Carpal tunnel decompression surgery and managing two children

[negrilbaby]

I am due to have carpal tunnel decompression surgery on my right hand in a couple of months at which point DD will be 14 months and DS 3 years. Does anyone have any experience of this surgery? DH will be able to take a couple of weeks off work but after that I'll be coping on my own - is this going to be possible?
Any advice greatfully accepted.

[joruth]

I think you will be fine. The surgery (assuming you are having conventional and not endoscopic??) is relatively near the surface of the skin so your symptoms and difficulties should only be about keeping the wound clean dry and together. I would invest in a couple (so you can wash one and wear one) of bright, white tubigrips to remind you and everyone that you have a wound...not tight it's only a reminder, not for support, and a pair of rubber gloves for any washing, bathing or water play. You are probably favouring your right hand anyway because of your symptoms ( are you wearing your wrist splint?) but if you are very right handed I would practice picking up your daughter using your left so it is your more automatic response and going down to them rather than automatically lifting your children for hugs. Good luck...

[Aimsmum]

I had it done about 6 weeks ago, on my left hand, I would say for the first 2 weeks you will be able to do very little with your hand, but from week 3 onwards you should start to be able to do simple things.

If you are right handed I do think you may find it a little more difficult, unless you are used to using your left hand more due to pain/discomfort anyway?

I live alone with my DD 9although at 10 she is older and able to do things for herself) but I managed to keep on top of things but main meals were take-aways/micro meals for the first few days.

I had to keep the wound dry for 4 weeks which was difficult, but I wore a rubber glove in the shower and tried to keep it out of the water as best I could.

I went back to work after 4 weeks, and was pretty much better, although I have developed complications, so i think I have been slower to heal than others.

Good luck, if you have any other questions feel free to ask, as it was so recent, it's all fresh in my memory

[joruth]

Just another thought....if you have a freezer I would stock up on food...cook double every now and than so that when you DH has to return to work you've got a stack of "ready meals" in the freezer...meals in bowls that can be eaten with a spoon or fork will probably be easier for you and for your children than cutting sandwiches so maybe lots of pasta sauce, casseroles sauce for cous cous, home made pizza ( or from the shop!!) etc.etc.it's often really simple actions like buttering bread that suddenly seem impossible and don't expect to hoover or do housework

[negrilbaby]

Many thanks for these comments. They have actually put my mind at rest somewhat. The only other person I know who has had this op is my brother-in-law and he scared me witless. I expected to be unable to do anything much for at least 6 weeks. But then again - that's a man for you. Very low pain thresholds!!

[joruth]

ohh yes! and probably didn't have to cope like we do...why oh why do we let them get away with it?

[sazm]

just wanted to add my hubby had this done last week (thursday), he had a big bandage on for 2 days,and now has a big plaster type dressing on it,he was limited while he had the plaster on,but is back to normal now,he is off work until the wound heals (he gets stitches out in 12days) incase of infection (he works on a farm) but he has been managing most normal tasks since he got home,just the odd thing he cant quite manage (today is the first day he has driven) and doesnt have full strength in it.

[alibubbles]

I am a childminder and had this done, but a week was all I needed, I have posted on the other thread about the op itself here