Should I go for Carpal Tunnel surgery?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I've posted before about my swollen and painful hands which improved greatly by Dr putting me back up to 15mg of pred. ( I was on 7.5 at that stage, and had put myself up to 10 without any effect)  My diagnosis by the hospital with their little box of electrics was carpal tunnell, bilateral, severe.

At the time it was severe. .. since then it has gone on improving, and I am left with some numbness in my thumb and first two fingers on each hand and the occasional 'twinge'.  I'm seeing my Dr again next week and I know he will recommend surgery as he doesn't think the injection is long term successful.  I am reducing to 12.5 on the slow method as I don't want to start the CTS up again.  The question is....do I carry on seeing if it goes away altogether or have the surgery when they offer it to me?  I don't want to have the surgery if its unneccesary, but I also don't want the CTS to come back.  I'd be glad of any thoughts on the matter.

2

I don't know where the swelling comes from, but it puts pressure on the nerves. In your case especially the radial and medial nerv, because you feel numbness in the thumb and first two fingers. I am not a friend of surgeries and would do everything to avoid it. E.g. icing the area, keeping the wrist straight and do not bend ( the available space for the nerves is already restricted), braces for the night, lymphatic massage against the swelling and I would not lower the pred until I am sure the swelling is gone. 

I had CTS (before PMR) years ago and it's gone without surgery. Hope you feel better soon!

3

Hi Priscilla,

I just had CT Surgery done on Tuesday. It was severe,with some Osteo and nerve damage.I'm right handed so had that one done first.

I am delighted to say it was a breeze and using my hand very well on the third day.

The Polymyalgia Rheumatia under control at the moment. On Prednisone but they will cut that down in a week.

They will do the left hand on the 16th.

I'm an Artist and have no doubt I will be painting again in another week or so.

Everyone is different but for me the swelling and awful pain is gone.

I'm me again.

Good Luck

4

You have to bear in mind that the current improvement is due to the 15mg pred - and you can't stay at 15mg for ever - well, you could, but I doubt the doctor will let you and it isn't good for you overall!

But only you can make the decision.

5

Thank you Magy...it's great that you have recovered from it!

6

Thank you Amy, I am tempted to put an end to the situation by having the surgery...I'm a potter and glass bead maker so it's quite important that my hands aren't out of action for too long. Your experience sounds very encouraging.

7

As usual Eileen you have gone straight to the heart of my dilemma.  I'm still thinking about it. 

8

Hi there,

I have had two carpal tunnel surgeries while on prednisone for PMR.

Both surgeries went well and recovery was relatively quick..

My right hand was severe enough that they put me under (asleep).

It took a couple of weeks before I could drive a car. It took a lot of physical therapy to regain flexibility and strength due to the severity of damage in my hand.

The left one was much less severe and recovery was faster.

I would not be any more worried than any other person because you have PMR.

Cheers, Shawn

9

Thank you Shawn, that's encouraging to hear.  I'm gladyou have made a good recovery.