CARPAL TUNNEL DISCHARGE

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You will have a follow up with Dr. Lovy in approximately 2 weeks. This appointment has already been scheduled for you. If you are uncertain of your follow up appointment please contact the office at 561-922-9112.  You should also schedule your occupation therapy to begin at 2 or 6 weeks post surgery as directed.

If you have any questions or concerns before this appointment, please do not hesitate to call Dr. Lovy’s office at 561-922-9112.

– Remove your dressing 5 days after surgery and use a bandaid to cover your incision

– DO NOT put any ointments on the incision.

– Keep incision dry and clean

– You may shower once you remove the initial bandage.

– Your sutures will be removed at your 2 week postoperative follow up appointment

– Your dressing must remain dry at all times and should be covered when showering prior to removal

– Keep the hand elevated as much as possible, this will minimize swelling and help reduce post operative pain

– You may use ice intermittently as well to diminish swelling

– Move your thumb/wrist/fingers 10 times every hour when awake. It is critical that you FULLY straighten and FULLY bend your fingers into a TIGHT FIST every hour when awake to prevent stiffness and reduce finger swelling.

– You may view this video for additional finger exercises:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcPD6BB5TKE

– Do not push, pull, or grasp anything heavy with your operative hand. You may use your operative for light activities as tolerated.

– Limit weight lifting to approximately a half gallon of milk (5 pounds) for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

POSTOPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL

– During surgery you have received a regional (at the shoulder) anesthetic block. Your sensation should return to normal within approximately 12 – 24 hours. Do not be alarmed if your anesthetic block lasts longer, everyone has slightly different responses to the anesthetic used.

– You should begin taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) AND Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) on a schedule before your nerve block wears off and before you experience pain

– Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000 mg every 6 hours should be used as your primary pain control. Do not exceed 4000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24 hour period.

– Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) 600 mg every 6 hours should be added as a secondary method of pain control to acetaminophen as directed above.

– You can also take 500mg of Vitamin C daily for the next 50 days. This will also help with your postoperative pain control.

– It is best to take pain medication before your pain begins. This will allow you to take less medication yet have better pain relief. 

– For the first 2-3 days after surgery, it is helpful to take your pain medication on a regular schedule and keep pain under control.

– After the first couple days, you should begin to take less pain medication each day until you no longer need any.

– Narcotics are not prescribed or advised after this procedure