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Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery
During the initial period of recovery from carpal tunnel surgery, you may experience nausea or shivering. These side effects are usually from the medications used during the surgical procedure -- in most cases, they do not last for long and can be treated by your healthcare provider. In continuing your carpal tunnel surgery recovery at home, you will be encouraged to keep your hand elevated above your heart for the first few days to limit swelling.
After carpal tunnel surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. In this room, you will be with other post-operative patients, and healthcare providers will be available to assist you with any problems or concerns. You will be kept here until your healthcare providers feel that you have recovered enough to go home. This is usually within one to three hours, depending on the type of anesthesia you receive.
If your surgery was performed under general anesthesia, be aware that it is common to shiver during the initial recovery after your surgery. If this happens, your healthcare providers can give you medication that will stop the shivering. Warm blankets are also available to make you more comfortable.
Some patients experience nausea after carpal tunnel surgery, which can be related to the medications used. This should not last long. You should also expect to feel some pain in your wrist following the surgery. Pain medication will be given to help relieve this.
Remember that your healthcare provider wants you to recover without any problems. Be sure to report anything that does not feel normal or "right" during the recovery period.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD