[solson50]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and have a question I hope someone can help with. I had carpel tunnel surgery last fall and six weeks later surgery on opposite arm at elbow and hand for ulnar nerve release. No relief of symptoms of either surgery and my one arm is now numb and painful from the elbow to the fingers. Sharp pains, tingling and numbness. My surgeon was at a loss and finally told me I have post surgical neuropathy. Never heard of this, and at last appt. he told me it would be a two year wait to see if it improves. No help offered, no explanation and he is avoiding giving me a referral to a neurologist. Help! Thanks in advance

[Dr. Smith]

Hi solson, welcome.

I don't know/can't tell where you are on the learning curve about this, so please forgive me if you've been down this path.

Here's a short (~5 min.) video from 2010 talking about the condition and work being done at Mayo.

Postsurgical Inflammatory Neuropathy-Mayo Clinic

In the video, Dr. Dyck says that he believes some of these neuropathies are treatable.

See also:

post surgical neuropathy

post surgical inflammatory neuropathy

Doc

[IllPn]

I don't know a lot about this but I have pinched ulnar nerves. I had carpal tunnel both sides too I was told I still have it when had my ENG altho I don't have the symptoms I had before. At times, my hands fall asleep at nite but that is ok. I also have spasms in my arm from the ulnar but never any real pain. I do have hand wasting though. Sure hope pain does not come along.
I would use some hand splints at night. You might also use something to keep your arm straight at night. I bought something at a medical supply store but have not used it. Bending the arm will cause compression esp sleeping on it at night. I was supposed to use elbow pads but they just made me itch. I do lean on my elbows way..... too much.

I also know ulnar nerve surgery is pretty tricky. Did they recommend any PT at all? You might try icing too.???

I don't know if any suggestions are good or helpful but figured would throw in my 2 cents

[solson50]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate you taking the time to answer!

[Jomar]

You might want to explore on our thoracic outlet syndrome forum (TOS) for short..
Specifically look/ or search for double crush or triple crush syndrome..
Carpal or cubital tunnel along with TOS - but there are also mis diagnosis of ulnar or carpal when TOS is the real cause.. based on the clavicle /top rib crowding, pinching, compression of nerves or blood flow in those areas.

TOS sticky threads -
Our Useful Links - Websites, Articles & Polls
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread125577.html