Re: Newbie with CTS

In Reply to: Re: Newbie with CTS posted by debbie on January 14, 2004 at 01:29:55:

: : Hello. Thought I would fill in my history. I have CTS and have for years, just gotten worse the last month or so. It wakes me with pain and numbness. I have started going numb when I hold anything. It is in both hands. I went to the Dr today and they are applying to my insurance for approval for the surgery. We will loose our insurance in Mid-March. Hubby was active and then de-activated so we have temp insurance.

: : Dr today thought he was funny. He looked at my wrists and popped them with his fingers asking if that caused them to "tingle". Tingle heck, they went numb, hurt and I almost jumped off the chair. He smiled at me and said I had it severe in both hands. Well, no duh!!

: : So we will start with my right hand and as soon as I can "clean" myself we will do the left one since the insurance has a time frame on us. I have put this off as long as I could and figured when it started interfering with my life as bad as it has lately, that I better got it done ASAP. I will most likely have the 1st surgery the 1st part of Feb.

: : My question to the ladies is how long did it take to "clean" yourself? Sorry to ask, but I am facing a time deadline on this. My left hand will be worse because I have a big bone spur on my thumb that we are taking care of at the same time. :-(

: : BTW I am 43 and have custody of 2 grandbabies (10 months & 2 1/2 years), 3 sons (19 18 & 23{daddy to the grands}) and a hubby of 26 1/2 years. I have a 18 year old friend of my sons going to take care of the grands during my recovery time. I know that I am in for pain and a long recovery time, especially with the bone spur. I am trying to think of everything that needs to be in place before the surgery. I have read everyones experiences with CTS and semi know what to expect as everyones surgery and recovery is different. Dr mentioned doing to endo type surgery as opposed to the longer scar. Pros and cons of each?

: : Sorry this is so long, but had a lot to say. Thanks
: : Melinda

: If I were going to have surgery & had a choice, I'd only do open release.. Endo has the shortest recovery time, but it seems to me that the most succesful are the open releases and the doctor can see more of what he's doing.. I wouldn't want to chance having to have it redone later..
: Boy you have your hands full... Good luck no matter which way its done..
: Debbie

I agree with Debbie and dmm, the open hand surgery is the best. I've had both. I could use my hand easier doing the open hand method than with the endo. It took me 4 weeks to get the swelling down after the endo surgery. Then I could use my hand a little more each day. My hand surgeon says it takes a full year for anyone to know for sure whether the surgery works or not. It's a day at a time process and we learn patience after this surgery. I'll be having surgery in two weeks so I'll get the meals planned, cooked and frozen. Have rides set up for Dr's appointments. Plenty of pamper wipes (for hygeine). Husband and kids to help with washing my hair(it has to be done everyday) whether in the shower or sink. Other people have checks already signed because writing with your surgery hand is a no go... Then we'll be on our way to being pain free. The surgery is simple, the worst part is recooperation. If your an on the go type of person, you'll be learning patience. Best of luck to you. Keep us updated. Melani