How to decide if one should have Carpel Tunnel Surgery?

Question

How many people out there have had this surgery done? and what is the outcome?
Also has any one had a Spinal cortizone shot? and if so any side effects?

I have been asked to get both of these done to myself, but because I am a mother I need to weight the options first any serious answers appreciated

Answer 1

I had carpal tunnel issues, and then I developed arthritis in my right hand which made matters worse.

Believe it or not, I took up knitting and fixed both the arthritis and the carpal tunnel syndrome.

I knit about an hour a day, and I can literally feel my hands getting stronger and recovering from the damage I've done through too much typing.

Answer 2

With any surgery, get a second opinion. I have had both hands done. Afterwards, I developed cubital tunnel syndrome, blockage in the elbow. Had 4 surgeries in the past 2 yrs. I have been told that stretches can actually help cts. See a physical therapist. I dont know about spinal cortizone shots, I did have cortizone shots in my wrists, and in my elbow. Only have surgery if its the last resort. Good Luck

Answer 3

I have not had the spinal cortisone but shots in both elbows. I was told one only gets a few of these in there life. This is about the most painful thing I personally ever did! It hurt for weeks, unbelievable pain shot through my arms. I had to go back to work as well, so I was at work. Around machinery and in so much pain!
As or the surgery. When I was talked to about the surgery it was only 50 - 50. Not good enough odds for me!

I had surgery done to my thumb and I still can not feel things there and drop things all the time. I guess the surgery works for some people??

Wish you well.....

Answer 4

I had carpel tunnel surgery done on both my hands. Each one a year apart. I had it done about 10 years ago. There were no complications. I was not able to use my hand right away. It took almost 4 weeks b/4 I could actually do things. I had a friend that had it done with lazar and he was using his hand almost right away. You could try wearing a brace for awhile to see if that relieves (sp?) some of the pain on your wrist. I never regetted that I had the surgery done. Wish my doctor would have suggested lazer.

Answer 5

I would get the surgery if it is affecting your daily activities. My gpa got it done, because he works with his hands and it was ruining his daily life. Ask if there is anyone that can help you out with your kids. I know Cortizone shots hurt, but im not sure about spinal ones. Good luck!!

Answer 6

i have had the spinal cortizone shot. only it was called epidoral. os steroid. there was no side effects, but the shots hurt like crazy, i had to have three of them. they worked. on;y they made gain weight. i suppose that was the only side effect that i have had,i probably have carpel tunnel the way hands feel but i havent been diagnosed with it yet. the shots only take from 15 to 30 minutes to take.

Answer 7

Before you consider surgery please read and apply the principles in The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It deals with muscles, pain and referred pain. And it teaches you what to do to help your self get better.
I have scoliosis and fibromyalgia (sp) and it has worked great for me. I also use a chiropractor that uses an activator and is a muscle specialist, and a massage therapist as needed.

Answer 8

Acupuncture is the best option before going for surgery.
So many patients on internet are seen paralysed due to such shots! First go through it and then decide.