Anybody had carpal tunnel surgery?

[M R Dux]

I'm having it done Monday on my left hand and 2 weeks later on my right. Dr says I'll be about useless (more so than normal) for about 6 weeks total. Any pointers on rehab or how to get by during the recovery?

[Little Skeeter]

I have not had that surgery but I have had others. As in all recovery goes, movement is key to rehab. Yes it will be painful, but the more you do it and the more you push yourself the faster you will rehab and the better the results you will have as well. Do the exercises the Dr. or therapist tells you to do and dont go overboard with it at first but build yourself up to more and more, you will be glad you did in the end.

[Barnacle Bill]

I've had both hands done. The first one was a bummer mainly because he reattached my thumb at the same time. The other one was a piece of cake amd done by a different doctor. He use a new procedure where there was minimal intrusion. I was able to use my hand again in no time at all.

[jimp]

not had the surgery but have heard numerous times that doing ALL of the physical therapy is VERY important getting your mobility back. Brother had knee replacement in 5/11, did all the therapy plus some more on his own, doing good now. One other fellow had knee done and he said it was very important to do the PT. GL. Guy at work is having his knee done next week, and his dr told him he better do the PT or he'll be back on the table for a re-do way too soon.

[Crappie 1]

Had both hands done years ago, you won't be sorry you did it. Had both knees replaced, very good out come, The main thing is to do whatever they tell you for therapy. The people that I know that had problems and can't walk good, are people that didn't do the P.T. like they were told..Good Luck with it.

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

Had both hands done ten years apart. The first time was worse, only because it was my left hand and I'm left handed. The second was a easier. Smaller incision and less recovery time even with the simultaneous removal of a large ganglion cyst. No PT prescribed other than squeezing the little rubber ball. Don't regret either surgery, wish I hadn't put off the second one so long.

[jusanothajoe]

Had one hand done not too bad, worst part is learning to wipe your hinie with the wrong hand. better go ahead and get some practice in.

[skiptomylu]

I had it done on my right had a pretty long time back and should have done the other one. I will say that doctor said he likes regular surgery over scope type and I spoke with another doc just a couple months back and he said the same thing. Both are ver well respected Surgeons. It was not all that bad as surgeries go.

Skip

[crappieseeker]

I am so glad to see this post and to see the reccomendations people have said about the importance of the therapy. Find you a good outpatient hand clinic if you can with an OT or OTA that is a certified hand therapist. Therapy is very important for all post surgical recoveries. I hate the way medicare continues to try and cut back therapy reimbursement, it is very important.

[Jessemae]

I'm having it done Monday on my left hand and 2 weeks later on my right. Dr says I'll be about useless (more so than normal) for about 6 weeks total. Any pointers on rehab or how to get by during the recovery?

Better have agood friend to wipe the arse or wait for the left hand to heal.
some friends will shun you while you are recuperating