Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Forum - Recovery after Carpal tunnel Surgery?

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Q: Recovery after Carpal tunnel Surgery?

asked by: Tella on July 26th, 2009

New User

I am scheduled for right hnad surgery on September 25. My main question is, how long is the minimum recommended time off work a person should be taking? I do a lot of things with my hands and of course i am right handed. Lots of computer typing, stapling, hole punching and a lot of grasping like opening ziplock bags of things as all our orders are kept in those. Even now I am dropping things, have pain shooting up both arms and even have headaches and neck pain from it. I even already have the pillar pain, so I'm hoping the after surgery effects wont be waaaay more severe than what i have currently, but I don't wnat to go back too soon and cause healing problems. I don't get paid for the time off, hence the minimum time away that is considered safe.
I realize everyone heals differently, so its obviously a lose guess, but i would be very interetsed in others work experiences and how long they needed off, just so i can have a ball park as to what to tell the boss.

Thnaks, all.

Replies(4)

JavaMissus

replied on July 26th, 2009

Supporter

Hopefully someone who has had the surgery will be able to answer you on this...However, if they don't, talk to a Physical Therapist...They will give you the best answer...Sometimes a doctor can say that you are ready to go far earlier than you can...This I found out with my husband's various surgeries...We all heal different...Good luck....

Caroline

smeets2358

replied on August 27th, 2009

New User

carpal tunnel recovery time

I've just had keyhole carpal tunnel surgery 14/7/09 on my right hand. I work in a school kitchen preparing food for upto 1300 children. I thought and was adamant that I would return after 4 weeks however it is taking a bit longer. I don;t get paid for time off therefore especially if you're right handed I think the minimum time off would be 6 weeks. My friend went back before she was ready and she has regretted that decision ever since.
My scar is still very tender and I don't have enough strength back in my right hand to push and cut with a knife. The surgery itself was great but there is no fast track method for recovery and healing time. Don't rush it cause you have to live with your hand forever and if you stuff it up there is no one to blame but yourself.
Hope this helps.

TNcamper

replied on September 14th, 2009

New User

i've been off 4 weeks now but had the carpal tunnel and trigger thumb surgery with a cyst on the thumb joint removed. The incision sites are very tender and I can't stand to have something touch them. I go back to the doctor thursday and will probably be returned to work the following Monday so that will be about 4 1/2 weeks off. I'm not sure I can do my job yet in which I climb ladders, turn valves, use hand tools and computer. Good luck to ou!

camiller

replied on September 16th, 2009

New User

I am currently recovering from carpal tunnel surgery on my right dominant hand. I had the surgery 3 weeks ago and came back to work after 2 weeks, but should have taken off longer...just couldn't afford to. I am a nurse and my job requires a LOT of writing which I am struggling with along with some of my other duties. Also per my physical therapist am not allowed yet to lift more than 5 lbs with that hand or grasp/squeeze/push/pull anything with much resistance in it. The surgeon and his staff there really played down the recovery to this procedure. He said they send some people back to work after 3 days post op and I can't see how they can do that. My physical therapist is the one who told me that it takes at minimum 4-6 wks to heal properly and in my case it may take longer because of my work. I wish I could have given myself more time and I advise it to others to make sure especially from the sounds of your job that you give it at least 3-4 wks from work. Good luck!

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