Always on the sidelines...

[Guest guest]

Hello, everyone. I am not new to the forum but new to posting,

instead of always reading. Just to update everyone on my condition, I

have severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease, and a

heart condition.

I am finally getting surgery for the Carpal Tunnel on Tuesday, June

10th, on my right hand. After 6 to 8 weeks, I will have surgery on my

left hand. I am having the Carpal Tunnel Release. I have been

suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for over 10 years.

I am currently 29 years old but feel much older. I am thankful to

have a very understanding and caring family and doctor. I may

possibly have a spinal fusion on L5-S1 this summer, also.

I am thankful for everyone here and your wonderful information. I

also enjoy the caring environment we have here. Please pray for me

and my family. I will also say a prayer for everyone here.

If anyone has had the Carpal Tunnel Release surgery, please tell me

all about your experiences with the surgery. I am anxious to know how

the surgery went and the recovery process.

I am also wondering who I need to inform about me having a high

tolerance to pain medications. I am very excited about the surgery

and am very thankful to be having it done because I really need the

relief!

I want to thank everyone again for reading my long post and want to

thank the moderators here for their hard work and patience.

Sincerely, Tamara (Arkansas)

[Guest guest]

Hi Tamara,

Thanks for posting!  I'm 34 years old, and have hip and back injuries from a car

accident, as well as a blood clotting condition.  I can relate a little, being

young and disabled.  Also, my doctors are great, and I know how that can make

all the difference.

I haven't had Carpal Tunnel surgery, but I've been a recovery room nurse prior

to my disability.  Most patients have little pain immediately after surgery

because our surgeons use a lot of lidocaine or marcaine to numb the incisions. 

But, you may have more pain than most and you should notify your surgeon, so he

can give you a good prescription. 

Also, you need to notify the anesthesiologist, who may be able to give you a

nerve block (to make your arm numb for 12 to 24 hours post-op.  He can also let

the recovery room nurses give you extra intravenous pain medication if you wake

up painful.  Also, they'll tell you to take nothing by mouth after midnight

prior to surgery, but be sure to take your regular morning pain medications with

a small sip of water.  That way, you won't enter surgery behind on your pain

meds.

I'm glad you're being proactive about your pain management!  Take care, Janie

Tamara wrote:

If anyone has had the Carpal Tunnel Release surgery, please tell me

all about your experiences with the surgery.  I am anxious to know how

the surgery went and the recovery process.