Had surgery on my right elbow on the 5/26. Since then it has never felt "good". The best way to describe the feeling is a bad toothache in me arm! Mainly in my elbow, radiating down toward my hand, sometimes up toward my tricep??? I had surgery on my left elbow about 18 months ago and never experienced this. All seems pretty good with that surgery. Not perfect, but much better. But this time around is different,,and not in a good way. I have a constant ache in my index, tingling and pinkie finger which worsens when I bend bend them. Also an achy pain that lingers around my joint area of the same fingers. I have my next appt in 12 days. When I told the doctor of these symptoms at my last appoint. about 10 days ago, he said "give it time". Should I be concerned of a failed surgery??

Hey postalgirl,

What kind of surgery did you have? When I had my decompression I had that achy kind of feeling for about 8 weeks. My left transpostion surgery was 8 1/2 months ago and once in a while I still get the dull achy feeling. If you're noticing functional improvement then most likely it'll just take time for the nerves to settle down and stop giving you trouble.

As much as I hate to say it ... the one thing I've learned in the last 15 months or is that recovery from any cubital-tunnel surgery can be a lengthy process. HANG IN THERE!

If you're really concerned don't hesitate to call your surgeon's office. He'll probably tell you to give it time again, but remember it's his job to answer your questions and concerns. You are the most important member of the healthcare team! Sometimes docs need a little reminder about that.

Ok ... i'll get off my soapbox now...

Take care.

Chris

Thanks for the encouragement!I had decompression, neurolysis and transposition surgery 4 weeks ago. To be honest, I have not seen improvement. I have more pain now than before the surgery. That is why I am concerned. I feel that since I do have range of motion in my arm and can feel all my fingers, I really shouldn't complain. Yet although my arm and hand are functional, it is a constant ache/pain. Hate to think that I will have to deal with this forever! I haven't even returned to work yet, can't imagine what it will feel like after that!

yes, that is normal 34 weeks since my surgery it is getting there, a long healing process. i kept thinking am i always going to have this problem? it is much much better. hang in there. good luck. Brenda