I have been delighted by the response to this blog. When I decided to start it, my hope was to help…even if it was one or two people. So since I have had a few visitors, I thought it was time to write another post.
It has been just over two years since my second ulnar nerve transposition surgery (left arm). My first was three years ago (right arm). Now I can speak to longer term recovery matters.
If you have read through my blog posts and responses to visitors, you may have noticed that sometimes my elbows felt like I never even had surgery. Other times, there was some discomfort. Here are some things I can tell you:
1. Micro Flare Ups are Real. When I first researched the surgery, I came across posts from people who claimed to experience “micro flare ups” intermittently after resuming normal activity. I can attest that micro flare ups are a real thing. In my right elbow, I have experienced 4-5 of them in the three years since my surgery. My other elbow: none to date. What is a micro flare up? Not sure what of the technical definition but I say it’s when your elbow will just start hurting, seemingly for no reason. Then the pain goes away. A couple of times I thought for sure I was going to require surgery again. The discomfort was pretty severe. And again, it didn’t seem to be triggered by anything specific. I wasn’t lifting weights or playing sports at the time. It just happened. If this happens to you, DON’T PANIC! I learned that pretty quick. Ibuprophen is your best friend. I took 3 several times a day and iced my elbow and that seemed to help. The discomfort has lasted several days to over a week. But again, it went away.
2. Get Back to It! Back in the winter, I decided to really get back to normal activity. I had played hockey and tennis, but was avoiding lifting weights. Sure enough, when I finally decided to give it a shot, there was discomfort in both my elbows. Not a huge amount of pain…more like a pulling sensation. I had a hunch that this was simply because my elbows were not used to this type of activity anymore. I needed to re-train them. Thankfully, I was right. I pushed through the pain. I never “over-did it” (your body will know your limits), but I kept at it. Sure enough, over time, the pain passed. At first I was afraid to go completely “all out” and weight-lift like I did when I was a younger man. So what I did was lower weight, higher repetition exercises. If I started to feel a pulling sensation in my elbow, I stopped. This process has worked. I have found that my body re-adjusted to the increasing weight. For example, there was a point at which curling just 30 pounds of weight caused discomfort after 4 or 5 reps. But eventually, the discomfort didn’t started occurring until after more reps. So after a while I was able to do 10 reps at 30 pounds and started feeling discomfort after a few reps at 40 pounds. What I am trying to say is that my elbows seem to adjust. My limit increased slowly over time.
In June 2017, just over two full years after my left (second) elbow surgery, I decided it was time to try and go “all out.” I joined a gym and eased my way back into a weight-lifting routine. In July, I hired a personal trainer to put me through a kick-butt six-week program. And you know what? No pain. No discomfort. No issues at all with my elbows. I have no data to back it up, but I think my body, including my elbows, was ready to be pushed again. I pushed through the original pain and never looked back. *Remember, I am no doctor and results most likely vary from person to person…so don’t try to push through the pain, injure yourself further, and come back to blame me! Listen to your body, consult your doctor, and make informed decisions!
3. Stretch! Even though it has been several years since my surgeries, I still try to stretch whenever I can. I am a teacher and it’s funny to see some students give me strange looks as I walk down the hallway stretching out my elbows. I just think that if I were to stop stretching, my elbows would be more prone to re-injury. I’m sure any athlete would agree that stretching is important prior to physical activity. So my theory is that being surgically repaired, my elbows would be even more susceptible to injury than non-surgically repaired body parts. So I just take this extra precaution. So far, so good.
4. Finally, I still think to this date that having the surgeries was one of the best decisions of my life. I can’t imagine what my life would be like right now if I was still trying to manage the pain. I feel like I lost almost three years of my life trying cortisone shots and physical therapy instead of just having the surgery. Granted, surgery is reserved as a last resort option but my advice is that if your doctor has suggested it and you are thinking about having the surgery, do it!
