Carpal Tunnel Surgery

This past Wednesday I had Carpal Tunnel Surgery on my right hand, and a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel nerve on my left hand. After experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands, my rheumatologist recommended I go to a hand specialist. After an EMG and nerve conduction study it was confirmed that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands. Carpal Tunnel is not uncommon in people with RA. When the inflammation goes down that can help with the symptoms of it, but due to them not being able to control the inflammation that was difficult. The surgery was done while I was asleep due to my muscle tremors. I was concerned a bout having a reaction to the anesthesia, but with the help of pre-meds, and the fact that the anesthetic they used was also what they use for nausea after general anesthesia, I had no headache, nausea or vomiting.  My hands were both numb when I woke up due to the lidocaine that was injected to numb the area. As the lidocaine wore off, the hand soreness became more prevalent. But due to the fact that I already have pain medications for my arthritis, and I have a high pain tolerance, it was manageable. I was an am able to due my feedings by myself as I am good at modifying things I do to adjust to pain or weakness, so I can be as independent I can. The doctor said that it varies how long the soreness would last. Some experience it for two months, others not very long, it really depends on each individual. I have to open and close both hands into a fist 10 times an hour to keep the tendon from scarring. And were hoping that the steroid injection into the wrist, will keep me from having the surgery on my left hand. But with my RA and everything, we really don't know. 

I am very pleased that my surgery went well, and I am not in excruciating pain, did not have a problem with the anesthesia, and not infection where the incision is. I thank you all for your continued prayers and support that you have provided for me and my family. It is such a blessing to know that we have all this love and encouragement from so many people. 


Joyful Love
         &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta