Carpal tunnel surgery?

Yesterday the surgeon told me I had carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. X-rays showed no arthritis. The hand tests he had me perform did not speak of carpal tunnel but the symptoms did. Left thumb numb most of the time. Some days nasty burning sensations in the hand with alot of pain. Right hand just began manifesting. The procedure will sever the tendons in the right and left hand to remove the pressure. I feel I can live with the pain but will it get worse? Can I rely on the results of an EMG test? All of these symptoms are concurrent with getting a Boxer and walking her while trying to restrain her jerky behavior on the leash. Are there alternatives to surgery. I dont trust doctors. Especially surgeons.

Antonio G cant reach you by email. My surgeons opening statement on the procedure was "I have just cut your tendon..... What I am trying to decide is if I should go to Chicago. I live in No Michigan and the type of surgeons here are not what you find in a large city. I was looking for endoscopic surgery and was told that no surgeons in my area do anything but open carpal tunnel.

Holm G, Moody LE, Carpal tunnel syndrome: current theory, treatment, and the use of B6, (2003) 15 Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner 18-22.


PURPOSE: To present the current state of the science of pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, including the use of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). DATA SOURCES: Selected research articles, texts, Websites, personal communications with experts, and the authors' own clinical experience.

CONCLUSIONS: Much is yet to be learned about carpal tunnel syndrome. While the basic treatment of NSAIDs and nighttime splints seems universally accepted, much controversy remains. The use of vitamin B6 as a treatment is one such controversy requiring further investigation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Current treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome should include NSAIDs, nighttime splinting, ergonomic workstation review, and vitamin B6, 200 mg per day [for a minimum of 3 months].

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Don't go for surgeries. Unnecessary if you change NSAIDs, and short lived before the problem re-occurs.

NSAIDs and Vitamin B6 are the way to go!

You can try taking anti inflammatory analgesic andgive loal heat and avoid strenuos work for 2 to 3 days and see. Take Voveran tab twice daily and Bidanzen forte tab twice a day. These trade names may available in your place,but where are you ? I mean country . Why do you disbeleive surgeons? Try these medicines and of course trust me.!!!

I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome about 8 years ago and have never had surgery. My orthopedist believes that surgery should only be used when you can't take the pain or function normally. Do some research on your own about ways to deal with carpal tunnel. I have found that by learning the triggers that cause an attack-like too much typing or repetitive movements--and limiting them to about 15 minutes before taking a break, most of the time I do not need any pain medicine or have any symptoms. I used to work as a cashier, and my wrist would hurt by the end of the day if I did not take time to rest them when I could, but advil or tylenol and a heating pad would take care of the pain if it got too bad when I got home. According to my orthopedist, the surgery is not 100% effective, it has a chance of making the problem worse, and since I was only 14 at the time, to just wait and see. I would strongly recommend behavior management therapy instead of surgery. Very rarely do I experience any numbness or pain, as long as I "baby" my wrist. I am so used to doing so, that I don't even think about it. If I am typing, after a few minutes I stop, and rotate and massage my wrist then go back to work. I do the same thing when I am crocheting. When I am driving long distances, I switch hands every few minutes or the constant grip will cause problems. Good Luck!

If you have the time before your pain gets really bad you should try some natural medicine. I know of this website were they have something that could help in your case. Tell me if you would be interested in trying something natural. Hope to here from you.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or Median Neuropathy at the Wrist is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to pain, paresthesias, and muscle weakness in the forearm and hand.[1] A form of compressive neuropathy, CTS is more common in women than it is in men, and, though it can occur at any age, has a peak incidence around age 42.[2] The lifetime risk for CTS is around 10% of the adult population.[3].

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have wisely decided to progressively lose strength in your hands. If the tunnel doesn't get released the symptoms will worsen in time (in most cases). EMG shows the exact spot where the nerve is compressed. If you are willing to live with your condition then thats fine, but the surgery will relieve the pain for sure. The procedure is routine and lasts for 15-20 min. I personally perform them with a local anesthetic and the patient in few hours goes home.
You probably didn't understand your doctor;actually the operation doesn't touch the tendons.
As far as people trusting doctors,especially surgeons I think that it is unnecessary because people come to us with a problem - we don't chase them on the streets,we are loaded enough as it is.
Antonio G
Orthopaedic surgeon