I had been diagnosed with severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome 6 years ago. The nerve studies showed the right hand was worse so I had surgery to correct it. Fantastic results - and the left hand actually improved after surgery was done on the right. (My doctor said that happens sometimes.)

However over the past several months, the pain in the left wrist came back to a severe level and I also started noticing sensitivity in my left elbow. Even the slightest tap would send me through the roof. It was like hitting my funny bone but much more painful.

Every morning I'd wake up with numb fingers and a weak feeling in the left arm.

Long story short, I went in for carpal tunnel surgery last Friday on my left hand by the same surgeon who had done such a wonderful job on the right.

But now - less than a week later, my pinky finger is numb and I can't bend my elbow past 90 degrees without the "funny bone" feeling shooting into my pinky and ring finger! This is much worse than it ever was!

I mentioned it to the nurse on Monday when I went in for post-op checkup, and she said it was an ulnar neuropathy and fairly common among carpal tunnel patients. She said they have a procedure for that too... great, more surgery

What could have happened?

Has anyone heard of this before? I am researching these elbow problems and it sounds like CuTS but it could also be Guyon's. Could something have been moved out of place while the doctor was in there fixing the carpal tunnel to suddenly pinch my ulnar nerve in the Guyon tunnel?

Sure seems like a coincidence that it would get so much worse following carpal tunnel surgery.

Thanks,

Maureen

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for the swift reply.

Yes I have had my hand wrapped in an ace-type wrapped bandage since Monday, and the thought occurred to me that perhaps it was exacerbating the problem. I change the bandage each night but tonight I just took it off and let it air for a while to see if the numbness might go away - but no luck.

Immediately following the surgery I was told to keep my hand elevated above my heart for several days, which of course meant I had to have my elbow bent sharply for an extended period.

It's just quite discouraging. I finally bought an elbow wrap which really helps keep me from bending the elbow too much now, but the minute I take it off, if I accidentally bend I get the "zap" all the way down my arm. Just brushing my hair has become a dreaded task.

While I hate the thought of another operation, I'd do it gladly to get rid of this painful situation. And as you said, I'll try to give it some time. Ugh.

Did your surgery correct the problem for you? Also, how do they determine whether the impingement is at the elbow or the wrist?

Thanks again,

Maureen