I have gotten some really good questions and comments from some really nice people on this blog. Keep them coming. When someone posts a comment, I get an alert sent to my email inbox. So normally I can reply in a short amount of time. As I have stated many times, I am not a doctor, I am not an expert, and all people recover differently. But I am happy to share my experiences and offer what I can in terms of assistance and advice!
Thanks for reading,
Anthony
This was great, thank you. I'm getting nervous about my upcoming surgery, about 3 weeks away. My ulnar nerve has been subluxing for an unknown amount of time it could have been years, I only just realized it was happening. With the subluxing the nerve could have worked up some damage. I've had swelling in my wrist for over a year, numbness in my fingers, problems with a locking wrist, and severe muscle spasms in that shoulder, which could all be linked to the nerve. I really hope that this surgery helps with all of those issues that I've been dealing with for so long, especially because the snapping and subluxing is also happening in my other elbow. Thankfully I don't have all of the symptoms of damage in my other arm. This blog has helped a lot. I definitely appreciate the forethought to keep my own record as the healing process progresses.
ReplyDeleteGlad it helped Gail! I hope your surgery went well!
DeleteHello, When you thought you had injured your surgery what type of symptoms were you having. I believe I have injured mine due to my physical therapist having me lifting weights that were to heavy and too soon after surgery. Thanks for your posts! Cheryl
ReplyDeletePlease clarify. You wrote "when you thought you had injured your surgery." Do you mean elbow?
DeleteIf so, the symptoms were a painful, pulling sensation. Resistance, even the slightest bit...like pushing my hands together while washing them...caused this pain. The pain was very similar to what I experienced before the surgery. Since the pain was similar, I thought I had re-injured it!
Hi! So glad i found this blog. I am 38, hairdresser and Mom of a 1.5 & 3.5 yo. Lots of use of my arm. I thought my tennis elbow flared up, so I went to doc for cortisone injection and he diagnosed me with this, ugh! As a hairdresser and Mom of younger kiddos, I have zero idea when I could ever even do surgery. It’s been slowly getting worse since I was pregnant with my youngest. Tingling arms, cramping while stirring color at work, numbness while bending arms texting, and recently, sharp shooting pains in elbow. I’m at a loss, I don’t know why to do. I can’t not lift my kids into their car seats for 3 mo or not work. I feel so defeated right now. How long did i try to just live with it and do shots until u couldn’t handle it anymore?
ReplyDeleteDon't wait waiting can lead to irreversible damage. You mighht go 3 months without now, but it's better than losing all function in your hands. Just imagine not being able to even use a pair of scissors. I let mine go for a while and I'm kicking myself for it the muscle wasting in my hand might never recover and I'm still young. I have the same worry with my 3 kids all under 4. Good luck and try not to wait. Maybe you can get put on temporary disability or something.
DeleteWay too long. :) I waited years. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I believe it was like 5 years. But that's only because it was incorrectly diagnosed as "golfer's elbow." Had I known it was a problem with my ulnar nerve, I would have most likely jumped at getting surgery much earlier. Instead I went through physical therapy and sooooo many cortizone injections. I even tried Platelet Rich Plasma injections, out of pocket, because my doctor was convinced that would work. It did not. One day for surgery, a few days off of work, then three months recovery and I didn't look back! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJust a quick update on my post-op situation...
ReplyDeleteMy surgeon sent me for nerve conduction tests again. Prior to surgery, tests were fine. Now, they show compression in my el ow and wrist. I am having a 2nd surgery on the 20th, exactly 3 months after the 1st one, this time on the elbow AND wrist. Hopefully, this will restore feeling and function to my hand.
Best of luck!
DeleteI had the nerve release surgery in Jun 2017 and went through occupational therapy. I just had the nerve conduction study and my numbers are worse that before the surgery. The second surgery will be in a few weeks this time to move the nerve. It sucks bc it’s my dominant hand.
