newlife2, There does come a time when surgery is necessary. A good site:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/c...pal_tunnel.htm

Carpal tunnel can return. I know several people who have had it done - one just today. Some of the others turned out fine and some did not. It depends.

See a doctor and find out if you do have carpal tunnel or something else and find out what you should do.