Carpal Tunnel Surgery

[Janet]

Thank you for the pictures Marilyn. It make it so much easier to see what you've had to go through. I hope you're not in any pain now. Do you have to wear any kind of bandage on the hand in the first photo. Looks like you will be able to heal fairly quick since they didn't have to do the cutting you described.

We miss you when you're not here, but don't overdue the typing until you're able.

[Marilyn]

There is pain in my right hand when I move it certain ways, but I'm sure this is to be expected, and the incision at my wrist is a bit tender. There is also some numbness in my index and middle finger that I sure hope goes away. My left hand is still a little numb from the anesthetic, so I don't know what it will be like yet, however I have a feeling that the end result in my left hand will be better than the right. It seems to be feeling better more quickly than the right. But time will tell.

I am definitely sleeping better. Not waking up with my arm numb as before. I really think when all is healed that I'll be fine, just a bit worried about the numbness in the two fingers on my right hand. People tell me that it will go away. Just hope so.

Ready to get back to normal activities!!!

[judy]

It sounds good!!!!

[DianaB]

Your hand looks a lot better than I was expecting!!! I hope that everything continues to heal well!!!

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by DianaB

Your hand looks a lot better than I was expecting!!! I hope that everything continues to heal well!!!

My hand is looking even better now. The bruising hasn't all gone away yet, but the incision at my wrist is healing very well. I found a little piece of stitch that they had missed. It was lose, so I pulled it out, and it's looking much better. My two "numb" fingers seem to be getting some better. I have the feeling mostly back in them, they just have that stiff feeling like they are puffy, but don't look like they are.

My fingers on my left hand are fine. They all woke up and feel normal. I get the bandage off on Wednesday & am anxious to see what it looks like.

It's frustrating not having full function, but this will all be healed and over very soon. I'm just impatient.

[judy]

It sounds like you are healing beautifully Marilyn. No more discomfort! It really is wonderful.

[Marilyn]

Today I visited the doctor, and he took the bandage off my left hand. He said that I'm doing really good!! I asked him about the two fingers on my right hand that are still kinda numb/prickly, and he said that this is to be expected and once all is healed will go away. He said it should be gone within 4 to 6 weeks. He also said that my hands will continue to heal and adjust to the surgery over the next six months. I should see progressive improvement.

The cut on my left wrist is a bit red and tender, but now that the air can get to it, I know that in a couple of days it will be healing nicely.

I have friends who had the open carpal tunnel release where they cut from your wrist to your palm, and they have scars and tell of longer healing times. My hands look good and the skin healing will be over very quickly.

It will take time for my hands to return to total normal function though. I can't squeeze very hard, like to squeeze out a sponge. Have to be careful pulling or pushing on things and can't lift much yet.

My carpal tunnel symptoms have almost completely gone. No longer am I waking up at night with my arm(s) numb. I can wash my hair without my hands going numb. It's sooo nice.

I'm thinking in a couple of weeks, I should be in pretty good shape.

Overall, this has not been a bad experience at all. Inconvenient, yes, but actually pretty easy.

The yorkies need a good brushing and bath, but that will have to wait a little longer.

Just wanted to report on all of this since some of you are experiencing some of the same symptoms that I was. If anyone has any questions, please ask. You can pm me if you wish.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers going through this. By the way, typing is not a problem now, so hopefully I can finally catchup with all of you!!!