DeleteHello I’m doing this surgery next Monday - I’ve had two surgeons confirm the diagnosis. I’m 62 and overweight and concerned about having a bad outcome. I’m also concerned about recovery since I have nobody around. Can I be independent on day one with one arm? Also the doctors didn’t recommend any conventional therapy and I’m not 100 percent sure it wouldn’t help. My EMG on my left arm was less than 50 percent so I guess that’s why they thought surgery was the best route. I’m freaking out a bit probably due to the fact that they’re gonna move the nerve - Yikes! Hope I can sleep before and after. Also I’m trying to lose weight so I need to at least walk immediately after the surgery. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I was independent the same evening. I was up and about and eating with my family at the dinner table. The next day (and I probably shouldn't admit this) I drove down the street to the grocery store. Probably illegal so I don't advise that but my point is that if your body recovers quickly from the anesthesia, you should be good to go.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I had the surgery twice (once on each arm) and did not have therapy either time. I'm sure everyone responds differently, but I certainly didn't need it to recover!
Good luck!
Thanks I really don’t want to be lying on the couch - that would be a disaster.
DeleteHey I got another couple of questions - could you use your fingers at all afterwards and you said there wasn’t much pain (really ��), also I’d like to keep walking afterwards since I’m trying to lose weight �� thanks
ReplyDeleteAfter the first surgery, I had full movement of my fingers. After the second surgery, I remember that my pinky was completely numb. I could still move it completely, but I could not feel anything with it. I freaked out a bit and let my surgeon's office know. They said it was mostly due to the nerve block they used and that it would go away. It did, thankfully. But I never lost movement in my fingers at all.
DeleteAnd really! Not much pain at all. I was in a sling for weeks so everything was kept immobile. It would hurt to the touch but I tried hard not to let anything touch it. The worst pain was in my shoulder due to my arm being in a sling for so long. So you should be good to keep walking!
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHey me again - exactly when did you use your arm again for everyday activities. Could you use it for light duty immediately or were you with one arm for a while? Was it hard to get dressed and eat? I guess lm a little paranoid about how long I’m going to have only one arm being by myself. Sorry about all the questions and thanks for the help! Oh yeah when did you have two arms to drive with? I could send you a check ����
ReplyDeleteNo worries! I was just as paranoid prior to my first surgery. I watched a youtube video detailing the surgery the night before and completely freaked myself out. So I completely understand.
ReplyDeleteI was in a sling for three weeks. Once the sling came off, I was told not to lift anything heavier than a half cup of coffee. So I was able to do things with it. It wasn't like it was completely limp at my side. It was tight for a while but I used it for very light things.
I am not going to lie, getting dressed was not the easiest thing in the world to do. But I adapted. It was cold but I still wore short sleeve shirts because it was easier to get my arm through the arm holes. Socks were a pain in the butt. But like I said, I adapted. And it was only for the three weeks I was in the sling. Then I could dress myself more easily...just had to be careful!
Eating was no big deal though. As long as you don't have to cut steak or chicken or something! Finger foods are your friend!
I was driving again with two arms after the first three weeks. It was stiff and a bit cumbersome...but it sure beat driving with one arm! That was no fun.
A check? Don't be silly! Glad to help!
Just kidding about the check - thanks man your the best. Now if I can just make it through the first night I’ll feel better 😁
ReplyDeleteHey do you think recovering alone will be a big g deal? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'd be lying if I said I can speak from experience. My wife helped me when I was recovering. I would say it will be more difficult, but not as bad as you think. Definitely do-able. Once you get out of your sling, recovery will be pretty stress free. It's just those first few weeks where you are limited to one arm for the most part. But I tried to think of it like this: there are people far worse off than I am. There are also people who have lived their whole lives without the use of two arms. They adapted! It will be ok!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI don’t know I’m starting to freak out - I keep reading where some people had bad results with the surgery and are dealing with bad side effects. I know I shouldn’t read the internet big god I don’t want to be dealing with a lot of crap at my age!!!! I know you cant give me any assurances but wow this is a hard decision - people keep saying try everything before surgery - the only problem is I had two ortho surgeons say get the surgery....I suppose I should trust them??? Thanks
ReplyDeleteYes! Trust them! I made that same mistake. I kept trying things and trying things and nothing ultimately worked except the surgery. I tried OTC drugs, physical therapy, cortizone injections, massage therapy, PRP injections (an experimental treatment my insurance didn't even cover), prescription pain cream, and even a weird remedy I heard about from GNC. The only thing that worked was the surgery. My only regret was not getting it sooner.
