Hello again everyone. Two weeks ago I had submuscular transposition of my right ulnar nerve along with right open carpal tunnel release and right ring finger trigger finger release. I'm pleased to report that the surgery went well. The surgeon said that my ulnar nerve was quite compressed but otherwise the surgery was routine.
I reported to the hospital at 6am and went home around noon. Due to the injection of anesthetic into the wounds and being given fentanyl IV post op, my pain was well controlled. My right arm, wrist and hand was bandaged by a gauze padded dressing, then a plaster half cast that was covered by an elastic ace wrap. This kept my arm in a 90 degree angle and prevented pronation of the forearm.
Once home, the pain was controlled by vicodin and I needed it every four hours for the first few days, then was able to go longer periods before needing it again.
My post op followup appointment with the surgeon was eight days post op. They removed the cast and dressings and removed the stitches. The surgeon said everything looked good but don't be alarmed if the numbness in the fingers takes awhile to go away. I was fitted for a plastic long arm brace that is heated and form fitted to your arm. This keeps your arm in a 90 degree bend and prevents pronation. They said, except for bathing and doing the prescribed nerve gliding exercises for the finger, wrist and elbow, to keep the brace on for the next five weeks.
My next appointment is in four weeks at which point I can expect to begin physical therapy to regain lost range of motion and restrengthen atrophied muscles.
Overall, my experience has been very positive. I'm glad I had the surgeries and look forward to a full recovery, however long it takes.
