OldTryGuy

Got the information from doctor regarding recovery time, open surgery, but was curious about actual bicycle riders time frame as to when you were able to get back on the road. I understand about the individuality as per recovery, just wanted to read how others here did, if you don't mind.

Just received EMG results this morning and surgery needs to be done ASAP. Totally messes with plans of a triathlon in beginning of July after a 130 mile birthday ride. Sounds like no 100 mile memorial ride 2 weeks after triathlon and no triathlon in August. Biggest concern is Ironman Florida training and then the race on November 1.

TIA

02Giant 

Can I ask what the determining factor(s) were to necessitate immediate surgery?

I ask because I was diagnosed with Carpel Tunnel last spring, I was told either surgery or try wrist splints/brace worn at least at night and as often as I could get away with. They made a big difference, I quit wearing them, and now my hands go numb all of the time. I had heard a lot of mixed results with the surgery and thought I would try the non-surgical treatment first...I need to dig the splints out and start wearing them again.

OldTryGuy

Great question.

Inflammation pressure in wrist caused by arthritis, bone spurs and compression resulting in synovial fluid leakage. Resolution for wrist structure is wrist replacement or fusion, but neither is acceptable

Without CTS surgery a pretty much guaranteed loss of current hand strength and increased pain/numbness/pins and needles in near future.

02Giant 

Thanks for the explanation. Nothing like you described, was tested for or explained to me, I should have asked more questions but I went in clueless and didn't know.

I too have a loss of hand strength, I have contributed it to the arthritis in my knuckles. I have a Dr. appointment in July, I think it is time to revisit some of my issues.

It is too bad you have to act so fast and can't delay until winter, then again being in Florida, there really isn't a good time.
Good luck with the surgery and a speedy recovery!

longbeachgary

My wife just had her left hand done but between the surgery and getting back on the bike was some vacation and other things that kept her from riding for over a month but she was feeling much better after about 2 or 3 weeks. She's back riding and the difference between before and after is tremendous.

OldTryGuy

Thanks.

Did you have an EMG?

Sounds like things are looking really good for your wife.

Was hers an open release or endoscopic? My hand specialist does both but said he would be doing an open after he got the word from the neurologist. Open takes longer to recover from.

02Giant 

I have not had one, IIRC, it was said that would precede surgery.

OldTryGuy

My hand Dr. was certain I would be having the surgery before sending me for EMG. He just wanted to get verification that CTS was needed thus ruling out a less invasive approach. Got to love those who are looking out for the patient instead of getting more $$$$$.

longbeachgary

endoscopic not open release

jppe

My riding buddy needed it from all the miles and hand pressure on the hoods. Good to hear that is not the case for you.

msujmccorm

Let us know how it goes. I just got scheduled for my EMG. Losing strength rapidly in the left wrist and forearm, constant cramping and pain. Looks like I may be headed that way also.

slorollin

Just as an FYI I had the same symptoms. Turned out to be cervical disks. The 1st 2 EMGs I had indicated carpal tunnel. I knew that was bull because I could either relieve or re-create the buzz in my hands by changing my head position. Went to another DR and had an MRI of the neck. C-4-5-6 were crumbling.

stevemtbr

I had one hand CT release done last July and the other last November. I was off the bike for two weeks on each hand. Using STI shifters was the only discomfort I had and that lasted only a couple of days. Today both hands are just great!

OldTryGuy

Thanks, hope I'm that fortunate.

rydabent

May be time for a bent or a trike. No pressure on wrists or arms. Carpal tunnel is one of the many physical problems bents over come.

OldTryGuy

Hear you there, but they are not Ironman competition approved.

Bikey Mikey

Do note that vibrations and tightness of grip can cause symptoms to appear--so, unless bents eliminate vibration to your hands, which I doubt, irritation can occur with a recumbent as well as a DF bike.