ImMiksMom

I started with the wrist braces every night and after they stopped working, I had surgery. I did my right hand first since it was the worst and then a few years later did the left. I have to say that the second surgery went much better than the first - I think I need to see if I can have the right one done over (not that I want to - more like I need to).

It did help tremendously for the first few years. The second one (left wrist) has a much smaller scar and seemed to heal quicker - I used two different docs (the second one operates on a lot of the Redskins - should have gone to him for the first one too!) Meghan

chiaraquilts

Lots of good advice here.I also have it both hands- I had surgery on the right hand about a year ago, the left hand is coming up/ The splints are very helpful, it is very important to wear them at night as your wrist and hand will naturally flex while you are asleep, which is the worst position. The best one I found was at Walmart, it is pink and grey and designed for women's hands- very comfortable and well finished so no chafing or rubbing.

The surgery was a breeze, less than a dentist visit. Stayed in my street clothes, was out with light anesthesia (no breathing tube etc) for less than 20 minutes. No cast, some mild weight restrictions for a few days. HOWEVER- it does take some time for the tendon to heal, and during that time it will hurt if you lift something too heavy. Fortunately it doesn't do any damage- you can't "undo" the procedure- but it is something to be aware of. I found that with 3 months I could about 90% of normal things, now it is perfectly fine.

Once the splints stopped working- pain waking me up even with the splints on- I decided it was time for surgery. Wish I hadn't waited so long!

quiltingcandy

I handled workers compensation claims for 35 years. The bet advice I can give you is to see a hand specialist. A neurologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in CTS is best. Stay away from chiropractors, I have never seen a positive result from them. An ortho that is a hand surgeon is also good, but often rush to surgery. If you are at the beginning it is possible they can get the inflammation down. The typical treatment in our neck of the woods, has been using the splints and anti-inflammatory meds. It is necessary to follow dr's orders because the inflammation can be minor, but will flare again if you stop the meds too soon.

If there is no improvement they will talk surgery. But there are a lot of cases where surgery is avoided. So hopefully you have a good doctor.

GreatStarter

I did it all and finally after years, had surgery which helped immensely. However I warn you, I waited too many years to get my first hand done and have some permanent nerve damage. Also don't trust a doc that said it was lack of blood due to carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel is nerve compression. So go to a specialist and get an accurate diagnosis please.

Kat

quilter68

Left hand first for surgery because I am right-handed. I wanted to see how bad it would be, both surgery and recovery. Piece-of-cake! Neurosurgeon and just three stitches at the wrist. Put ice on it for a day and was gentle with it and no pain meds needed. Got the right hand done as soon as possible. No regrets.

miriam

chiropractor cured DH

MonnaL

I have to second what GreatStarter said...PLEASE don't wait too long. I kept thinking of all the reasons I couldn't have surgery - I needed my hands, couldn't be off work six weeks, couldn't afford it, yada yada. Turns out, there have been so many advances in CTS surgery that it is amazingly simple and painfree.

First I went to my family doctor. He ordered a nerve conduction test with a neurosurgeon. btw..THAT HURT! Diagnosis was severe carpal tunnel with permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy. My sweet orthopedic surgeon (who looks about 14 years old) just shook his head and said he wished I had come earlier, and that he couldn't make any promises. As in my post above, 2 years later and MOST of the feeling is back in my middle and ring finger.

So...please, please, please...don't be a tough gal and wait too long like I did. If the splints and analgesics are not doing the trick.. Have the surgery!

SherriB

I had carpel tunnel in both wrists. I started out with NSAIDS and when that no longer helped, I wore braces. My Dr. sent me to a place to have them custom fitted to my hands. There were awesome!!! I slept with them on and sometimes during the day. After a couple years, they no longer helped. My fingers were slowly going completely numb. My Dr. said surgery was now my only option.

I had bilateral carpel tunnel surgery done back in 1999. And I have been pain free since. And the numbness even went away.

Prettiptibbs

I wore the brace on both arms for long time before having to have the surgery on my right wrist. The pain and tingling went away but now I need to have the left done. Icing and resting the limb also helps (for a while)

QuiltingKrazy

I started having symptoms about a year ago. I'd wake up at night with my thumb, forefinger and middle finger with the pins & needles. Then it started it at work. Went to orthopedic doc for hands and was given braces for night wear. It helped some but not entirely. Had cortesone injections in both wrists and that worked! very little symptoms since that..... until just recently. I have been wearing the braces again at night and some during the day at work since I'm on the keyboard all day. Thinking it is time for another round of injections. They did do a nerve test and said it wasn't near surgery time yet. Good luck in whatever you try or do!