I had my operation on my dominant hand on 18th August. When my symptoms first started (buzzing fingers, numb thumb) I waited two weeks before seeing my GP in a hope it would disappear or that I'd slept on my arm funny. He sent me for NCS (nerve studies) and EMG (electomyography) which aggravated the buzzing even more, after NCS my hand was temporarily paralysed for 12hours (my neurophysiologist didn't warn me that this could be a side effect). The NCS came back negative with no sign of carpal tunnel and I was sent for a MRI on my neck as he thought it could of been a nerve compressed in my neck. MRI came back normal. My GP stuck with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel (now 3months on) and sent me to see a consultant who specialises in hand / wrist. He confirmed that I had carpal tunnel and listed me for the operation two weeks later. Apparently they're have been a few cases of false negative NCS but I was the first that a lot of people knew. Since my op the buzzing feeling has gone totally and I can now sleep at night without the need for medication to help me sleep (amitriptyline & gabapentin). I did not except the pain to be so strong in which I needed codeine to ease it. 3 weeks on I am still off work (data administrator) I hope to return to work on Monday next week (4 weeks after op). The pain now is over my scar and in my wrist and hand muscles/tendons. I have used aveeno and palmers cocoa butter to help my scar and soon you may not notice that I have had my operation it is a very neat scar. I tried driving yesterday going straight is fine but corners hurt. I still have a bit of bruising on my wrist.
Hope everyone else suffering goes for the operation as it does help.
p.s I am in my early 20s which is quite uncommon for the operation.
It's hard when they say it's a very common thing and lots of people have the op, but it all depends on how you are individually, doesn't it? Think I will get some creams and stuff ready to put on the scars. Is the pain still bad enough to need pain killers - I'm not really one for taking them.
Painkillers depend on the individual My sister did not need any after 10 days.
Use E45 cream to massage the scar(s)
Depends how you react to pain, I don't hold a high pain threshold so I was in pain a bit and now 24 days on I am still taking naproxen and paracetamol. Don't hold back for the operation it has defiantly worked and stock up on cream I've been through 3tubes! (I also got a stress ball which I find good to regain my grip/strength)
Thank you for replying, I have had to put it off till 18th Nov because of the gardening, but then I am having one done then and then the other about six weeks later. Will get a stress ball ready though.
Your post is encouraging Abigail...thank you. My first surgery (non-dominant hand) is scheduled for November 7th. How long were you not able to use your had at all?
We'll be able to compare note Rachel with my op being less than 2 weeks before yours! 
I couldn't use it for at least a week and half - 2weeks (so don't be expecting a speedy recovery sorry!) after these two weeks (and once stitches removed) I have slowly been able to do a bit more each day i.e. Hold items, brush my hair, use a teaspoon to stir a drink. Good luck for op it is definitely worth it. I will be having my left hand done in 2015. Just a heads up the anasthetic (local) will hurt (possibly the most)
Hmmm....yes, I know all about those injections...had toe surgery and got injections in the foot and toes....hopefully there won't be as many for the wrist !! LOL
Almost 6 weeks on since op pain has settled a lot I seem to be able to do a lot more every day although using a knife is still painful as is changing bed sheets and even opening envelopes! I haven't tried lifting anything yet.
I seem to have lost the ability to be able to bend my hand backwards which is odd not sure if it's normal but maybe something to be aware of
Exercise need to do, use other hand to gently push it backwards by placing against fingers, then do it independatly as much as can. Another one is to lean on a table with it when fell comfortable.
Will give it a go, thought I could of got out of doing press ups ever again 
Wow. ....that's looking really well.much better than I was thinking it would look like. Hope its hoping well
Healing well and good to see, thanks for posting this Abigail865
Taz xxx
