Carpal tunnel release

Posted by bernese53 @bernese53, Apr 24, 2017

I am not sure where a discussion on carpal tunnel syndrome belongs so I am starting here. I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists in January after thinking the numbness and tingling in my fingers was from diabetic neuropathy...not so much! I am scheduled to have carpal tunnel release surgery at Mayo in Rochester...Dr. Brian Carlson is my surgeon. He made it sound pretty routine but I am getting anxious about the surgery (scheduled for May 5). Has anyone had carpal tunnel release surgery? What was your experience like? How much pain, if any, did you experience following the surgery? How long did it take before you could drive? Before you could use the hand in everyday activities? Any and all answers are appreciated. Thanks.

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flor | @flor | Apr 25, 2017

Dont be nervous it is an easy recovery. I had it done in Mexico. Mayo Clinic Rchester coudent do it for the short time I had to be there. Realy be sure that you are going to be happy for that surgery. Hope it helps you. Bst wish s on your surgery Flor

hoosier2 | @hoosier2 | Apr 28, 2017

Not to worry. Though it is still surgery, it is one of the "easier" surgeries I have had in my life. Dr. Brian Carlson at Mayo did my right hand carpal tunnel release about 3 years ago. I will probably do the left when it becomes more bothersome. I was out of the hospital and back at the hotel early in the afternoon, and the only pain I recall having was that first day. I think I had my stitches removed in about 4-6 weeks. The only thing that kept me from driving was the strong bandage which kept my wrist immobilized. The scar gave me some trouble after that, but the Hand Clinic at Mayo showed me what to do to desensitize the area by rubbing it vigorously and it worked! No problems from then on, and I can work over my head now, without my fingers getting numb. Good luck.

chme | @chme | Jul 9, 2023

Glad to see all the comments about carpel tunnel issues.

I have severe issues in right hand and am scheduled for the surgery on 10/2/23.

I started with only having trouble at night now my right hand is numb when driving, doing any work with right hand and using computer.

Any advice on pre op or surgery or recovery are welcomed.

Thank you.

bennyvegas75 | @bennyvegas75 | Jul 18, 2023

I had bilateral release this year too! Surgery went well on both dates (3 months apart!?). The first 3 days there was a positional increase in pain but that’s all. I thought the 5 pills was even overkill, it’s a “release!” One week later I accidentally ripped the whole suture line out by pushing off a chair. Cephalexin on that for a few weeks, another 3 weeks slo-motion diabetic healing ( but it did!). Second went smoother, they gave me general as prop and fentanyl weren’t keeping me under (Slow, precise NS). As a ex alcoholic of 4 years, my body processes everything fast! I digress. I helped the wife bring in the spring flowers from the car—multi organism infection antibiotics for a month and now 2 months out I’m still doing OT.

Not in anyway painful but keep them clean and out of water. I now have a bit of deficit on my left. Cheers all!

seniormed | @seniormed | Jul 21, 2023

In reply to @bennyvegas75 "I had bilateral release this year too! Surgery went well on both dates (3 months apart!?)...." + (show)

I had bilateral carpal tunnel release surgeries done a year apart. I elected open surgery and did quite well with minimal pain. I had steroid injection in the second wrist worked well allowing me to put off the second surgery
until after I retired. Carpal tunnel can be related to other
diseases. I found that mine was related to psoriatic arthritis.
Be sure to keep it dry and have the proper waterproof sleeve
for showering postop.

comeback | @comeback | Apr 23 11:52pm

Hi!

I'm a violin teacher who had carpal tunnel release surgery just 12 days ago, on my right (dominant) hand. It's also my bow hand. I'm just starting to type a bit with both hands again.

My left hand is probably in worse shape than my right was, but I was too scared to start with my violin hand.

Tomorrow I believe the sutures will come out. I'm just hoping I did the right thing getting this surgery.

sbcarcht | @sbcarcht | Apr 24 8:01am

Get your other hand done. Per Mayo nerve study I had my worst hand done first as if delayed too long numbness can become irreversible. Both of my surgeries were successful following rehab.

bunnybear | @bunnybear | Apr 25 8:07am

I had bilateral carpel tunnel surgeries that went well in 2001. However now I am having numbness in my right hand again very similar to what I had back pre-op in 2001. Has anyone had to repeat this surgery and does it present any special problems?

seniormed | @seniormed | Apr 25 8:44am

My experience with bilateral carpal tunnel surgery was
positive. I elected to have open surgery with minimal pain. Scars are minimal for an old man’s wrists.
Mine is related to psoriatic arthritis. 40% of PsA patients may have it concomitant with their autoimmunity. Ask your surgeon for his assessment
of related conditions contributing to your history.
Good luck and don’t wait too long so the nerve changes
become irreversible. Good. Idea for a reasonable. rehab between. surgeries. No sign of recurrence in spite of my arthritis.