ReplyDeleteMy surgeon warned me about researching the surgery on the Internet. He explained that most people only get on line to share negative stories. That's actually one of the reasons I decided to do this blog: to share my success stories. Remember, I had the surgery on two separate occasions, once on each elbow. So technically I can share TWO success stories.
There's always a risk with surgery. You just gotta decide if it's worth the risk. The odds are in your favor but nothing is guaranteed.
I literally almost chickened out the day of the surgery! I made my surgeon assess me again right there on the spot before I let him send me to prep. So your apprehension is totally understandable. Good luck!!!!
Thanks man I really owe ya - I’m having trouble finding anybody that even knows what surgery I having. I’m actually doing what you did - I’m going to talk to him again tomorrow..... hope he’s understanding. I just really want to get a handle on this recovery time line.
ReplyDeleteHey a couple of more questions - I realize you aren’t doctor but I was looking at the ratings for my surgeon and they’re kinda middle of the road. However, he does a lot of these types of procedures - should I rely on his experience? Also, he told me I couldn’t take ibuprophen after the surgery because it inhibits healing - does that sound right? I’m concerned because it is a good anti-inflamatory. He recommended Tylenol?????
ReplyDeleteI can't speak too much about the experience factor. I am pretty certain my doctor had not performed this surgery very much prior to performing it on me. I never asked to be honest. He just has a really good reputation in the Dayton area. Again, not for ulnar nerve transposition surgeries...just in general. He has performed countless knee and shoulder surgeries on college athletes. So I felt comfortable with him doing the procedure. Go with your gut I guess!
ReplyDeleteAs for the ibuprophen, I don't remember being told that specifically. I received a prescription pain killer, but I do not recall being told to avoid any specific OTC drugs. I really hope you have the same luck I did: for both of my surgeries, I did not require any pain medication at all! And I'm not that tough of a guy! I'm 5 foot 7 with no muscles! So hopefully you won't even need it!
Hey I know I’m hogging your blog but when did you start using your arm again - I mean just for light activities. I know it’ll be awhile before I can lift anything but it would be comforting to know that I can at least use my arm fairly quickly. Sounds like you were sort of using it in the first couple of weeks???
ReplyDeleteYeah I would say about 4 weeks. I was driving again with it once my sling was off after 3 weeks. Still did it mostly one-handed.
ReplyDeleteBut as for actually using it for light activities I would say 4 weeks or so. My arm was really tight after I got my sling off so I really didn't WANT to use it a lot right away. But the tightness started going away soon after.
Thanks again still paranoid as hell!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello, I've read through your blog and noticed that you said something about being around 40, I am 20 and thinking about having the surgery, however I can not find anything on long term effects of having it. Having a few years of use on the surgery now on both arms, would you still have the surgery if you were my age? or would you only have it at your age now?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Side note, I am a rock climber, tennis coach, kayaker, backpack/camping over extended periods of time, and other adrenaline based sports. You mentioned hockey and tennis, did it ever hamper your athleticism or did it actually improve it?
ReplyDeleteYES! Wholeheartedly. I first starting having problems with my elbows when I was in my early to mid thirties. While I am obviously twice your age, I still keep very active with hockey and tennis. I can't imagine what my life would be like now if I did not have the surgeries. I would still be inhibited by pain and discomfort. I could never swing my hardest in tennis. I became very weak trying to control the puck on the ice. The side effects/long term effect are so minimal right now. I can hit a tennis ball as hard as I want. I can work out lifting more now than I did in college. I am playing better hockey now at 41 than I was in my mid-thirties.
