Hand surgery

[oosik]

I've had carpal tunnel done on both hands/wrists - at different times. As I remember, it healed fast and really didn't upset my daily routine that much. Initially right after surgery and for a couple days thereafter it felt like a deep bruise. This was done around thirty years ago and has not been repeated on either hand/wrist. Done with a local anesthetic with a sheet draped down so the patient can not see the operation. If the doc stops during the operation and asks "would you like to see?" - I strongly suggest you decline. I SINCERELY wish I would have. I'm sure glad he remembered how to put it all back together.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's been 15 months since I snapped the tendon in one finger...

Doc said I should let nature takes it's course... still not 100% but continues to improve so I am grateful.

As a result I have not been doing the strenuous work I had been... no concrete work, framing, roofing and heavy mechanics... all my callouses are gone and I have never had hands so soft.

It takes time and we do a lot of hand surgery at work... for some it's the pain that makes the decision easy to opt for surgery...

Don't overdo... let your body be your guide and for carpal tunnel... don't use your hands and especially palms has Hammers.

 

[3Ts]

I had carpal tunnel surgery and elbow at the same time. After the surgery I could not make a fist and should have been able to do so. Doctor grabbed my fist and forced it closed - I screamed. I could not hold on to things after the surgery, even a piece of paper. However! after healing for many weeks I gradually got the use of my hand back. It is now better than before the surgery and I have full motion and strength back. I just didn't heal as fast as the doctor expected me to.

 

[murph1]

Thanks everyone for the advice and get wells. Surgery is on 12-8. December will be interesting for sure.

 

[poncho62]

Had the carpal tunnel done on my right wrist about 20 years ago....Froze it in his office. When he cut it, it felt like a pair of side cutters cutting a piece of wire. My left wrist bothers me now, but at 65 I likely wont bother with it.

 

[oosik]

Murph 1 - not to worry. I'm sure the Dr has told you - this is out-patient surgery. Just remember - every day after the surgery, you will feel better.

 

[ultrarunner]

We probably do about 12 a week... so far no complaints and some of the staff has had it done here...

They do get over a month of leave... a lot wanted to use their sick leave before the company was sold... so a lot of surgeries just prior.

 

[ArlyA]

I had both my wrists cut. One done in the spring and the other in the fall, so as to miss less work. My work is snow related and in the fall and over the winter months. (no one would miss my anyway) Nonetheless, my CTS was so bad, I was being woke up at night from it and happy to say, the surgery worked.

Good luck.

 

[Dutch445]

If you can talk them into doing them one week apart do it. Quicker recovery and less down time

Brett

i'm hoping to continue working light duty, computer/office work after the surgeries. they recommended doing the dominant hand first,
so it has a head start healing before doing the 2nd.

i did have both hips done same day 5 years ago, and missed 6 weeks of work, and was glad to have both done and over with at
the same time, although there were some delays getting out of hospital as i lost quite a bit of blood during surgery so they kept
me for a few extra days

 

[murph1]

Any idea's for gadgets to keep the hand raised above the head ???