How to Help Someone Recover After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

As computer use becomes such an integral part of our lives, repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are becoming more commonplace. The number of people having surgery to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome is increasing. Even though it isn't considered major surgery, you can be a great help if you assist someone while he recovers after carpal tunnel surgery. Read on to find out how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set some time aside. Carpal tunnel surgery generally has a fairly quick recovery time, but make yourself available to help out for at least a week.

2. Help your friend with driving. It's likely that your friend won't be driving her car for a few weeks. This is especially true if she has open incision surgery because the recovery time for the hand is much longer. You can help out by driving her to and from her physical therapy appointments.

3. Give your buddy a hand with his groceries. When someone has carpal tunnel surgery, it is recommended that they avoid heavy lifting. Your friend might have trouble carrying his groceries, so offer to help him.

4. Make sure your friend is taking her medicine. The doctors will prescribe several anti-infection medicines and perhaps some mild steroids to speed the recovery time. If your friend is an elderly person or particularly forgetful, kindly remind her or ask her if she's taken her medicine today.

5. Be prepared to offer emotional support. Your friend might feel a little bit down and depressed since he can't use one hand for a week. Support him by reminding him that the pain from his carpal tunnel should be all gone now.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your friend is financially prepared to support herself if she isn't able to get paid sick days from work while she recovers.
• Talk to your friend before the surgery to find out exactly what he's expecting from you. Make a list of ways that you can help out, but remind him that you do have your own responsibilities and can't help him every hour of the day.
• Remind your friend that carpal tunnel surgery isn't that extreme. She should still be able to do many things for herself while recovering from the surgery. Don't let your friend use surgery as an excuse to be pampered for a week.
• Be sure that your friend knows about the possible complications that can arise after carpal tunnel surgery. He should be aware of these side effects and know what to do if he notices them.

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