Re: Suggestions for self care after surgery

In Reply to: Suggestions for self care after surgery posted by Lana on November 05, 2003 at 07:17:41:

: I'm having carpal tunnel surgery this Friday.
: Does anyone have suggestions about taking care of yourself after the surgery(bathing & keeping the bandages dry, eating, writing, bathroom, etc)?

Be very careful not to move wrist.Some doctors apply half cast to prevent this,but be careful if they only apply bandage. DO NOT GET BANDAGES WET!This could cause an infection.I like the bread bag idea for showering.I used a similar bag that the morning paper was delivered in and it worked great in the shower.There's little you can do until the bandages are removed.When they are removed use plenty of hand cream and soak your hand in warm soapy water.I particularly liked JOHNSON'S SOAP that is usually used for a foot bath,but it worked great for my hand. One other important thing is to do the finger exercises they give you after the surgery. They will speed your recovery time.GOOD LUCK!!!