OT - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hi - I was just diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.  Yeehaw.  Not.   I meet with the hand surgeon on Friday.  Anyone out there ever had carpal tunnel surgery?  Just curious on how it went and what was the recovery time.  I make my living at the computer so I need to figure out my schedule if I have to have surgery. Thanks for any feedback!

Hi Lori~ I guess you've done the wrist splint/support route already?  And your keyboard/computer is set up for least amount of stress on your body?  I had both wrists done--with a month between surgeries--in the late 90s. My job back then was delivery person, and obviously couldn't lift the required 50#s until a month or so after, including physio. I would imagine the similarities between your job and mine are few and far between--other than needing flexibility and strength. Good luck.  May your recovery be quick!

Thanks Sue - yes I'm wearing splints at night as my hands and arms go numb at night and wake me up.  Haven't had an ergonomic check yet at work.  I don't seem to have too many problems there, but I assume I should be checked.  My hand will go numb with my mouse at home, and they go numb driving, holding a spoon sometimes...well you know the drill I'm sure. I'm wondering if they can do both hands at the same time?  Guess I'll find out Friday! Found out that diabetics are at higher risk for carpal tunnel problems.  Although I don't really consider myself a diabetic now - I WAS one prior to WLS.  Another reason to keep diabetes under control!  The neuro Dr I saw today said that considering my diabetic history, I'm pretty much assured that I will be a candidate for surgery.  It will only get worse.

Hi...I had my CT surgery about the same time Sue did...it was in 1991. I had both wrists done about a month apart. It took that long to be able to use it properly again. All that physical therapy....ugh! I have never heard of having them done at the same time. That would be very hard to do.You won't be able to bend your wrists. I was off work, bookkeeping, for about two months total. One month for each wrist. Good luck!! Hugs, connie d

I would have to agree with Sweet Sue and Connie. You probably don't want to have them both sone at the same time. I had both wrists done, with a month between each one in 2000. You can't use use your hand at all while it is healing until you start the physical therapy. It would be pretty hard to feed, dress and all the other daily activities if both hands were tied up at once. Good luck with the surgery.  Brea

Thanks everyone for your feedback.  Sounds like one at a time is the way to go.  Maybe that's what they do as a rule.  Was just curious to see what the recovery was.   I have a busy year coming up at work with IT projects, it's going to be tricky to find a time when I can be laid up for a time.  Wonder if a person can type with a stick? 

Hi-I was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy 14 years ago. Had surgery endoscopically on both hands right then and it has been wonderful.  Gone are the nights of walking the floor with shooting pains in the hands and arms and hands falling asleep and unable to hold a fork or write a check.  Occasionally in cold weather or times of lots of keyboarding the wrists may ache slightly, but nothing significant.  The surgery didn't cause alot of pain, went back to work in a couple of days with slings on both arms & 8 months pregnant (pretty cute, huh?), and talked everyone else through my job.  I never would have been able to hold my son without the surgery-for me it was a lifesaver. Just remember if you do both at the same time-going to the bathroom can be difficult!!!! Good luck to you.