Had Ulnar Nerve Decompression Today!!!

[Maggie]

Easy surgery up until post-op pain control. Because of the tolerance I have developed to opioids, it took a lot more medication.

After I was given two IV doses, I was still in a lot of pain and I heard the anesthesiologist say to give me 20 mgs. of morphine and watch my breathing closely. I was wide awake even after that.

Pain is almost gone tonight, for that I am grateful. I was tempted right after I got home to double up on my lorcet, but even though it takes more to control the pain, the side effects are the same as the amount which can cause seizures,shallow breathing, . and still hurt.

I degress. I'm going to bed. Hope I can sleep.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE.

[Mark N]

Glad to hear the surgery was easy and that you now have the pain under control. I hope you keep the pain under control and your recovery goes well.

[curiousforever]

I have had it done on both arms. It'll get easier.

Mine hurt so bad before surgery - the relief was right afterwards.

[Maggie]

Curious, did you regain the use of your hand, if so, how long did it take?

Pain level is much better today. Thanks Mark.
Maggie

[curiousforever]

There was about 4 weeks....that was for actually DOING things - ie caring for the boys....lifting, etc.

The tingling and numbness lasted a few weeks as well for the most part. Some (like the last little bit) lasted a few months....but it wasn't painful. They (pharmacist, surgeon) said it can take a year or 18 months to fully heal. I still have decreased sensation right below my elbow where they decompressed it. But nothing painful at all from that.

I'm not sure if yours was mostly numbness/tingling/dropping things etc, or if yours was like mine where it actually made your fingers hurt up to your shoulders...

I'm so glad it's better today.

[Maggie]

Thanks for the information.
Maggie

[lucidmaster]

Maggie,

Recovery time is a function of the specific procedure you have had and the degree of nerve damage prior to surgery. If it was a local decompression, and the nerve has not been damaged severely recovery is much faster. If your ulnar nerve was moved to the inside of your elbow, then it can last a whole year. I had mine put under the muscle about 6 months ago (see my post on that if you want to learn more).

Best,

-Ozgur.