Anyone had carpal tunnel surgery? How did it go for you?

[Melarky]

I have overlap mixed connective tissue disease on methotrexate and hyroxychloroquin. I had an EMG (long needle muscle test) yesterday which diagnosed myosotis but also severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery recommended. Does anyone have experience of this? Thanks to u all. And merry Christmas and a happy healthy 2020 🎄🎅🏻

[Wengc]

Hi

I've had carpel tunnel and ulna ( elbow) tunnel surgery on one arm/hand. It was reasonably successful, I still get occasional tingling fingers but infrequently. It was day surgery , and the only inconvenience was wrapping my bandaged arm in cling film to have a shower! I had a general anaesthetic and was a bit groggy for a few days, didn't have to stop my meds. I think my right hand my need doing at some point. I have Limited SSc and Raynaulds.

Have a happy Christmas 🌲🌲🌲

[Melarky in reply to Wengc]

Thanks for your reply. Can I ask how long recovery took? Did you have time off work? Could you drive? I’ve read they do it with local anaesthetic! Not sure which would be worse?! 😬 xxx

[Wengc in reply to Melarky]

I couldn't drive as there were stitches in my elbow. Not the dissolving sort. I had a week off work and spent back after the stitches were taken out by the nurse. The ones in my wrist dissolved. I got a lift to work for a couple of days but honestly felt able to drive and it was ok, but it wasn't a long trip. I think if it's the wrist only you can have a local or sedation? I wouldn't fancy being awake 😕 !

[Melarky in reply to Wengc]

Thanks. How’s your mobility and swelling/numbness in your hand now? Hope you are well 😊

[Wengc in reply to Melarky]

The only problems I have now is the numbness and lack of circulation from Raynaulds, arthritis in both wrists and sore finger joints, but Rheumy says these are largely down to Scleroderma. It can vary from person to person, I hope your op is successful. Merry Christmas 🌲🌲🌲

[Tranhare]

I had both mine done within 6 weeks of each other. Done under local so no issue with stopping medication s or insulin. Didn't need to take any time off work as I use a dragon when at work so no need for typing etc. Best thing I had done as they were both so painful and now I no longer have pain or pins and needles there.

[Melarky in reply to Tranhare]

Wow that’s brilliant I hope mine is as successful as yours? Got to get my GP to do the referral so goodness knows how long I’ll be waiting but EMG consultant at hospital said it was a severe case! 🙄🤞🏻 X

[Supermum54 in reply to Melarky]

Hi. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand over ten years ago before I was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. I had spent a couple of years wearing a splint and then having injections in my wrist but to no avail. The operation was the best thing I ever had done. It was done under local anaesthetic and was a tad scary but the surgeon and nurse were very supportive. I had it wrapped in a big bandage the first day but after that it was just a small dressing. Because I ran a catering company I had to take six weeks off because chopping and cutting was difficult but other than that it was fine. I think driving would depend on which hand it was and whether it’s shift or automatic.

Don’t be scared. It’s better than all the pain and tingling on a daily basis! Xx

[Melarky in reply to Supermum54]

Ah thanks for that supermum54 u sound so positive! GP is now saying we need to try injections first as surgery can’t happen till we’ve followed the protocol so we will see how that goes? Do you mind me asking how you doing with your systemic scleroderma. Are you well? I read so much abd it’s confusing and a tad scary. I’ve been diagnosed with overlap mixed connective tissue disease xxx

[Supermum54 in reply to Melarky]

Hi Melarky. Sorry this might be long (😀) and you are right on initial diagnosis it’s scary. I have a friend who has the same condition and it manifests itself very differently in her.

I have limited systemic sclerosis, diagnosed over a year ago after a series of blood tests as I had an awful virus and the doctor didn’t know what was wrong with me and ticked all the boxes. I have had a Raynauds for years but didn’t know it was linked to anything else and to be honest it’s not severe compared to what others seem to have. I had a slightly raised level of Centromere which is why I was referred to rheumatology, where tests showed that I have abnormal skin fold capillaries on my fingers. I have carpal tunnel on my left hand now but it’s reasonably okay with a splint. I do get numbness in little and ring fingers on both hands too which disturbs my sleep.

I have mild fibrosis of the lungs and borderline pulmonary hypertension. I have been having breathing issues for a long time but thought that it was just because I was overweight. (Unlike other people who seem to struggle to maintain weight I can’t lose it!) I have however discovered that I have a disordered breathing pattern and I think it’s mainly caused by hyperventilating due to stress - two elderly parents until November when my 91 yr dad died and a 32 yr old daughter with extremely complex mental health problems. Getting ill is not something I can afford to to do! I have started private physio for my breathing (after waiting 6 months on the NHS). It’s helping me but is a long slow process, but the physiotherapist is great and has given me hope that I can manage things a lot better.

I have been very tired and have a lot of weakness in my legs and knees but I have been told it’s not linked to systemic sclerosis. I also have a lot of trouble with a persistent cough and feeling as if I always have phlegm in my throat.

All this sounds like doom and gloom but in fact all my symptoms are mild and I am now being monitored regularly so at least I am in the system. I am going to try in 2020 to practice the self care everyone talks about but I never have time to do! It’s important to try and keep positive and I am lucky compared to other people on this site.

Sorry to here you have to go through the injections first but you never know, it might alleviate the issues.

Good luck with it all

Lynne x

[Melarky in reply to Supermum54]

Sorry lynne meant to reply before now! Thanks for your detailed reply. So many of your symptoms sounds similar to mine. Thankfully the meds I’m on seem to have made a massive improvement on mine so I’m thankful for that. Let’s hope this horrible disease gives us both continued relief! Take care and hope the physio continues to help xx