Anyone had surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome?

We had nightmare situation with DD just a few weeks after she had given birth to her first baby
Luckily was staying with us as she couldn't lift him by herself. Also pain was excruciating in both hands.

To cut a long story we paid for an initial consultation with a consultant

He diagnosed CT after having a MRI scan and electrodes on hand and wrist

Advised that op would be difficult with new baby
Also would only do one hand/ wrist at a time

So he gave steroid injection in both wrists
This did help
He wanted to prescribe Gabapenton(sp?)
But DD refused as breast feeding, did take paracetamol, not much good though.
She would cry out when numbness was so bad, for me to actually bash her hands!

Consultant also told her to sleep arms above head (difficult!)

He said that hopefully as she lost 'baby weight' it should improve
It did, (weight fluxuation up or down starts it off)

but it has left her with no strength in hands or wrists.

When she had her next baby she had to have another steroid in one hand as soon as she the pain and numbness started.
Again this helped

They also sent her to be fitted for wrist/hand braces.
It was three yrs ago and in middle of heat wave and as you say the braces are very uncomfortable.

Just wondered if you have seen a specialist for CT diagnosis.
As the symptoms you describe mirror that of my DH.

He had a second opinion and it was decided that it was not a nerve problem in his hand/wrist , but his elbow.
He has had op and all ok now.

So I think what I'm saying is
Diagnosis
Tests
Gabapenton(sp?)Or similar.
Steriod injections
Then operation.

Sorry can't help re operation as DD thankfully ok at moment,
but says if bad again will now consider it.

Good luck

I had very successful surgery 18 months ago,made a massive difference,tingling etc used to drive me mad.My work requires me to use my hands constantly,was really struggling before the op,no problems now ???

I had CT, my mum had CT and my eldest daughter has CT I had one op around 1990 ...the doctor first gave me an injection into the site and the needle broke off in my hand, I eventually had the op unfortunately the surgeon overstiched the wound pulling it way too tight, an infection set in one day soon afterwards I collapsed and ended up back in hospital on an anti biotic drip they had to give me gas and air to actually get the stiches out they were so tight the skin was healing over them However the CT went until recently when I ve noticed it creeping back I won't have another op ... My mums op went smoothly and helped a great deal My daughters first hand went well but the second one was extremely painful and she said she felt every cut and felt the local was either too little or not given long enough to be affective she said she won't have it done again if it comes back and she has noticed the old familiar tingling a bit

I had CT surgery several years ago 100% successful. I was only in the clinic for about 45 minutes, all done and dusted. Starting to get tingling in my other hand now, so soon be time to get that one done.

Thanks everyone for your helpful input.
Cherrytree lots of very good info there - no I haven't had a proper diagnosis yet, only my GP saying yes it sounded like CT when I mentioned it last year. It wasn't bothering me much then so I didn't pursue it. Interesting about your DH and his elbow.
Scooter and GandT so good to read of your successful surgery, very reassuring.
Not so reassuring, though, is your experience Bluebelle. I'm relieved to see I don't live in your health authority area
OK, doctor's appointment, get referral and get this thing sorted.

I have had both hands done (one at a time) and had absolutely no problems at all. Both healed up well after about a week and virtually no sign of scar as he did it on a wrist crease. I watched the whole thing on a monitor and the only discomfort was the injection into the wrist - which actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Do you have the classic Carpel Tunnel sign of shaking your hand to clear symptoms? If it is CT, get it done asap as it can leave you with nerve damage if you leave it too long. Also if you live anywhere around the north west or North Midlands, see if you can get it done at the Alice Hunt Hospital at Gobowen near Oswestry, they are the best in the country for this type of operation. Hope everything goes well

Thanks Badenkate, sounds pretty straightforward, not too scary. Yes I do have that classic sign, always shaking my hand. Actually the best way I've found to clear symptoms is simply to let my hand hang down by my side - trouble is I can't do that easily or comfortably in bed at night so it's a real problem getting to sleep.
Sadly I don't live near the Alice Hunt Hospital, but right down in the South West. Might have to move then

Oh yes Indinana I certainly remember the sleep problem . Everyone that I know that's had the op has never regretted it, it really does make a difference to your life.

Had both of mine done (separately) about 30 years ago-never had a problem since.

DH was told he had CPS when they were looking for something else and suggested he have the operation which he did. He has been fine since but I'm not sure he needed the op in the first place. Go for it.