How to Recover From Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Endoscopic surgery is one of several types of surgeries that are used to treat people with carpal tunnel syndrome when all other treatments have been unsuccessful. This surgery involves inserting a small tube with a camera into incisions in the wrist and hand. While this type of surgery is less invasive than others, it is still important to take care of yourself afterwards. Read on to learn how to recover from endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask a friend or family member to set aside some time to help you recover. Endoscopic surgery generally has a very short recovery time, but be prepared to have someone help out for up to two weeks.

2. Establish an understanding with your friend about how he will help you recover from your surgery. It is important to let him know that you will need some help, but you don't want him to have to shirk his own responsibilities.

3. Stay away from driving. Have a friend help you with driving because it involves both of your hands. You need to rest the hand that was operated on. Try to schedule your physical therapy appointments for the evening so your friends and family members won't have to leave work early to give you a ride.

4. Get help with heavy lifting. If your friend goes grocery shopping, ask if you can come along. You can push the cart while she picks out the items you need.

5. Make sure you're taking your medicine as directed. Know what side effects to look for and when to call a doctor if you have a bad reaction.

6. Know your friends' limits. You might need lots of help in the first couple of weeks after surgery, so spread the duties among friends and family members. Get different people to drive you to your physical therapy appointments on different days.

Tips & Warnings

• Get emotional support from a friend. The post-surgery medications might make you depressed. Have your friend remind you that endoscopic surgery probably corrected all of your carpal tunnel problems and that in a few weeks you'll be feeling normal again.
• Don't become overly dependent on your friends and family. Carpal tunnel surgery is generally not very serious and you should still be able to do many things for yourself.
• Be sure that you are financially prepared to cover the surgery, as it can be very expensive. Talk to your health insurance provider before the operation.
• Avoid any heavy lifting with the hand that was operated on. Lifting can seriously complicate your surgery recovery.

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[Blackbear]

on 11/12/2007 If you happen to have bi-lateral carpal tunnel surgery where both hands are useless, have a plan on how you will be washing your hair, using the restroom,etc. Because once the surgery is completed, this is the time you should really not use your hands and wrists. Take it from someone who was lifting her baby to change her diaper, close car doors, etc. the same day! I cannot stress enough...pamper those hands and wrists so there wont be any long term problems. For the hairwashing thing, I would put plastic bags over the bandaged hands and hold a towel up to your face and bend over the sink and let someone wash your hair for you.