Carpal tunnel post op

Brain and nerves
1

i had my carpal tunnel done 4 days ago on my dominant hand and all seems to be well. I am just a little concerned that under the dressings the blood has congealed and gone black. Is this normal and should I leave the dressing in place until the stitches come out, or should I contact the hospital/ doctor for reassurance that there is no infection.  

2

Hi. Yes that is normal. I had the same and when the dressing came off my hand was pretty clean it was blood that had dried on the bandage from when they 1st put it on.

3

Hi i left my bandages on until i had the stiches out... i think it sounds normal but if you are concerned then contact the hospital /gp

4

When are the stitches out? Day 10?

5

Day 14 I am booked in to see the Practice Nurse and seeing my GP as well for 2 week follow up

 

6

I had mine done 5 days ago. I took the dressing off on day 3. I then gently washed around and over the stitches. You can take the dressing off and have a look. I use bandaids now to cover the stitches.

7

I had both of mine done 5 weeks ago. I had a lot of bruising but nothing more. My post-op dressings were only in place 3 days and then removed. Only put bandaids over the sutures. No harm in calling the surgeon's office for reassurance but I would want a better look than peeking under the dressings so you really know what it looks like. Any continued bleeding? Dried blood can be expected at the sutures until you clean them. Good luck. Keep ud informed.

8

Hi.

I have left the dressing untouched. I am starting to get some strength back in my hand, but the cut is very sore. 

Stitches are due to come out in a week so i will leave it for the practice nurse to remove when I see her then. 

Thanks 

9

Hi you're best leaving the bandage on until you go back to get stitches out. I had the big 1 on for 10days as was told reduces risk of infection. It seems the advice is different from area or country. But what you are experiencing at the moment all sounds normal.