Gransnet forums

Health

Carpel tunnel operation

(30 Posts)
sassenach512 Sun 17-Nov-24 20:25:21

My DH has been waiting almost two years now for an operation for the carpel tunnel problem on his hand. He rang to ask where he was on the list and was told it would probably be another year at least, if not longer.
He is now thinking about going private as he is struggling to cope with both the pain and the incapacity.

Before he commits to it though, he has been asking people he knows if they have found the operation solved the problem. Some have said they are worse off afterwards and wouldn't recommend having it done.

We'd be interested in advice from anyone who has gone through this and their outcome please

watermeadow Sun 17-Nov-24 20:33:47

I had this done a few years ago and it instantly solved the problem. Your husband’s wait is disgraceful but it’s only a quick minor operation (going private shouldn't cost a fortune) and nothing to worry about.

tanith Sun 17-Nov-24 20:38:28

I had the surgery 4yrs ago it worked well, my wasted muscle recovered well, the pain and 90% of the numbness disappeared. I do have minimal numbness in two fingertips. It was certainly something I'd do again although I found the surgery with local anesthetic quite painful at times. I really hope he doesn't have to wait too long i think it was 14mths wait in my case.

Cressy Sun 17-Nov-24 20:45:06

I had mine done a few months ago. My problem was caused due to a trapped nerve following breaking my wrist. I would say it was 98% improved and have been told that it might improve in the future. The initial injection of anaesthetic was quite painful but over in seconds and I felt nothing during the rest of the procedure. Discharged with codeine and paracetamol which i didn’t need. Definitely worth it.

Redrobin51 Sun 17-Nov-24 21:14:06

My husband had his operation about 15 years back and has had no problems since. Hope yours husbands is as successful.

BlueBelle Sun 17-Nov-24 21:24:26

I had it done years back totally solved the problem never had another problem my eldest daughter had it with no problems and my mum also ( seems to run in the family)
None had it at all after the op. Completely solved

V3ra Sun 17-Nov-24 21:29:26

My daughter has had both her wrists operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome, with good results.

In the meantime the thing that really did help relieve the pain for her was acupuncture, so your husband could try that if he hasn't already done so?

Tizliz Sun 17-Nov-24 21:36:07

My OH is thinking of going private because if left too long the damage can’t be reversed. He had one side done 12 years ago and no regrets now the other side needs doing

sassenach512 Sun 17-Nov-24 22:28:42

Thanks everyone for the encouraging input, it looks like no-one had bad results

M0nica Mon 18-Nov-24 08:48:41

Ihave had two carpal tunnel ops, one on each wrist. the first six years ago the latest only two months ago.

My first op was keyhole surgery requiring sedation and leaving me with a scar about one inch long. The latest was a new machine using what was essentially a long probe that left a hole no bigger than an injection in my wrist, required only local anaesthetic and I walked from the surgery with my arm back to normal.

sassenach512 Mon 18-Nov-24 10:20:01

Was the second procedure with the NHS M0nica?

Visgir1 Mon 18-Nov-24 15:01:27

Both hands done on the NHS years ago. Instant relief, no problem since. At that time I was only on the Day unit a couple of hours.

My Beautician had both hers done recently, she paid private for them as she wanted to fit it in with her job.
She was thrilled with the results.

It's worth a phone call with your local Private Hospital to see how much it would cost.

M0nica Mon 18-Nov-24 15:40:13

sassenach512

Was the second procedure with the NHS M0nica?

No, it was done privately, but two days later there was an article in one of the national papers talking all about the method I underwent saying that it was likely to be rolled out across the NHS in the next two years because the procedure would save money - no anaethetist needed to adminster sedation, no wound needing stitches and less aftercare.

Pittcity Mon 18-Nov-24 16:38:03

My Son IL has recently had both done successfully.

aggie Mon 18-Nov-24 17:34:40

I left mine too long , both hands operated with not much change

sassenach512 Mon 18-Nov-24 19:14:03

Can I ask how long you had the problem before you got the operation Aggie?

aggie Mon 18-Nov-24 19:29:42

I had it for years , but was busy with family and had pains everywhere, so I just got on with it , I acquired wrist splints which I wore at night
It was my eldest daughter who noticed I could no longer knit and was having difficulty crocheting who dragged me off to the Doctor, tests actually showed that I was probably too far gone to be helped , one wrist was done first , then the other , I don’t have the same pain but have lost a lot of sensation
I always advise anyone to have the op sooner than later

Marydoll Mon 18-Nov-24 19:42:41

I had mine done the day Trump became President for the first time, I remember the surgeon telling me that I would never forget this day.
I had the procedur without sedation and only a local anaesthetic. The whole operation was fascinating.

Despite umpteen tests coming back negative, the plastic surgeon was convinced that was the problem. Steroid injections did nothing for it. When the surgeon opened up my hand, he couldn't believe how bad my condition was and how I had borne it for so long. My problem is common in people with R.A, which is why he had a fair idea.

It was like a miracle, no more excruiating pain.

M0nica Mon 18-Nov-24 19:48:59

aggie

I left mine too long , both hands operated with not much change

It may not be just carpal tunnel syndrome you had. Although the operation got rid of the pain in my right wrist, I was left with some residual numbness, which I assumed was because like *aggie( I ha ddhad the problem for a long time before I sought medical assistance.

But before the most recent procedure I had the usual nerve conduction study and this suggested that as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, I also had a problem in the upper part of my spine and that this was the cause of the residual numbness in my fingers, and, indeed, after the second operation, I have the same numbness in my left hand as well, which means this could indeed be the cause of the numbness. I am awaiting referral to a spinal consultant.

This might be your problem, aggie

aggie Mon 18-Nov-24 20:48:47

Yes Monica I had already self diagnosed the cervical spurs showing on X-ray as probably contributing.

M0nica Mon 18-Nov-24 22:02:43

Yet to have any xrays as I am awaiting referral to an appropriate consultant. I only have the results of the nerve conduction study suggesting, but not proving, anything.

Bogstandard Tue 19-Nov-24 13:46:08

I had mine done on one wrist years ago, and there really was very little improvement. Afterwards I really began to think that I had been misdiagnosed and what I had was really from a lot of piano practice

pen50 Tue 19-Nov-24 13:52:37

Had both mine done via the NHS in 2020 and 2021. Not fun but problem solved. Get your husband to insist they check his fingertips when ensuring his hand is fully numb.

You could try complaining via PALS; three years is a ludicrously long time to wait. My local Acute Trust sent me to a private hospital both times.

newnanny Tue 19-Nov-24 14:08:47

I had it done 10 years ago because of poor function and feeling in right hand. It worked for me. I've got full feelings back and good function. It did take me 3 weeks after the operation though before I could move my hand much.

Madmeg Tue 19-Nov-24 15:21:53

I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel abt ten years ago - that is in the elbow rather than the wrist. I was offered surgery but told it may or may not resolve the problem and would be a 6-month recovery period. I chose to wait and see. It improved on its own quite quickly and to this day I am not even aware of it.