Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Hi C.,
I had surgery for carpal tunnel about four years ago. My doctor was Dr. Ted Peters at Grapevine/Baylor. I loved him! I tried physical therapy, steroid shots, as well as other various methods to try to stop the discomfort in my right hand. My surgery was very successful. I could tell a difference within 48 hours. There was very little pain (the iv hurt worse than the incision) and I do not have a scar. The only "drawback" to the surgery is that you have to wear a splint for 10 days straight - can't get it wet, etc. It was a little bit of a challenge to wash my hair and take a bath (as well as other personal things) during that time. The surgery was well worth it for me though. Good luck!
D.

I don't have any success surgery stories, instead something that may relieve some of the pain temporarily until you decide on surgery and when. My grandmother has severe carpal tunnel. One of her doc's told her to fill 2 pans of water(or 2 sinks if you have side by side's), one as hot as you can stand it, the other almost icy cold. Put your hands in the icy first, for about 30 secs-1 min, then immediately switch to the hot water for the same amount of time. Continue back and forth for about 10 mins. This increases the blood flow to that area, and can relieve some of the pain and numbness. It has really helped her deal with it better. Hope this helps!

I would say do what's best for you and your family, which in this case looks like to go ahead and have the surgery. Think about your biological as well as your classroom children, would it benefit them if you eventually lost all feeling and function in your hand? In January of 2005, I had tore ligaments in my left wrist,(which is my dominent hand) and went through all the things you did. I had every design of a splint possible and was getting pretty tired of celebrex too. The specialist I went to suggested surgery and like you I began to panic. Needless to say, I went ahead with the procedure and it was called an "arthroscopy" and almost two years later I'm better than ever! One thing to remember, utilize your time off for healing. Therapy, although boring sometimes, is very important...I had lost almost all of my strength in my hand and that was scary since I am left handed, but after therapy and proper time to heal, you can't even tell I had a problem! I do occasionally have a little ache when the weather changes and gets cold, but that's nothing compared to the pain at first. I can go on and on, but if it's best for you give me a call. ###-###-####.(weekends best to talk) Actually, I think you have some advice that I may need too since you're a teacher, but calm down, prepare mentally by "Praying" and plan and go for it! You won't regret it!!!!!!!

Both my husband and I have twenty years with the airline and carpel is a huge problem in the department of sixty. We have the symptoms, but have added vitimans B6 and B12 and we have managed to avoid surgery. Many others have had to get the surgery and there is a legendary doctor in Arlington whom they say is the ONLY carpel doc to see. His name is Dr. Luis Toledo and I believe he works out of Harris Methodist South. I am not talking one or two people here, but I am not talking from personal experience either. He a legend at work. I have seen co-workers wear wrist wraps and I know that if you pull your fingers and hand backward, it temporarily releases the carpel problem. Shoulder rubs help too after a long day along with those anti-inflamitory meds and localized heat.
Good luck with it!
I feel your pain,
C. S.