Hmmm I’m not sure if it’s related to carpel tunnel or how it differs from it. However, I was diagnosed with carpel tunnel about 18 years ago, had it for roughly a year or two maximum. No treatment except I loosened my grip on my flower bouquets at work as I had just started floristry.. after I got used to the technique and loosened my tight grip on bouquets my carpel tunnel went away and has never come back. A couple of other florists I’ve worked have had carpel tunnel and had to have surgery ..not sure why mine got better so easily. Anyway in the report from the specialist about my HNPP there was no mention of carpel tunnel but maybe there is a link .. I’d have to ask my doctor next time. Good luck with the hand surgeon .. hope you can get some answers .. sorry I could exactly answer your question but maybe the implications in what I’ve written may provide clues.