Anyone had an operation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

[sparky2488]

Hi,

Has anyone out there been cut open for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and survived to pick up a Shinai again?

Due to go under the knife this Saturday and was wondering how long it would be before I should even think about trying to get back to my weekly beating? . . . i know everyone is different, but any rough guides would be handy please :confused2

Mark

[Curtis]

Yep, about 6 to 8 weeks.

[Kagerou]

which wrist? or both?

good luck to you. Do your rehab as soon as you're told to and don't give up on kendo.

[sparky2488]

Only my right wrist is being done, dont intend to give up . . . just got to behave myself and not go back too soon. :laugh:

[Kagerou]

Only my right wrist is being done, dont intend to give up . . . just got to behave myself and not go back too soon. :laugh:

How were you misbehaving before? or should I ask?





....sorry just had to :laugh:

[sparky2488]

I'm shocked you could think such a thing :laugh:

thought everyone used their other hand . . . . makes if feel like it's someone else doing it :confused2

I seem to have picked it up a few years ago from using a cordless drill when I was plasterboarding my sons new bedroom . . gets worse every time I use hammers / drills.

[Samurai Lapin]

My dad has had a couple ops on his hand for carpal tunnel, he's still wielding his iaito. 'Course his elbows are buggered too, and his kness...

...shows you what Judo and Ju-jitsu can do to you in the long term ^_^

He's not too computer savvy, but I'll see if I can pass on some questions to him...

[absenteekendoka]

Have you ruled out any alternatives to surgery yet? Overall it depends upon the severity of it, and in many cases the surgery is the only option. However, Low Intensity Laser is useful in many cases and combining that with nutritional supplementation can work wonders. Many cases respond well to a combination of 'Traumeel' (an inflammation regulating drug -IRD-) which promotes healing, is analgesic, anti-edematous and an anti-exudative agent. Higher does of Vitamin C, and some B-complex vitamins to aid in neurological support.

Have also seen some people respond well to massage therapy as well.

This of course would depend on your situation and what efforts you have made with your practioner thus far.

Either way you should have a good return to Kendo.

[sparky2488]

Thanks for all the replies,

Absenteekendoka, i've been given very little alternative advice on what else is available, at the moment the day before the operation it's not to bad so I'm sat here wondering if it's worth it, although I know as soon as I pick up a drill or something it'll be back with a vengance . . . kind of resigned to the fact it'll probably be better in the long run to have it done and get it over with.

With regards to my enforced break I'm going to spend my time doing as much as I am able to do to improve my fitness, i could do with loosing a few pounds so going to use the time wisely and see if i can come out of this better than when i went away.

[JCM]

My grandmother (she is over 70 now) got it done a few months ago, it really helped her, it was a bit severe as they were addressing her bad artitis and a poorly recovered tendon on her little finger from a previous operation too.

But within two weeks she had very little pain and she recovered from the operation in a few weeks, so if she can manage it, I am sure you would too. In terms of going back to training ask your doctor or therapist, I am not sure we can give you the best advice on that.

Take care of yourself and let us know how you get on, I hope you are not too inconveniced by it.

Good luck with the operation!



P.S. - Oh, and ask for advice about reducing unsigthly scars (if the operation is not a keyhole one), there are creams and stuff you can use post op

[Curtis]

My surgery was easy. I had a 3 for 1. Originally went to the doctor for a tear in my wrist. Then they determined I had carpal tunnel as well.

At the surgery he discovered my ulnar nerve was in the wrong place and fixed it too. Trimmed the tear and did the carpal tunnel. However, my carpal tunnel was never fixed 100% and I still have some trouble with it. Have to stretch it out all the time.

Used tea tree oil to help with the scar. Can hardly tell it is there.