Specifically a mild case of carpal tunnel. I've been dealing with the symptoms on/off for a year. Want to know from others what their experience was like, and if they did get the procedure done.
Has anyone had surgery for their hands before?
- Thread starter Quest4WS
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simon1
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I had what I'd guess you'd say was a mild case several years ago...hurt like @!$% though. I just went to the drugstore and got a wrist brace and used that for awhile, especially when I was operating the mouse. I still get a twinge once in awhile if I'm on the 'puter a lot, but really fine now. I did not want to do the surgery. You might try that first.
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AimlessWanderer
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Had an op to relieve trigger fingers when I was a kid, flaring the tendon guide sheaths on both thumbs and three fingers. While recovery wasn't fun for the first couple of weeks, it certainly fixed the problem, and no more agonising lock ups and trips to A&E.
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I had what I'd guess you'd say was a mild case several years ago...hurt like @!$% though. I just went to the drugstore and got a wrist brace and used that for awhile, especially when I was operating the mouse. I still get a twinge once in awhile if I'm on the 'puter a lot, but really fine now. I did not want to do the surgery. You might try that first.
Carpal Tunnel Wrist Braces | Walgreens
Carpal Tunnel Wrist Braces at Walgreens. View current promotions and reviews of Carpal Tunnel Wrist Braces and get free shipping at $35.
I've had steroid injections, twice. I've got some braces as well. They semi-help, but aren't conditional to use while working.
Did you ever get a second or third opinion before making the jump?
I am not a medical professional but since you asked, you may want to consider seeing a certified hand therapist first. They specialize in the upper extremities and can prevent the need for surgery at all in many cases. They will also help you determine root cause of your condition. Your results will depend on your individual circumstances and the effort you are willing put in to your treatment. Good luck.
AimlessWanderer
Remember to forget me!
I was 10
My parents were happy with the diagnosis, and I just wanted it fixed, as it had plagued me all through my childhood. They did say it might not have been 100% successful, but they wanted to try that first before having to start shaving tendons, which was a bigger operation with longer recovery. We did it, and it worked a treat. Now 35 years later, and no issues.
I agree seeing a hand specialist for guidance and a second opinion if you have not already. My understanding is the jury is still out in the medial literature on the extent of efficacy and long term effects of steroid injections. One thing that is more agreed upon is that corticosteroids can exert a number of inhibitory effects such as on fibroblast activity and hyaluronic acid and collagen production. These can lead to tissue damage and/or tendon weakening with prolonged use. Because of the possible negative effects and the fact that it's really only providing symptomatic control and not a treatment, long term use is generally contraindicated. There's also the consideration of whether a condition is degenerative or inflammatory, with steroids likely only providing relief from the latter. I would trust what your physicians are comfortable with, but would also be wary of prolonged steroid use. Physical therapy can definitely be a good approach for certain conditions but to be fair, in general I'm biased towards surgery. If you can fix it, cut it. For a healthy patient undergoing a standard procedure, modern general anesthesia is quite safe. But what do I know, I'm only allowed to treat everything except humans
Quest4WS:
Writing (print and/or cursive), and typing on keyboards can sometimes be painful, but I do have a slight 'touch' of carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists (even though I had surgery in both wrists in 06 that not been a total success...guess I waited too long [about 3 yrs after retirement]).
My advice...don't wait too long. Don't forget...steroid shots, wrist 'gauntlets' (braces...too cumbersome), are not a long-term solution.
"The good physician treats the [condition]; the great physician treats the patient who has the [condition]". Dr. William Osler
Writing (print and/or cursive), and typing on keyboards can sometimes be painful, but I do have a slight 'touch' of carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists (even though I had surgery in both wrists in 06 that not been a total success...guess I waited too long [about 3 yrs after retirement]).
My advice...don't wait too long. Don't forget...steroid shots, wrist 'gauntlets' (braces...too cumbersome), are not a long-term solution.
I’ve had a few due to trauma and some reconstructive surgery due to formation of scar-tissue.
If you can accomplish relief through PT, I’d suggest going that route first. ASTYM is particularly effective when it is an option.
If you can accomplish relief through PT, I’d suggest going that route first. ASTYM is particularly effective when it is an option.
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I had carpal tunnel issues in my mouse hand in the 1990s and early 2000s as my desk at home and at work put my wrist at a bad angle. I did occasionally wear a brace, but it never got bad enough for me to see a doctor (hate doctors). At home not gaming for a couple weeks would help along with more breaks at work. The office finally recognized that it was becoming a problem for everyone and modified all workstations with adjustable trays for keyboard and mouse.
Been retired for 10 years now and probably on a computer (usually gaming) more than ever without a problem. One difference is that I have an L-shaped desk, so my right arm from wrist to elbow is supported and straight. It's also easier these days to find a more wrist-friendly mouse.
I did see a hand surgeon a year ago for my Dupuytren's contracture. I've had the palm cords for years, but the fingers are starting to curl more. He gave me 3 options: surgery, enzyme injections or (at my age) just wait and see. I can't put my palms together or lay them flat on a table, but I chose wait & see as it's not yet affecting my daily routine.
Been retired for 10 years now and probably on a computer (usually gaming) more than ever without a problem. One difference is that I have an L-shaped desk, so my right arm from wrist to elbow is supported and straight. It's also easier these days to find a more wrist-friendly mouse.
I did see a hand surgeon a year ago for my Dupuytren's contracture. I've had the palm cords for years, but the fingers are starting to curl more. He gave me 3 options: surgery, enzyme injections or (at my age) just wait and see. I can't put my palms together or lay them flat on a table, but I chose wait & see as it's not yet affecting my daily routine.
Have you tried the gyro exercisers?
I also had Dupuytren's Contraction in my left hand. The hand curled up to the point where it wasn't very useful. The procedure, surgery, went well and I regained 100% motion in my left hand. It's been well over 15 years and the hand is still doing well. The key is to choose a top surgeon and do everything the rehab crew tells you to do.
Had really bad carpal tunnel issues from too many years doing heavy duty work on planes such as riveting, did the braces for a while, no relief. Hands going numb during the day, not a good thing when perched on the tail of an aircraft and dropping tools, both arms going numb from the shoulders down at night.
Had bi-lateral carpal release done in 1992 (yes boys and girls, both hands done at the same time). To this day have had zero problems. Had a great surgeon, did all the PT and exercises post surgery. Was back at work after a week, albeit on limited duty flying a desk, back to full duty about a month or two after that.
Had bi-lateral carpal release done in 1992 (yes boys and girls, both hands done at the same time). To this day have had zero problems. Had a great surgeon, did all the PT and exercises post surgery. Was back at work after a week, albeit on limited duty flying a desk, back to full duty about a month or two after that.
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Had my left hand crushed, lost a couple of fingers and broke the wrist aged 19. Had it rebuilt and tied up a few years later after it was put back together. Its way better than my right hand, which crunches, snapps and often has my index finger dislocted. Glad I paid to have the left one tied up. (Now in my 50's)
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