Returning to Activity After Ulnar Nerve Surgery
Next week, I am scheduled for surgery aimed at decompressing my ulnar nerve, with the hope of addressing the muscle deterioration in my hand. The plan involves translating the ulnar nerve and executing an anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) transfer at my wrist. Post-surgery, my elbow will be heavily bandaged while my wrist remains in a cast. During our discussion regarding my ability to return to work, the surgeon initially estimated a recovery period of 3 to 4 weeks. However, she later indicated that I could resume work whenever I felt ready, so long as I refrained from using my arm. Taking this into account, I've arranged for three days off—covering the day of surgery, the day after, and an additional day just in case. Fortunately, my workplace is very supportive and can easily accommodate any necessary restrictions, which puts my mind at ease. I fully comprehend the necessity of keeping the surgical areas undisturbed to promote healing, but I'm curious about the extent to which I might use my arm in the early days after surgery. Will I be able to slightly twist my arm or pick up lightweight objects, such as paper or pens, or should I keep my arm entirely still, allowing it to rest? I'm feeling anxious, considering the surgery involves nerve work. To provide a bit more background, I had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for a fractured collarbone about four months after an accident. During that time, the surgeon removed a significant amount of scar tissue, and I felt ready to return to work within ten days. However, due to an ongoing claim with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), I was unable to do so. For about a year, I experienced some paresthesia and nerve pain, which was anticipated. I am prepared for the possibility of discomfort following the upcoming procedure and am aware that it can take 12-18 months for the nerve to regenerate. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences regarding how physical activity influences the healing process and what I might expect during my recovery. Naturally, I will prioritize the advice of my surgeon, but I’d appreciate your insights!
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 1:10:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you’re preparing for your upcoming surgery and are actively seeking information to support your recovery. After ulnar nerve decompression and the anterior interosseous nerve transfer, your approach to returning to activity will need to be cautious to optimize healing while also addressing your concerns.
Main Points:
- Rest is Crucial Initially: It's essential to minimize any movement in the first days following your surgery.
- Gradual Activity Introduction: You can progressively reintroduce use of your arm once advised by your surgeon.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort and communicate with your medical team as needed.
Explanation:
After ulnar nerve surgery, especially one involving nerve transfer, the healing process is delicate. Resting the surgical area for the first several days promotes proper healing and minimizes complications. Although some movement may eventually be permitted, during the first week, it is typically advised to keep your arm as still and immobile as possible. This means avoiding twisting motions and lifting even lightweight objects, like paper or pens.
Since you are familiar with recovery from a prior injury, it’s important to recognize that this situation is different because it directly involves your nerves. The nerves require time to regenerate and heal, which means that patience is key.
Next Steps:
-
Limit Movement: For the first 3 to 7 days, refrain from any movements involving the arm. Keep your cast and bandaged areas undisturbed.
-
Monitor Symptoms: After a week, if there's no increased pain or discomfort, you might cautiously reintroduce simple movements, but consult your surgeon for specific guidelines on this.
-
Follow Up with Your Surgeon: When you meet for your post-op appointment, discuss when and how you can start incorporating more activity based on your progress and comfort level.
-
Stay Informed About Recovery Stages: Learn about typical recovery timelines for nerve surgery so you can set realistic expectations about your functional return to activities.
-
Consider Support: Given your supportive work environment, discuss potential accommodations you might need in the early days of your return to work.
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about this surgery, but with careful adherence to your surgeon's advice and attention to your body's signals, you can facilitate a smoother recovery. If you have more questions or need further clarification as you approach your surgery date, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Expectorated Large Tissue with Blood
At 28 years old, I experienced a fever the previous night, after which I had no other cold symptoms. To my surprise, today I coughed just once and expelled a significant piece of tissue mixed with blood. Following this alarming incident, I sought medical attention at an urgent care facility because I developed a headache immediately afterward and felt a peculiar "butterfly" sensation in my chest. The healthcare professionals did not conduct any laboratory tests or imaging studies, instead opting to prescribe antibiotics for what they suspected might be an infection. Is this an appropriate response to my situation? This is quite concerning.
Understanding Kidney Pain: Should You Be Concerned?
