The surgery is the only option in some patients (like me). I have had 3 surgeries (two in the last year) for hand problems. The recovery is not so pleasant (especially the re-hab), but you'll be glad later. I was casted for 10 days and then released to do whatevr I could tolerate. I'd say it took me about a month to be at 90% again. I never had 'down time' except for the cast and I am a carpenter so I destroy my hands. If you can rest and re-hab it, you'll be sitting pretty. The surgery is nothing. Good luck!

"The recovery is not so pleasant (especially the re-hab), but you'll be glad later."
I so hope you're right...........!!! ... wait what's meant by rehab??

I had a severe case of cts and operated... I'm in quite bit of pain (lots of it actually but according to my doc it's psychological... man do I hate that man right now...). I don't think surgury is completely necessary for mild cases -- mine was scheduled as urgent though, so I'm not sure.

Whatever you feel more comfortable with you should do!!

I had been suffering with CT for about 8 years, with the last 2 years sleeping in the splints and waking up with that sharp pain--even tried the cortisone shots (not terribly helpful).
I spoke to a couple of doctors, as one of my friends had the surgery done on just one hand and was dealing with swelling and lots of pain afterwards--I was not interested in doing that.
I found one that I really liked, and that had been recommended to me by several doctors. He suggested that I get BOTH wrists done at the same time. I used ONLY a local on each wrist (which was the most unpleasant part of the whole experience) and was awake through the whole procedure.
He did NOT put me in casts or splints. I was in bandages for 3 days, which was replaced by a bandaid over the incision/stitches. Before I left the hospital, I made sure that I could make a fist (which a little help from my other hand), and really worked hard on my range of motion for a few days. I iced my hands a lot for the first few days, which I think really helped prevent any swelling.
It's exactly one week after my surgery and I feel great. The CT pain is gone (was almost immediately). My wrists still ache some from where the incision was. I have full range of mobility (have started to play the piano again, albeit gingerly). What I can't do right now is: open water bottle, jars or pill bottles, lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. My strength is coming back very quickly and improves each day.
I think the success of this procedure is based on 2 things: 1) your doctor, and his/her willingness to put you on a path to speedy recovery and 2) your state of mind. Being aggressive with the recovery (not lifting heavy things, icing, working on range of motion, etc) has really helped me. I know everyone is different & that my perspective is probably VERY different than many folks' perspective. I'm so thrilled with where I am right now & am really glad that I had this done.
Hope it helps. Good luck!

I think that you have opened the eyes of anyone who was thinking of having this surgery....Your results are wonderful and an inspiration to anyone who is thinking about this operation...This has made me feel far more comfortable about having it done...Thanks again.....

Caroline

I had minimally invasive (1.7 cm), open carpal tunnel surgery on both hands 7/16/09 while under local anesethetic and light sedation (propofol) in Algonquin, IL. I used ice packs for at least a day. Pain and restricted function were worse the next day than just after surgery. My bandages came off after three days. I had a 4# weight lifting restriction for 10 days. Initially I couldn't open a jam jar or slice a loaf of bread. I was able to button a shirt with difficulty. A 10 day follow-up doctor visit indicated I was recovering nicely. I bent my fingers down to the palm to aid recovery. Therapy wasn't necessary. At 18 days I am well along my way to recovery. I still can't lift heavy things (20#). Scraping paint on a house and painting caused some hand pain. Now I can sleep on either side without numbness or tingling. My problems were more numbness and tingling than pain. EMG test indicated severe CPS in both wrists (14.6 and 7.2 ms conduction across my right and left wrists). I am glad that I had the surgery.

Because I couldn't tolerate total downtime as a single mom, I got the surgery ( a mini-open) done on only my left wrist last year. It has not bothered me at all since. On the other hand (pardon the pun), my right wrist now keeps me awake all hours of the night with pain, tingling, and numbness- sure signs it's past time for that second surgery! I'm eagerly looking forward to it, as the temporary post-surgical discomfort I'll feel will definitely be worth being pain-free and well-rested after.

I am due for CTS next week - both hands at the same time. How much help do I need at home the 1st few days- My husband is not able to take time off from work. My surgeon uses the mini-open method- The job I have to go back to is call center - typing 8 hrs per day- Has anyone dealt with that?

Hi I am on my second week of recovery from CTS and I feel great! I had my open surgery on a Friday so I had my partner home with me for the weekend which I feel was a great help....I found the bandaging uncomfortable and was glad to take it off on the third day..then like others I just had a bandaid!.....I felt confident enough once my partner went back to work on the Monday to do light duties...i.e putting the kettle on!!! I to am a typist and I have found typing fine although my hands do ache after a time but the exercise is good! I highly recommend this op and I am looking forward to have my Right hand done next year! I hope this helps!