Re: 8 weeks post-op, I feel worse than I did before surgery

In Reply to: 8 weeks post-op, I feel worse than I did before surgery posted by John on March 05, 2004 at 04:02:49:

: Hi guys. I have got some real problems and I am hoping someone out there can give me some advice. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. I also had a cyst removed from wrist at the same time. my symptoms were basicly numbness and pain when I would use my tin snips at work. So this is a work comp deal.
: It has now been 8 weeks after surgey and the pain I used to get is gone, but now I have a whole new set of problems. When I bend my wrist forward or backward it hurts, bad. It feels like things are pressing on each other in there. My ROM is not very good either. when I grab things like the doorknobs I get shrp pain in my hand and forearm. I am going to physical therapy 5 times a week. All it does is aggrivate it. My Doc is one of these insurance nazi's who sits across the room and tells the nurse what to tell me, while I'm sitting right in front of him. I'm worried that he is just going to discharge me with no disability. The way my hand feels right now I would NEVER go back to my old job handling sharp pieces of metal on a ladder 8 feet in the air. No one told me my hand was going to be useless, all I got was posative expectations from the so-called doctor. I did'nt realize I was taking this risk.
: If anyone has had any similar experiences or symptoms please share. Thanks.

Hi John, Your hand hasn't enough time to heal yet. Being 8 weeks post op, theres still going to pain and tenderness. Most doctors say it takes up to a year to fully heal. As for the therapy, If the things the therapist are having you do cause pain, make them aware of it. Nothing you do in Physical Therapy should be causing pain. If by the end of therapy your not any better, and the doctor seems to to not care, do as the other ladies suggested and talk to a lawyer. Take care of yourself and your hand. Maybe time is what you need to heal properly. Best Wishes, Melani