Went to see the hand surgeon we scheduled a Carpal Tunnel surgery and a trigger finger surgery on my pinky, for the later part of July.
The surgeon said I had all the indications of carpal tunnel, and the US imaging showed that the nerve was enlarged.
He is one of the leading hand surgeons in the US, people fly from all over to see him. He is the most personable surgeon I have ever met, they usually have bad bedside manners…
Anyone get these surgeries?
I spent the around 10 years litigating work related upper limb disorders. I know a significant amount about carpel tunnel syndrome. What do you need to know?
I haven’t had carpal tunnel release but have had other releases. Trigger finger on both thumbs, and release from deQuervain’s. The surgeries are quick, and the recovery is fairly straightforward. If you haven’t already asked what meds need to be held off on, call up today and ask about it. I had to stop my Enbrel, but continued the leflunomide. And of course no NSAIDs for a few days before.
You may be put in a brace for a bit afterwards, maybe 4 days or so, depending.
Thanks, they are sending a email with instructions, but it will be NSAIDs and Remicade will be two weeks after surgery.
You can cheat a bit on the Biologics with any surgery if you schedule the surgery at a trough time (ie just about the time you would normally infuse. BTW I have had the surgery and wondered WHY I waited.
One other note about stopping your biologics. Recent Research shows it isn’t as necessary as once thought. The surgeons act in an abundance of caution and often over use Antibiotics. ALWAYS consult with your rheumie on the whole process. I recently had a shoulder replacement and while the surgeon wanted me off for 4 weeks my rheumie had me skip only two doses (of course I had the surgery on a dosing day so effectivley it was one day)
I would also caution you that you will likley feel so much better after the release, you may “overdo” soon after the surgery. Trust me on this DON’T no matter how tempted to "catch up!!! Good luck
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Good points! Another thing, if you stop Remicade, you can create antibodies and prevent it from working when you start it again, my Rheumy said MTX help prevent this from occurring.