Thinking really hard on this.
I know that there is a remote chance that it will go away
as I had a bout with CTS years ago that simply resolved
itself. Not completely, but to the point that I never had to miss work or wake up in the middle of the night. Most
pain, I could just shake it outor take a few advils. This time it's a little different, this time both hands and it's <> painful <>
Any one have CTS surgery and if you have the time could you tell me your story and recovery time. I drive truck (18wheels that have to keep rolling for the bills to be paid)for a living. I have STD so I can be out for up to 12 weeks.
TIA
Dave in NH
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
WOW!
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
Dave,
CTS = Cubital Tunnel, or Carpel Tunnel? Both are using CTS as a shortcut of late. I have had the surgery (see my sig) for Cubital and Guyon. Lets us know without the abbreviation, and many of us are ready to answer your questions.
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica
Thanks Brenda,
I'm thinking about having carpal tunnel surgery.
With 4 EMG reports, an MRI, and a CT-Scan in hand, I'm off to see a surgeon today. This weekend I "tried" to do some much needed yard work. Just couldn't do it so I went deer hunting instead.
Thanks for your reply
DaveNH
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
Howdy Dave!
Even though surgery is on the plate, it is wonderful that you are getting answers!!! The incision is similar to what I had for Guyon's - about 2 inches. After a year, I can barely see it! Keep us posted!!! HUG Oh, please don't push it!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica
Well I saw the doctor yesterday and he said
that I have both CTS and Guyon's Cannal Syndrome.
He said it is not that common to have both but he has seen a few in his day. He can do both in one sitting then after a recovery period of 4-6 weeks
do the other hand. The left is worst then the right.
The right only has CTS.
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
Sorry Dave,
Didn't see this post! If you have a good surgeon, he/she can get both in one incision! 4-6 weeks, and a bit of PT and "light duty" type recovery, you will be fine! It really isn't that painful believe it or not!!! In the one sitting though, yeah, he can do it in one cut!
When my Cubital was done (that is the elbow), he put me under so he could test the arm to confirm (or discount as "not") if there was entrapment in the hand as well. He did find entrapment, and then did the Guyon's and finger (they clawed) release as well. Less painful than I expected! I think if memory serves, most of the reason I took the narcotics he prescribed - to make me tired to sleep!!! I was waiting for the "ouchie" to start - never really did! I hope you have similar after the release the areas you have - "Mr. Guyon, and Mr. Carpal" will no longer be mean!! Good luck with it man!!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica
"Less painful than I expected! <> I was waiting for the "ouchie" to start - never really did! I hope you have similar after the release the areas you have - "Mr. Guyon, and Mr. Carpal" will no longer be mean!! Good luck with it man!!!!
Thanks.
That would be so grand if I'm invited to the same painless after party. Isn't it the weirdest feeling?
I'd rather have pain than that tired/burning/tingling/pins and needles electric shock!
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
I will be hoping that you can come to that party Dave! I had the burning, tingling, pins and needles to! I had Tinel's sign so bad that my "funny bone", was from my elbow to the base of my pinkie!!! Drove me nuts! Everything that touched it - zing central! The first thing I did when I woke up...tapped the 1/2 cast (remember I had my elbow done at the same time) to see if it still buzzed and hurt - nothing! I didn't get the tired feeling with mine. I am now with my changes to my lovely cervical goodies - I type sometimes and my triceps "dies", so I think I know what you are going through, so on a different scale. Let me know how it goes Dave!!!
Oh, the other thing that got bad before the surgery, my fingers were so weak! They were also clumsy as all get out. I couldn't stand it! I had to roll my arm just to turn the ignition key! Try opening a jar - not happening! I was amazed at how much the intrinsic muscles controlled in my hand! Hummm...couldn't cross my fingers for months either! I was soooo glad to be rid of that mess! Good luck!!
Brenda
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica
Went back today to set up a date, go over everything and what to expect. 1 surprise is that I am getting
a "3 for" 1st he is going to cut for the CTS. 2nd cut is for the Guyeon Canal and 3rd cut is to transpose the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Today he says that the worst part/painwise is over in a few days and I can go back to light duty the second week. That is wonderful! I don't have to go through the hassle of Short Term Disability if I'm only out one week. I'll take some saved up vacation days instead. So next Tuesday 12/8 I'm getting it done. 4 to 6 weeks later he said he will do the right side. FINALLY!
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
Howdy Dave,
Okay, so you are going to get something very similar to what I went through in April of 08.... the incision at my elbow was around 3", and for it, he did a "Subcutaneous Transposition" - which means he moved my Ulnar under fat verses muscle - so far it has worked out GREAT for me. The scar is on the back of your elbow, so "Joe person" won't notice it! The Guyon's for me was an incision of around 2.5" maybe a pinch more as it curved a little bit into my wrist. He may find if he works the incision right (and I've see it done), he can do the Carpel and Guyon release in the same incision!!!
Glad to see you have answers Dave!!
:-) I didn't find the post op pain to be that bad at all. Most of the few days after I took the Percocet and such....mainly to make ME hit the pillows and rest! The pain (maybe affected from my spiney tolerances?) was in the order of 2-4. Let us know how it goes. Again, GLAD to see you have answers finally!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica
Once again thanks for the reply.
What you went through sounds exactly what I will be having done. He said "Here's where the scars will be " pulls out an ink pen and sayd "do you mind?"
I said no go right ahead. One scar will be right down the middle of my palm, another just to left of the that small bone on the right side of my left hand. The last one is about 5 inches just one inside of my elbow. A short sleeve shirt would probable cover up half of it.
For some reason I've had the buterflies all day.
More than when I was getting ready for the L4-5 operation. Maybe it was that nasty oxycotin that I
was on at that time, it dulled all my sences. I've got an easy haul tommorrow and then that's it for a week.
10/2008 L4/L5 Laminectomy with bilateral discectomy and foraminotomy.
I suppose it could be worse, I could be laying on a grass mat somewhere in the middle of the Amazon with a witchdoctor chanting over me.
Howdy Dave!
In the title (as you still confused me a couple of times, but your descriptions didn't), hehhe... CUTS is used for Cubital Tunnel, CTS for Carpal, etc. Your doctor still might find that he can make one cut in your palm for them both. If two, won't really hurt any different.
I measured my Cubital scar, and mine is 3.75 inches long. At just over a year and a half out, the scar is white-ish now and more towards flesh tone (I am Caucasian) and you really have to look to see it! On the top part there is a teardrop type shape to the scar. I think I might have had a staple (I had staples instead of stitches there) come out too early, and a tiny bit opened up and I didn't know!
From what I have seen of others who had multiple nerve area issues in their arm and hand, to get them all done together seems to be a "win-win" verses 2 and 3 separate surgical procedures! Keep us posted Dave!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Aug. 09 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
PEEK
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instr. Mar. 08 - PEEK
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 08
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / DDD / Osteophyte complex Oct. 09 – Meds: Lyrica