anyone else got carpel tunnel syndrome

evermore

just got back from hospital and been diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome, anyone had the operation done? did it work.
just after other peoples views not advice

sooz

I guess since you're discussing the operation you are not pregnant.
I've had it with each pregnancy, & it's not nice, but has gone either before or just after the baby arrived.
In the meantime splints, exercises & alternating hot & cold water helped to relieve the symptoms.

evermore

thanks for reply
no not pregnant, its just i was not offered advice on what do do or any alterative choice, not looking forward to having both done

sooz

How bad is it that the operation is the first thing they suggest
I was offered physio each time, even after I'd had the baby. I guess it's different as it's not a pregnancy causing the problem for you.
Even if you did have the operation it would not be instant, with waiting lists etc. Go back to your GP & ask about a referral to physio, atleast whilst you consider or wait for an operation appointment.

NoAngel

Hi Evermore.

I had carpal tunnel syndrome a couple of years ago. I was quite young to have it, only 19 at the time. It was very annoying, I had terrible pain and couldn't sleep because of the pins and needles not to mention that typing Uni assignments was difficult! I was offered the operation within 5 weeks of diagnosis and there was no question that I needed it doing. Had my right hand done first, then my left hand 2 weeks later.

The operation itself was fine- took about 20 mins, and was just a local anaesthetic, so I was home a couple of hours later. It was painful for a couple of days, but after that it wasn't too bad. Had the bandage off after 10 days, and the 5 stitches removed., then a few days later the other op. I would never recomment getting both hands done together as you would find it very difficult to cope.

The operations were successful and the pain went immediately. Couldn't reccommend it more! I found out that the surgery is the only proper way to fully eliminate the problem. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

evermore

got at least 3 months to wait for it, but symptoms are quite painful. probably will have it done just not looking forward to it (terrified of needles) dont fancy being unable to do anything for 10 days,

dizzybee

I had the operation two years ago and so far have had no more problems
i would reccommend the opertion .

ali-t

I got it but it was linked to my underactive thyroid and when the medication was at the correct level it eased off. At times I couldn't drive, hold a pen and had to use a chunky electric toothbrush as I couldn't grip anything. I was referred to the hospital but by the time the appointment came through it was starting to ease off a bit. I suppose the ultimate money saving tip is to wait and see but it is a nightmare to live with.

Glamazon

Hi

Have you had nerve conduction studies to confirm it?

I get it every now and then but never bad enough for surgery, I wear a splint when it's really bad but otherwise just hand my arm out of the bed with wrist bent (palm up). Relieves it quite a bit.

evermore

no havent had the test, thinking the best way forward is to have the operation because i have the pain and pins and needles nearly all the time and also hands go numb.

flissh

I had it for years without realising I had it!!!!! In the end the pain in my arm was really interfering with everything I did. I put it down to an old whiplash injury not c.t.
Finally I had a growth on a tendon in that wrist that had to be removed, when I saw the hand surgeon and we discussed all the pain in my arm, pins and needles etc he said he would do a c.t. decompression when he removed the growth...Well, if only I had known. It took a couple of weeks to get over the soreness but all the old symptoms vanished straight away.
No way would I wait if I needed it done on the other wrist.