Post-surgery advice please
I had surgery on my right (dominant) hand on 24 January (I also had surgery on my left hand last August). II know it's only just over 7 weeks ago but the healing process seems quite different this time. The carpal tunnel symptoms disappeared almost immediately and I would guess there has been a complete cure. However for the past 2 or 3 weeks I have been experiencing wrist pain which, at times, is severe. I have found some relief during the day by wearing a wrist splint when carrying out household tasks but unfortunately, have never been able to sleep whilst wearing a splint so using it at night is not an option.
I realise that it's still early days but wonder if I should be using the splint when I can or whether it's best to persevere without it? Also should I still be attempting to do the post-surgery exercises as those involving the wrist are quite painful?
That would be perfect thank you and It would probably be best to call on my mobile number. I hope you have this in your records but, if not, perhaps you could let me have a telephone number to ring and pass on this information?
Thank you.
From what Emma tells me of your conversation this afternoon it sounds as though this may be largely your wrist adjusting to the loss of the ligament that has been cut. Keep us posted with progress please. JB
It was good to talk to Emma and have the reassurance that she agreed with my idea of the way forward. Thanks to both of you for your prompt advice and I'll keep you updated in due course.
Hi Dr Bland
As promised I am updating you on my situation.
Since I last contacted you my symptoms have improved greatly. I am no longer using the splint at all and, although my wrist still aches after completing some tasks, it is only an ache and not the severe pain I was experiencing. I am sure that the improvement will continue.
In summary my original concern was because the healing process was so different to that experienced with my left hand and also for several weeks there did not seem to be any improvement at all.
Thank you again to both you and Emma for your advice and reassurance.
I think it just illustrates the variability in what is ostensibly the same condition, even in the two hands of the same patient. I've wondered for a while if there is any correlation between surgical outcomes in the two hands of the same patient. I might have to take a look at it in our data at some point. I'm glad to hear it's improving though. JB
I think I would like to hear a slightly more detailed description of the wrist pain so we might give you a call to discuss it if that's OK? Try to figure out which movements or activities aggravate it and we'll talk in the next day or two. JB