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, I would actually say having the surgeries improved my athletic life style. If had known better, I would have gotten the surgery earlier. As an active person, I feel like I lost several years of my life by dealing with the elbow discomfort and not being able to go "all out" when I participated in sports.
There are always risks and not all people will recover the same way, but for me personally it was the best decision I ever made in my life. And I'm not just saying that. It truly was. I will always be an advocate for this surgery for the rest of my life.
Thanks for the response, I one of those people that are not trusting of doctors and have not been in years being only 20 but I would hate for my distrust to ruin my outdoorsmanship. I spend too much of my daily life exercising, so you think being unable to lift or really do much for the few months is completely worth it in the long run? and not just helpful for one to two years?
DeleteDefinitely. I could not enjoy the things I loved most in life...mostly hockey. Now I play the game like I never had the surgery to begin with. So, looking back, FULL recovery (the point where I felt like I could do anything I wanted again with no discomfort at all) took a year or more. But that's just a bump in the road. One year off in order to spend many years doing the things I love is well worth it in my book!
DeleteYeah that’s a concern - how well does this surgery hold up 5 or ten years down the road. They really need more information on this area - it’s hard to find. You know I went to an occupational therapist and she said there could be a knot in my shoulder - hope not....I’d be very upset if we were in the wrong area. Thanks for your help 👍
ReplyDeleteI would be very upset too! No problem!
DeleteHow was it getting it done on your dominant arm - I might be headed that way ☹️
ReplyDeleteThat was my first surgery. It was more of an inconvenience obviously. As a teacher, I had to write on the board with my left arm. That was rough but thankfully I am a math teacher so I was just writing numbers, not letters. I felt more inclined to use it when it wasn't fully healed yet too. But I think that is normal. This sounds gross, but wiping was awkward. Brushing teeth. Shaving. All awkward. But I learned to cope for those couple of months and then slowly got back to normal use.
ReplyDeleteLeft arm tomorrow morning - right arm????? Yeah I can imagine some things are weird. Were you felling good enough to move around on day one? I like to take a walk if possible - if not then forget it. I don’t care for painkillers either - I think they’re way too easy to abuse. Gonna try OTC stuff to see if it does the trick. Little worried about the first night since I’ll be alone.....Oh crap!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had my surgery done in the morning. By dinner time I was up and moving around without issue. I felt good enough to take a walk for sure. Good luck!!!
DeleteHey I might add notes to yours during my recovery - if that’s alright. Just follow you timeline and at notes in the comment section. I’m older so this should be intersting 😱
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great! Add away! The more people this can help, the better.
DeleteGotta watch the typos 😳
ReplyDeleteI had the same surgery March 21st. I am still on light duty at my job. One thing I am worried is I still get some numbness in my pinky and ring finger some times, no tingling though, did you have that within 2 months after yours? My incision area is probably what bothers me the most though.
ReplyDeleteI also forgot to mention I'm only 26 yr old, I do worry a lot but reading this helped knowing you still feel things for quite a long time, not so much as good news but good to know.
DeleteHi! I don't remember having any numbness in my pinky and ring finger that long after surgery. I definitely felt it shortly after the surgery though. I would ask your surgeon about it on your next follow up visit though. Probably nothing! Your nerve was put into a place it's not supposed to be so there's bound to be some hiccups. Hopefully, long term, it will be no big deal! Good luck!
DeleteAnthony, great blog! I just had surgery (transposition) this morning in Saudi Arabia on my right elbow to alleviate the pain and symptoms of CTS. I am a helicopter instructor and have had to carefully schedule my procedure so as to minimize the impact to my employer and job. I am an expat overseas working on a US-based contract for the KSA military, and I’ve only been here two months. Anyway, my concern is being sufficiently recovered in 4 weeks to get back in the cockpit. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is winding down and their holiday, EID, will kick off this week to wrap things up. I’ve got until the third week of July to get back up to speed and in the cockpit. My surgeon thinks that I should be ready to fly in about 3 weeks. This job is VERY important to me!
ReplyDeleteAny advice for my specific situation?
Thanks so much!
