:47 AM

Thanks for the update...I do hope for your sake you can get the surgery scheduled sooner rather than later. I was afraid the shots wouldn't be worth it...

KloD · February 15th, 2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linderbee

Thanks for the update...I do hope for your sake you can get the surgery scheduled sooner rather than later. I was afraid the shots wouldn't be worth it...

I will be having surgery on the right hand March 2nd. The left hand will follow about a month later. I'll be so glad to have this fixed, but not looking forward to being cut.

Linderbee · February 15th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KloD

I will be having surgery on the right hand March 2nd. The left hand will follow about a month later. I'll be so glad to have this fixed, but not looking forward to being cut.

Good luck! I was wondering. Managing your pain okay in the meanwhile?

Ryanwb · February 15th, 2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KloD

but not looking forward to being cut.

Mulli · February 15th, 2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linderbee

Good luck! I was wondering. Managing your pain okay in the meanwhile?

take the pain

/cobrakai

KloD · February 15th, 2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linderbee

Good luck! I was wondering. Managing your pain okay in the meanwhile?

Yeah, that was fun at first.... I'm a little tired of taking pain meds at this point. Be glad to have that over with too.

Toro · February 15th, 2007, 09:15 AM

Have some advice for you. 4600+ posts on this site didn't help. take a break from posting!

KloD · February 15th, 2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryanwb

I'm no Rocky. Just a KloD.

KloD · February 15th, 2007, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toro

Have some advice for you. 4600+ posts on this site didn't help. take a break from posting!

Switched to voice software a while ago, works great for work too. Very little editing.

Mulli · February 15th, 2007, 09:19 AM

Klod, just kidding about taking the pain. Watch out for the incisions if they are in the palm of your hand. I have talked to people and those things seem torturous.