Carpal Tunnel op for 98 year old?

[tixntox]

She's been having the steroid injections and still not a lot of joy. Doc is sending her to a specialist with a view to the op. I wouldn't, would you? Experiencing numbness in fingertips and some pain. The prospect of an op and recouperation at that age just fills me with dread. Opinions please?

[M4tt]

I had something not dissimilar after an accident a few years ago. All done through two tiny holes in the back of my wrist. I was tender the next day but not enough to need painkillers and everything settled down in days. It’s quite amazing what can be done, and the days of huge holes is largely over, so I’d do your research on the specific op.

[andy tims]

Very minor op.

I’ve had both hands done.

[thieuster]

My wife had surgery on her right hand last winter. Small op, but with the lady you mention - at her age of 98, she will need help for a week or so. And after that, opening a jar can be painful for a while.

Interestingly (and besides the subject of this thread), my wife had pain in her neck and shoulders for years. Physiotherapy etc didn't help much She always thought that it had to do with sitting in a car, behind a desk, typing on her computer's keyboard etc.

Now, with the operation done, her neck and shoulders are pain free again! That was and is an unexpected surprise!

[RobDad]

Very minor op.

I’ve had both hands done.

Snap. 10 years apart - the first one they insisted I keep it immobilised in a sling for a week, the second they suggested I used it asap. It got better so much more quickly I was amazed! - it’s just a local anaesthetic and before I had it done it was maddening and affected my sleep. Depends on her general health but I was glad I had it done.

[thieuster]

[QUOTE] it’s just a local anaesthetic and before I had it done it was maddening and affected my sleep./QUOTE]

Indeed! My wife hardly slept before she had the procedure. The pain was too much to fall asleep. And now, all's 100% fine again.

[tixntox]

Thanks to all for your comments. Much appreciated.

[EmilA]

I had my left hand done in January, right hand in Nov ‘21. Right hand is still not back to normal in terms of its strength but I think covid and remote physio buggered that up abit
Left hand is still tender nearly 2.5 months later, scar can hurt at times but strength is better but not 100%

However my wife & dad had the op and neither had the same issues I have had.

At 98, I would advise someone to be there to help out for atleast a few weeks if not longer.