any one have carpal tunnel surgery?
490857
I had it in both hands and both at the same time, this was done in 83 at that time they cut my hands with a scalpel and recovery was real long, it took a year to lift weights again and certain, now days, it is a piece of cake, it is done by laser, and recovery is a very short period. Once it is done, no problems, all gone and you will sleep again and your hands feel normal. depending how bad your problem is will depend on the recovery period, you will  do things real soon, but hard work might have to wait a couple months. word of advice, get it done and over with, or it will get worse, that is why mine was so bad, and my recovery so long, I just let it go way too long. I wish they had the laser when I had it done. My friend had it done recently and she was doing allot in a few weeks. Once healed, you can do anything you want. Good Luck to you.
568232
I had that done. I was feeling better INSTANTLY, like someone flipped the pain switch back off. The disc was pressing on a nerve and I was in SO much pain prior to surgery. Hope your dad gets the same relief I did.\n\nTime off work will depend on what sort of a job he has. I don't have a physically demanding job and was back at work in a week.
1136527
I don't think SSI will consider that a long term disability. There are surgeries for carpal tunnel.... it is a tough road to file for disability. More illnesses need to be diagnosed for permanent disability and SSI.\nGood Luck with your illness...........  :o)
841364
I don't have ,but I have treated several carpal tunnel patients.  try putting ice on your wrists for 10 minutes at night and get some wrist cock up splints from your pharmacy and wear them all night long.  If you do have carpal tunnel it should work.  Also re-evaluate your work habits/area.  Carpal Tunnel is a repetitive stress injury.  Peopel who type a lot or use a hammer or anything involving the wrist doing repeated motions for much of their day.  Take a break from these activities during the day and do some stretches every 1 1/2 hours or so to help relieve the stress.
1167347
No instant solution I'm afraid. I found relief by by putting a small electric blanket on it (hot pad). After three months I was due to have and orthopaedic surgeon operate on it but over just a few days it started to eventually get better. I was desperate, to the point of even looking forward to the operation. You have my sympathy. The worst consuming pain I have ever had, my triple heart by-pass operation was a doddle by comparison.
917210
I had one September of last year. Unfortunately, part of mine died away. Apparently, that doesn't happen often. Up until that point it was looking pretty good and after the recovery of the surgery there wasn't any pain associated with it. I just had the Dorsi flap reconstruction (from the back) though and since then I have limited movement, muscle aches and spasms. Feel free to email me for specific questions.
545882
I work at least 8 hours a day in front of the computer, inside a cubicle! I am proud to say that I have been in this business (total sedentary life) for 5 years. I have no carpo-tunnel and no pain! The secret to this is : Ergonomics. If you google this word, it will give your references...you have to sit and type properly and also stretch! It's very important to take breaks and stretch your arms, back and legs. If you do this right you will not have pain, it's also important to keep hydrated. Good luck!
286393
Surgery is one of a number of possible treatments for Carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery is relatively minor and usually successful, however, as with any surgery there is always risks and there could be complications. \n\nIt's up to you to weigh up these slight risks against the potential improvement the treatment of the syndrome would give you when deciding whether to have the operation. Of course, speak to your GP as they'll be able to give you the best advice!\n\nThe links below have some good information about the syndrome.
1010238
carpal tunnel syndrome or improper blood circulation.....see a Dr.
224381
I spend 60+ hours a week working (mostly data entry) with the mouse / keyboard.  My wrists cause great pain at times.  \n\nThings I've found to help prevent the worst of it include raising the keyboard and mouse a little or lowering my chair, and putting a thicker pad under the heal of the hand and wrist.  Not so high or in a way that keeps you in a strain - holding on, but enough to keep the wrists semi straight or even slightly downward - more relaxed - stopping the hours at bent angles.  (My guess is better blood flow - but whatever - it helps me.)  \n\nDuring the worst times - Like you, I shift hands from time to time.  I've tried Motin or other inflammation type treatments, wrist braces (not too tight or the pain and injury can worsen), alternating ice and heat, and ointments like Aspercreme or Equate.  Of course, all those things are for relief, not a cure.\n\nWorst case, and one I personally try to avoid, but my cousin has had on both wrists - surgery.  She found the surgery to be less than pleasant, but reported the relief was well worth it.  Search for 'carpal tunnel syndrome'.  There's several medical sights with great information. \n\nI noticed something else, too.  Nothing official mind you - but - if I'm tensed - on a deadline, etc., it seems to occur more quickly and more severely.  As with most things in life, a couple minutes of breathing and stress relief also seems to help.\n\nI hope some of this helps you.
