Carpal Tunnel suggestions needed

Stonecove

Stonecove

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Hi All, My wife is in need of carpel tunnel surgery on both wrists. We have heard there is a new(er) procedure called minimally invasive surgery, that allows for quicker recovery. Does anyone have experience with this procedure for carpel tunnel? Are there things to look out for when selecting either minimally invasive or traditional carpel tunnel surgery. We live in southern Michigan, so would appreciate your recommendations for doctor recommendations (Toledo is only 40 minutes away)
Thanks,
Stonecove
 
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I had both of mine done a few years ago at separate times for obvious reasons, I assume it was the old method no big deal and recovery was pretty quick well worth it.
 
I asked my wife, who happens to have a medical background and works for a surgeon who does this, for advice. The minimal procedure you're referring to is called Laprascopic Surgery and is much less invasive. This calls for a surgeon who has been trained and certified in this technique. Also, before you do this you'll need to be tested to make sure it's necessary. This test is called an EMG and is done by a neurologist who can determine if, indeed, this is the problem. Questions to ask any potential doctor are how long have they been doing this and how many have they done. The doc my wife works for is a general surgeon who has been practicing for many years. He had to attend special training and demonstrate his proficiency before being certified. I hope this is of some help. My wife states if you have any other questions don't hesitate to send us a pm. Good luck.
 
Carpal Tunnel

Had both my wrists done this past spring, one after the other Laparoscopic method, really quick recovery and the incisions are not even visible now. I recommend this method actually the Dr. was planning to do both at the same time but I needed an elbow reworked so waited to have the second wrist. Go for the least invasive and good luck!
 
Thanks for the information guys! The Laproscopic method seems to be the way to go. She will be thrilled to learn the recovery is short. Now to find a surgion to do the surgery. She has already had the EMG, but the doctor who did it does not do laproscopic method, thus the questions.
Thanks,
Stonecove
 
I had problems with the carpel tunnel after hand splitting wood with a 12 lb sledge hammer. It would hurt really bad for a week or more and stop most of my normal activites . I found that a Vitamin B6 supplement would help. The normal dose is 50 mg twice a day. I saw marked improvement after just two weeks but it can take up to two months to be really effective. Now I split all the wood I want with no worries with the carpel pain. Much better way to fix it if you can avoid the knife. David
 
IMHO, she should not get the procedure done in any other way except the Laproscopic surgery. I had my right hand done 16 years ago that way and have been thrilled with the result. Do a little research and you will find that any surgery that cuts the palm of the hand results in a palm that will never be as strong and tough as the original. For some that would not be a problem. For me as a person that works with my hands it would have been a big problem. ............ Big Cholla
 
I've talked to people who had the old-style surgery done, and
it sounded like part of a horror story. Had both mine wrists done with
the minimally invasive procedure. Even got to watch on the color monitor! I really didn't notice any after-effects, and no pain at all.
The only thing you have to worry about, after finding a surgeon,
is getting it done right away, before some of the involved muscle-
groups atrophy. I had my condition for years, and as a mechanic
I've noticed a small loss of power in my grip. Wouldn't notice it
in everyday usage, but I can tell when wrenching.
Probably the easiest surgery out there, hope you find a surgeon soon.
As far as recovery time is concerned, my hands felt ready for use
the same day. Hope this helps, TACC1.
 
Once you are sure of the diagnosis run, don't walk for the laparoscopic procedure. The longer you wait the risk of permanent damage increases.

I had the old style surgery (4" scar) done on my left hand immediately after diagnosis. Worked well. Full strength recovery was about 6 months.
In 1982 I had the procedure done on my right hand. I delayed surgery for 3 months. I permanently lost the feeling in the tips of my thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Full strength recovery was about 6 months.

I have witnessed people after laproscopic surgery with nothing but a band aid on their wrist and basically go right back to normal activities.
No physical therapy involved.
 
My injury I had last December also gave me carpal tunnel issues in my left forearm. They did it back in August and it hurt for awhile. The biggest thing to watch for is stiffness in the wrist but I can't say how well it worked because the RSD that has been screwing up my hand hurts so bad that I can't say what it would have felt like if it did work. The surgery though was quick with a row of stitches in the palm.
 
I've had both hands done. It was a relative breeze, even considering the allergic reaction to the suture material and the contracted MRSA.

I still ahve problems with my hands, the least of which are the carpal tunnel problems...the remainder are due to the arthritis and some places where the tendons are stretched and there is no cartilage.

But as far as carpal tunnel problems...none. Which is good, because now I can dress myself again.

The only real issue with recovery was how I had to deal with saxophones and the like afterwards. It took more time than I wanted to have to rebuild technique and strength and endurance in my hands. But it beat what I was dealing with before when the slightest movement set me in screaming agony.

DO IT.
 
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