Chris
Hello. I had ulnar nerve release surgery five weeks ago and am experiencing worse pain (burning nerve pain from elbow to fingertips) than I had before the surgery. Is this normal? Is it possible that the pain will improve, or does the fact that it's already been five weeks suggest that I'll have permanent nerve pain? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYikes. I don't remember having such intense pain that long after surgery. I would definitely contact your doctor. I wouldn't worry just yet though. As you have probably read in this blog, everyone recovers differently so it wouldn't surprise me if your symptoms are just a side effect that will pass in time. Contact your doctor right away and let him/her know what is going on! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHi again Anthony, I had my 2 week post-op appointment today after submuscular transposition surgery of the left arm. The soft cast was removed and stitches taken out (only 9, thought here would be like 20). My husband measured the incision to be 4". Steri-strips were placed. I was told the only restrictions were: not to swim in stagnant water (why would anyone), or swim in the pool (we live in Florida, so that makes more sense) or lift anything more than 5 pounds until I see him again in 4 weeks. I don't need a sling and can shower normally. What I am experiencing: stiffness when straightening my arm and much more stiffness and pain when flexing. I still have swelling in my fingers. All of this is normal. No PT needed at this point. I need to be flexing and straightening as much as possible. Also, making a fist and stretching my fingers often. I can resume any activity (other than lifting), as I can tolerate. I will return to my Zumba classes at the end of the week with special care of my arm. My passion is guitar, so I hope to be able to get the dexterity back within a few weeks, but who knows. It's nice to be able to type with both hands! Will talk to doctor at my 6 week appointment about when to schedule surgery for my right arm. Thanks again for this blog. It gives me a chance to not only learn what you and others have experienced, but gives me a chance to share mine. Today was a good day.
ReplyDeleteThat is good news! I am surprised you are allowed to lift up to 5 pounds already. I was told nothing more than a half cup of coffee! Good luck with your continued recovery.
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, My surgery was 3 weeks ago today. When I posted one week ago, I think I was overly optimistic. I am doing the stretching exercises, with some pain especially when flexing and little pain when straightening. I will not lift anything near 5 pounds. I have not gone back to my Zumba classes yet as my arm is just too uncomfortable. And, I think it will be a few months before I can even think about playing guitar. What I did want to share with you is that I've reread your posts and others and feel assured that everything I am experiencing is normal. I see the doctor in 3 weeks. I don't think I am ready to schedule my second arm for a while. A question - I was told that cubital tunnel syndrome was a progressive disease. Were you told that? I had pain and tingling in my fingers of my left arm for about 7 months prior to surgery (nerve started popping out about 2 months before surgery). I need the same surgery on my left arm. I'm just wondering how long I can wait to have the second surgery. Will discuss this with my orthopedic at my next visit. Thanks for any advice!
DeleteI was never told that regarding cubital tunnel syndrome. To be very honest, I was never told anything about how progressive it was, what caused it, etc. It was pretty much "sorry about your luck. Let's fix it." My two surgeries were approximately one year apart. I was just starting to experience symptoms so I just wanted to take care of it right away and get it over with!
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI had this surgery a week ago, and I find this blog very helpful.
Thank you!
Greetings from Norway :)
Glad to be of service! Good luck with your recovery!
DeleteGreetings - just read through your blog. I'm getting ready to have this surgery on my left elbow within the next few weeks. I've also got golfer's elbow symptoms on the same arm. I wanted to ask, since I noticed in your blog you mentioned having golfer's elbow in one of your arms as well - did it eventually go away on its own? Did the transposition surgery help at all with it? Did you do anything specific to heal it? Thanks very much! If you'd like to e-mail me, please feel free - bgray9054@gmail.com Thanks for your time
ReplyDeleteThank you Anthony, i ad the surgery 2 weeks ago and I read your bolgs with a lot of interest! Regards from a fellow teacher in The Netherlands!!
ReplyDeleteSorry... typing with my left finger results in lots of typing errors!!
ReplyDelete