Carpal tunnel surgery

[halor]

Hi all,

Has anyone had carpal tunnel surgery before whilst childminding? I have it this Thursday and will have next week off. A few people have told me the recovery will take longer. How long was your recovery?

I look after 3 under 2's at various times so not continually lifting but obviously still fairly physically involved.

[Kiddleywinks]

Are you having it done in your wrist or elbow?

I recently had the ulner nerve release op in my left elbow, had the first week off, but was able to use my arm, gently, after 3 days.
Second week I had 3 aged 2, 3 and 4 and they were really good.
I had help in the shape of my 15yr old DS, but found I didn't really need him much.

Just had to take things a bit easier and used my 'good' arm for everything lol
Got the all clear by 6 weeks

The tingling/numbness/heavy feeling was remarkably less within 24 hours, and within 2 weeks, I no longer had that 'heavy/dead' feeling, used to have to flex my hand multiple times a day to 'wake' it up.
3 months on, the tingling is barely there, certainly less noticeable, so if this is as good as it gets, I'm happy. If it goes completely I'll be ecstatic!

Good luck with your op

[halor]

Thanks kiddleywinks, I'm having it done on my right wrist. Unfortunately I'm right handed but hoping the recovery won't be too long. Driving is one of my concerns, mainly because I tend to drive one handed so need to practice driving properly lol!

[Kiddleywinks]

Ah, I didn't drive for 2 weeks, and only tentatively for the following 2 weeks as my left hand is, obviously , used for changing gears.
You will know how much you can or can't do, your body will tell you when enough is enough.
I would have a contingency plan in place, but if it works out that you don't need it, all's good

[rickysmiths]

I was told 2 years ago by the GP that I needed surgery on both my wrists.

There was no way I would let a surgeon near them they are far too precious. I sort the view of a Hand Specialist, via the GP and she did a scan of each wrist to assess the problem. One wrist was very mild the other was quite bad and she gave me a Hydrocortizone injection there and then. It worked as t had on my right hand 20 years before when I got it after having my daughter.

I also found a local fully Trained Remedial Therapist who treats my hands and wrists twice a year and I don't have an issue any more.

I don't want to frighten you but my sister had surgery on both wrists. It took longer than a couple of weeks to recover and be able to drive and lift and at the end of the day it hasn't helped her a great deal and she is in a much worse state than I am. Just bear in mind the out come will be different for each individual so you might need much more than 2 weeks off you might be fine but you won't know until it is done.

I would ask to be referred to a Hand and Wrist Specialist for a second opinion.

[halor]

Thanks guys, I say drive one handed but I use 2 when changing gears lol. I'm worried the twisting action of me turning the wheel will be a killer. My mam's always nagging me to keep both hands on the wheel lol!

My other half has taken the week off so he can do school run etc which will help. Fingers crossed the recovery is quick :-)