After forum searches, this seems the best place. If not, could someone point me to the right area?

Brief history, work: I worked for/retired from a single employer of 35+ years. I continued working the following day for a different employer in the exact, same position (merger). All job positions involved a keyboard (repairing/testing typewriters, developing training courses that involved lengthy audio texts, programming, writing many technical articles and books (including college textbooks), writing proposals/contracts/media announcements). Never experienced any hand problems. I did use adaptive equipment (such as electric desks including their computer areas, chairs, anything I thought of or their ergo dept suggested). All supplied by the company, for my degenerating back problems. They are incredible, from Day 1 to my tearful retirement day. Awesome employer, I must give them a plug: Big Blue.

Longer history, hands only: I began with RSD, confined to my left hand/forearm, from a severe Colles fracture nearly 20 years ago. Finally under complete control and without spread or medication. I've had Hashimoto's disease nearly 20 years, and began a severe Thyroid Storm in '08 or early '09 (onset date still unknown). External Storm symptoms displayed March, '09 and included cadaver-white hands that were painful everywhere. Touching, being touched by anything, including a tissue, caused pain at a 10+ level. Initial (mis)diagnosis and treatment was for Raynaud's. Blood tests didn't show the Storm until 4 months later, by a specialist. Hands were 10+ without even movement or touch -useless. When rushed to the hospital, I was near death and comatose from the effects of severe malnutrition from the Storm. Through a wondrous medical team, I lived. I suffered damage to my brain, kidneys, liver, veins and arteries, and spinal cord. Severe nerve damage. Some completely irreversible or with minimal improvement expected. Some causing by-products, like Essential Tremor, that are completely controlled. Most nerve damage in the hands is permanent; limited nerve improvement is possible as treatment of the internal spinal cord continues. Hands are near normal in coloration, except redness from RSD flares. Drs think I have RSD in the right hand, now, but I can't verify due to the new pain problems and loss of use. Redness patterns in the right hand makes me think it's possible.

Yesterday, my beloved Neurologist (instrumental in many of my illness recoveries) wanted to do the common "electric shock and needles" test so he could write an article for his peers. Thyroid Storms in those with Hashimoto's is rare (mostly hits those with Grave's). Add reaching severe maltnutrition (yes, both Drs and I knew I'd lost nearly 1/2 my body weight) and surviving causes "fascinrating" things for Neuros.

He was pleased to see some slight nerve regeneration but SHOCKED to find carpal tunnel in both hands. And the severist cases he'd ever seen. He made it clear; splinting (even if I could just get them on) and injections would not help. And, without surgery, the positive regenerations would die off. He said I must have it done now - no waiting. He named the surgeon and all but made the appointment. He says this surgeon's success rate is 100% in every patient my neuro has referred. I'm in total shock; I never had symptom one.

So, what is the surgery like? Afterwards, are you casted, braced, just bandaged? Have you had both hands done at once? How long was your recovery. Anything and everything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated. Even things that seemed minor, insignificant to you. I have a hard time now. My husband has to help me dress. Some bathroom tasks are very hard for me. Many, many, many thanks in advance. I can get through anything, but dread even thinking about adding anything else to my husband's shioulders.