As a 15-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with acid reflux, although I've been neglecting to take any supplements. I also have scoliosis, which I doubt is linked to my current issue. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my kidney area, specifically in my back, where my kidneys are situated. My mother suggested that this discomfort might indeed stem from my kidneys. For several months now, I haven't pinpointed the cause. I typically consume about 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily, and occasionally I drink cola, though I've reduced that due to my reflux. I sometimes have peach juice or plain tea, but those drinks have become quite infrequent. Despite my fluid intake, it seems my pain level remains consistent regardless of what I drink. The pain primarily affects my right kidney, but during more intense episodes, I also feel discomfort in my left kidney. I've tried lying down and applying gentle pressure to the area, which provides a bit of relief. Aside from occasional bladder discomfort today, I haven't experienced any additional pain that relates to my kidneys, aside from the persistent back pain from scoliosis and the usual stomach and chest pains from my reflux. Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor about this concern? 🥺 I am hesitant to go unless it's truly serious because I was hospitalized last summer due to undiagnosed tics and twitches—likely anxiety-related—and I spent the entire winter seeing doctors for this issue and my scoliosis. I’m also worried about missing school due to more medical appointments, especially since my doctor has a packed schedule, and I'm uncertain if she would prioritize my concern if it doesn't seem urgent. When I was hospitalized last summer, tests including urine and blood analysis showed no significant issues, so I'm unsure whether this warrants another visit now.
Persistent Shin Discomfort
For the past year, I have been grappling with ongoing discomfort in my shins. Despite consulting multiple physiotherapists and doctors, I have yet to find a solution to my problem. My routine has included extensive strength training targeting my hips, glutes, calves, and lower leg muscles. I've also taken steps to improve my running form and have experimented with various recovery techniques, such as foam rolling and using massage devices. No matter what I try, the pain persists, specifically on the inner side of my lower legs. Initially, I suspected that I was suffering from shin splints. However, given my varied attempts at treatment and the lack of improvement, I am starting to believe that the issue might be something different. Even mundane activities, like walking around at home, have become increasingly uncomfortable, not to mention my inability to ride a stationary bike without experiencing pain. If anyone has any insights or recommendations that could assist me in alleviating this issue, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your help! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 70 kilograms.
Seeking Guidance on Ice Treatment Post-Surgery
I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing 158 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. I lead a non-smoking lifestyle, consume three alcoholic drinks weekly, and do not have any known allergies. I'm currently recovering from right hand and wrist surgery, which took place five weeks ago. I need some advice regarding the use of ice for my treatment, as my wrist remains quite swollen. While I understand the advantages of icing, I find the experience quite intolerable. I attempt to immerse my hand and wrist in ice water completely, but the pain is so intense that I can barely last more than 15 seconds. Is this a challenge of mental resilience where I need to push through the discomfort for the sake of a proper 10-minute soak? In the past, I worked with racehorses, and we would apply ice to their legs for 30-minute sessions, significantly accelerating their recovery. I recognize the effectiveness of this method, yet the pain from the cold is unbearable. Should I endure this discomfort for longer periods?
Rash on My Arm: Should I Be Concerned?
Hi there! I’m a 65-year-old female, and for the past four days, I’ve been dealing with a strange rash on my arm. Unfortunately, I can’t visit a healthcare professional until Monday, so I’m hoping to get some clarity in the meantime. I’ll share some images. If they don’t upload here, I’ll post them in the comments instead. The first image, taken last night, is a bit out of focus, but this morning, the rash has appeared even redder. Although it doesn’t itch now, I did experience some itching during the initial two days. As for my health history, I generally don’t have major health concerns apart from elevated cholesterol levels and a recent A1C reading of 5.9, but I do not have diabetes. I keep fairly active for my age group. During the first couple of days, there was some pus, and I managed to clean it with an alcohol wipe, which helped remove it. Could this be related to a spider bite? I noticed some small spiders (specifically daddy long legs) in my bedroom, especially near the balcony door, and I eliminated a few of them today, so that could be a possibility. Should I be wary of any serious complications from this rash? Any advice would be immensely appreciated! My ER co-payment is quite steep, and there’s no urgent care facility nearby. My only option is to request an appointment with my primary care physician next week, but I’m uncertain if it’s something that warrants immediate attention.