Over the past year I have noticed a steadily increasing numbness in my right hand, primarily affecting my thumb and middle finger. A trip to an orthopedist confirmed a carpal tunnel constriction diagnosis. In addition to the numbness the doctor pointed out a significant muscle atrophy of my Opponens muscle at the base of my thumb.
So, open release carpal tunnel surgery was completed a few weeks ago. It was an easy procedure performed on an outpatient basis that took 15-20 minutes and kept me there for a few hours total. It was done under MAP (Managed Anesthesia Care), the same twilight sedation used for a colonoscopy. I missed two days of work and have been back doing modified light duties.
Recovery was straightforward; OTC pain meds for a day or so, then just a bandage until the 6 sutures were removed 12 days later.
After two weeks I notice little improvement, in fact the nerve pain seems more pronounced. My doctor says that the nerves will slowly begin to recover from being pinched, but may take 90 days or more, during which time they will cause some acute sharp pain as they come back online.
I guess this is what I get for using a keyboard and mouse for over 36 years.