Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Or Tendonitis?

I am actually at Mayo in Rochester for follow-up on my degenerative spine condition. Orthopedics scheduled an appointment with a hand doc and I had an EMG done. Here I thought the numbness and tingling in my hands was diabetic neuropathy...nope....no neuropathy...severe carpal tunnel. The recommended treatment is surgery. Does anyone know anything about recovery from the surgery? How long does it take? Can you drive a car? I am a graduate student and am trying to put the surgery off but no one at the Mayo Clinic thinks it's a great idea!

I asked that question when I thought I was going to get the surgery done. I've put it off for now but am planning to look into later this year. I think the answer depends. Here's what I found with a search:

This tunnel is narrow, so any swelling can pinch the median nerve and cause pain and other symptoms. A thick ligament just under your skin called the carpal ligament makes up the top of this carpal tunnel. ... Thus, it is usually advised that you do not drive until you can make a tight fist without pain or irritation. May 23, 2016.

Also found a YouTube video answer:
When can I drive after carpal tunnel surgery?
http://bit.ly/2jNAhgH
The hand doctor I had at Mayo Rochester was Dr. Julie Adams who was highly recommended by my Mayo PCP. She said she has done a high number of the carpal tunnel surgeries which gives me good confidence. My wife's sister had the operation and it was botched by a local clinic in a neighboring town in SE Minnesota. She had it fixed with a second surgery at Mayo Rochester but still suffers a little pain from the first one.

John

Hi Dawn,
I'm glad that you are following doctor's orders and finding time to rest and limiting your typing. We miss you on Connect, but your health is the most important. Get better so you can come back guns ablazing!

Well gave in to further testing, 4 fractures in the left wrist and thumb and 2 in the right. Sever Carpal Tunnel syndrome with complications. Orthodontist on Thursday.

Great info John
Thanks
Dawn

Praying for some speedy fixing and healing for you Dawn. Makes my current struggle with titrating off of prednisone for my PMR seem so small.

John

Lol just notice my silly auto correct put orthodontist. Crazy computer. I ment orthopedist.
John, I am really getting so use to pain so no worries, this to shall pass. I really thought they would end up diagnosing gout but I was wrong. 🙁

I guess obstacles keep life exciting.
Dawn 😉

How are you doing with the titrating off the prednisones?

Dawn

I'm on week 19 of a 21 week schedule to get off of 20 mgs and I'm back to 10 mgs. Got down to 5 but the shoulders and arm pain kicked back up. Last time about 6 years ago it took me over a year to get off.

John

I pray it goes smoothly this time!!

Thanks Dawn....me too. The prednisone somehow helps me gain weight and I'm still working on losing another 20 pounds or so. I just have to focus a little harder on the snacking.