1040780
i had a job where i used my hands and i was out for about 6 weeks after my first surgery (for the right hand) and four weeks after my second surgery (left hand).\n\nbest wishes to you!!!\n\nEDITED TO ADD:\nbe sure to follow through with your physical therapy and do exactly what the doctor tells you to. the physical therapy aspect of recovery is the most important! \n\ni wish you a speedy and safe recovery...
375778
Can you say "carpal tunnel syndrome"?
367477
I had hand surgery about 6 yrs ago. When the weather changes the tendons are very tight. Just have to exercise it more. \n\nNot unless in your case, the ligament wasn't stretched correctly??? The new surgeon might have some new technique to help you. Worth going to that appointment with all your questions.
113398
I had a herniated disk in my neck at the C4/C5 level. I lived with it for 7 years. In those seven years, I went to acupuncturists, chiropractors, went through physical therapy, had medical massages, and many, many pain pills.\n\nWhen the pain gets to the point where you can't sleep through the night and you are having a hard time walking, then it is time for surgery.\n\nAs with any surgery, do your research. With this surgery, the surgeon is dealing with your spinal cord. Find the top 5 neurosurgeons in your county or state (depending on how big your state is) and go to one of them. I was fortunate. My surgical team consisted of two of the top 5 in NY state. The whole team and hospital were wonderful.\n\nBecause I waited 7 years...I have permanent nerve damage that I wouldn't have if I had gone sooner. Do you have pinched nerves because of the herniation? You don't mention how long you have dealth with the pain, so just keep this in mind.\n\nAlso, I'm not sure if surgery on the lower back is the same as on the upper back/neck area, but I had to pretty much learn how to walk again after having my neck worked on. It was very slow at first, but when I went home from the hospital, I had to go up three flights of stairs to get to my apartment, not an easy hurdle. \n\nThey cut through the front of my neck to get to the back, pretty freaky thought, huh? Honestly though, the surgeon said that from a surgeon's point of view, it was easier and safer to do the surgery that way.\n\nI wish you the best of luck and hope you at the very least consider having an MRI to see how close the herniation is to your spinal cord. You do not want to be paralyzed just because you were trying to prevent surgery.
1136144
Hi, I am a 35 year old female in great physical shape. In  jan 2006 I had to have an emergency gallbladder removal for stones, during the surgery the scope peirced my rt rib tissue, (10,11,12th rib) I started bleeding heavily so they applied pressure and my rib slipped. Ever since then i have been in pain, horrible pain. I understand how you feel, after going to primary care doc several times and being on lortabs for 2 months , who in fact believed my pain was my ribs (we saw it hanging in an x-ray) I still got nowhere, (the surgeon brushed off my complaints for 2 months after surgery) I finally went online and researched everything on ribs, I then called a thoracic surgeon,DO and basically begged them to help me, (he knows of the emer. surgeon and called him a pompous ass) anyhoo, this thoracic surgeon hooked me up with a pain guy who performed trigger point injections in my ribs-OUCH, I had it done may 06 and the relief lasted about 1.5 months, cost my ins. co $700.00 and $100.00 to me. Well my point is - this sucks and my pain is back, when I cough, turn over, turn wrong, it hurts no rhyme or reason. the thoracic surgeon said I can have a rib reduction done, 5 in cut, remove tips of 10,11,12th ribs. Hmmm, not sure I want to, scary.\nMy point is, SEE A THORACIC SURGEON!!!  I hope you get better soon, I have 3 children and they are so fun and amazing, God bless you and yours,  Susan
468812
Yes it;s normal. You could take up to six months to heal. My ex had surgery on both hands and has been sorry ever since. Hope yours heals fast,good luck.
698909
MAN I FEEL FOR YOU I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH R.S,D FOR YEARS NOW . WHICH IS A NERVE DISE. I,M GOING IN DEC.1 TO HAVE ASPINAL CORD STIMULATOR PUT IN TO SEE IF IT WILL CUT DOWN THE SOME SO I CAN GET OFF THE PAIN  MEDS OR CUT DOWN ON HOW MUCH I,M TAKING A DAY.IT SUCKS BUT WHAT CAN YA DO .E MAIL ME AT ICDDPPL1995 @YAHOO.COM.GOOD JUCK