Re: post-op CTS -need some advice

In Reply to: post-op CTS -need some advice posted by LindaK on January 12, 2004 at 22:00:57:

: Hi all - I have read the posts for quite some time and they have been quite helpful but did not feel the need to post until now.
: I had been diagnosed with CTS about 2yrs ago and had the open hand release surgery 9 weeks ago. I had 6 weeks off work and have been back to work the last 3 weeks.
: I sit here and I am crying. I am so frustrated and scared that this surgery did not work. I am still in pain, but it seems to be a different pain, in my upper and lower arm and on top of my hand and top of fingers. It hurts when I hold my arms at a 90degree angle to type and use the mouse. I have to drop my arm and shake it out. I just feel sick. I just want to be better already.
: Should I go back to my surgeon? Should I see someone else? Any advice is appreciated.

Hi Linda
When I had cts surgery on my right (dominant) hand, 4 months later I didn't want to let the surgeon do the other one because I told him the surgery hadn't worked & my hand didn't feel any better. He told me that what I was feeling was perfectly normal. He said that it can take anything up to 2 years for the nerve to settle down after it has ben operated on.

I felt he knew what he was talking about, so I let him go ahead with the left hand. It took months but he was absolutely right. You just have to give it time, don't overdo it & try to be patient.

Are you able to go back & see your surgeon? Hopefully you'll get the same reassurances I did & find that your surgery was very worthwhile.
Evelyn