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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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debinauk

Newbie
Hi, I'm type 2 diabetic and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand a year ago which my GP has now advised me to have the operation for - my question is anyone else had this operation and if so could they give me so idea of what to expect ie pain, time from work, etc. I am office based and also have to drive approximately 45 minutes to work too. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Yep, had both hands done. Op's were local anaesthaetic, on and off table within 45 mins, day case only. Signed off for a week with one hand, but went back to work with the other hand the day after. Diabetic at time of ops as well. No problems with ops at all.
 
Thanks thats really helpful, I have to confess that I have never been in hospital and I am a bit apprehensive about having done with local anesthetic so its good to know that you had both done at the same time. I have to say though I am surprised you were able to go back to work so soon - my gp said it would be at least 6 weeks before I could drive.

Thanks again
 
MMmmmm, I was the same for my hysterectomy though....had it done on the Tuesday and discharged on the Thursday, and on the Sunday I drove 140 miles to my mum with 2 friends young boys for a week!!!! After the 1st week, I wanted to go back to work, but GP needless to say wouldn't let me, so I got them to bring work to me at home!!! I was lucky that I had a fantastic surgeon.

Think it is all about luck to be quite honest. Some people heal better than others. My step sister had 5 weeks off after her carpal tunnel, but some of that I believe was down to her not wanting to go back to work.....I loved my work and it was an incentive to go back after both ops. I also hate hospitals.

I also had two dogs that had to be walked after the carpal tunnel ops so again, I had something that I had to do no matter what.
 
My aunt went in for hysterectomy number of years ago, then went or her post-op appointment with doc and he said "you're recuperating well and can try some light exercise!". She didnt have the heart to admit that she had been cyclng into town(and up steep hills with packages ) since just after the op. :roll: :roll:
 
Hi guys
I have been diagnosed with CTS and am using night splints which don't seem to be doing much. I type most of the day at work and am having BIG problems. It is hard to type with the splints and by the evenings my whole arm hurts. I am at work half days on a phased rtn to work, but it is too painful at the moment and I have the feeling I will be signed off again. Work have referred me to occupational health because I have had quite a lot of time of, 4 weeks with this but three months ago, I had another month off after breaking my wrist......CTS seemed to set in almost immediately afterwards.
Is this anything to do with Neupopathy? I read that if you are Diabetic or have an underactive thyroid you are more prone to CTS, I am both!! If it was due to the Diabetes I was told you are protected at work more under the DDA. GP is non-commital on whether it is related or not, he said "who knows...possibly"
Please can you tell me what other treatments you had, did you have the steroid injections and if so did they help? I am really worried about my job.
I am glad I have been ref to Occupational Health and I am due to have a DSE assessment, can you guys reccommend I do anything else/

Thanks Chris
 
chrissieworne said:
Hi guys
I have been diagnosed with CTS and am using night splints which don't seem to be doing much. I type most of the day at work and am having BIG problems. It is hard to type with the splints and by the evenings my whole arm hurts. I am at work half days on a phased rtn to work, but it is too painful at the moment and I have the feeling I will be signed off again. Work have referred me to occupational health because I have had quite a lot of time of, 4 weeks with this but three months ago, I had another month off after breaking my wrist......CTS seemed to set in almost immediately afterwards.
Is this anything to do with Neupopathy? I read that if you are Diabetic or have an underactive thyroid you are more prone to CTS, I am both!! If it was due to the Diabetes I was told you are protected at work more under the DDA. GP is non-commital on whether it is related or not, he said "who knows...possibly"
Please can you tell me what other treatments you had, did you have the steroid injections and if so did they help? I am really worried about my job.
I am glad I have been ref to Occupational Health and I am due to have a DSE assessment, can you guys reccommend I do anything else/

Thanks Chris
Click to expand...

Hello Chris

I developed pins and needles pain my hands back in the mid 80's. At first I did think that I had some kind of neuropathy as the pain that I got in bed every night requiring me to shake my hand over the side to relieve it, really got me down. For many months I took vit B6 but it didn't do any good so ended up me mentioning it to a D consultant. I was so relieved when the consultant said the problem was CTS and could be fixed by a small op and that I shouldn't waste any more of my money on B6.

Wrist splints will only be of any good in bed. I can't see how you could use them in the day and type as the hand is held in a tilted angle making it extremely difficult I would imagine.

Anway, surgery is the best option, not splints or steroid injections; they will only give temporary relief. My median nerve was fairly compressed within the carpal tunnel and I had trouble getting a droplet of blood from my fingertip as my fingers tended to be cold. Surgery bought everything back to nomal again for me. I would really push for surgery.
 
Like iHS I also had the splints on both hands at night-didn't work. Couldn't use them during the day. Also had cortisone injections-didn't work. Suregery the better option, although I was told afterwards that carpal could come back....
 
Hi all

Well have seen specialist today and am going to have surgery on both wrists very soon. Not looking forward to it at all. He said they are so bad not to bother with the injections!
Have Occupational Health appt next week for work, anyone else been through this and if so any advice?

Thanks

Chrissie
 
Hi,Chrissie,
Had mine done a few years ago,although mine were done a few months apart. All these years later everything's fine. I was told that it may return but so far no problems,and the relief from the symptoms made it so worthwhile.
Let me put your mind at ease - it is a painless op. The nurse, who was holding my other hand (Yes,I know,words like 'baby' and 'big ' come to your mind ) said " Can you feel anything ? "No,"I assured her.
"That's as well,"she said, "as he's already started."

All you will feel is a little pulling and shoving. Very little discomfort afterwards - nothing that a co-codamol won't sort;they give you a bagful of painkillers.

If you're having both done together there may be some awkwardness as you're pretty heavily bandaged;think showering and other 'personal' activities.

Good luck,and again,don't worry.
Graham
 
Thanks Graham

Not having both done together, I think he said 6-8 weeks apart. I am feeling more positive but not looking forward to the Occupational Health assess as I have feeling work trying to find way to get shot of me !!! p'raps it's paranoia !! :wink:

Chris
 
Work cannot get rid of you. I had an op on my ulnar nerve and they had to keep my post open. Even after I got back to work and then had an accident which resulted in herniated and torn disc they still had to keep it for me so try not to worry too much. Occi Health were fab even though after my accident there wasnt alot they could do (nothing to do with my trapped nerve). CTS wise they will come and assess your workstation/place and make recommendations that need to be done and your employer has no choice but to make the necessary alterations. As long as you keep them informed of your progress you should have no trouble. PM me if you need more info - will help as much as my circumstances and past history allow. :)
 
I have had both wrists done too. A couple of years apart, one under general and one under local!

I had 2 weeks off with both - mainly because I had to drive to work and it hurt, but I managed fine at home!

Get them done - best thing ever - no more dropping stuff or pain waking you up!

Good luck with it!
 
Hi i had my right hand gone two days ago! and will be having left done in 8 weeks. Had it by local and was really nervous as was first ever op, but i have to say it was over and done within 30 minutes and although the first night was a bit painful two days on and i'm doing really well. go for it and don't worry.
 
Hi, I had my left wrist done last wednesday under local, it was completely painless and over very quick, but my surgeon did say not to drive for at least 6 weeks and that he would prefer it if I didn't drive till he sees me on the 19th April! My stitches come out on the 9th March. I don't work but I am a carer for my disabled husband , I have had to have my mum to stay as I also have a two year old son! Not sure she is enjoying her break from the spanish sun but I wouldn't be able to cope without her, I am supposed to be having the other wrist done as soon as this one is healed but I think that will need a lot of consideration. :?
 
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