Vent. 5 months post op. Thought I was cured but after 5 months symptoms started back. Worried my career is the issue.
Had surgery done on my dominant hand/wrist over Christmas and after about 3 weeks, the swelling finally started subsiding and I got strength back. I returned to work 1 month after surgery. Over the last couple months, I've been steadily using my dominant hand/wrist more and saw a significant improvement. I basically got back to doing my normal hobbies and routines again.
But only in the last two weeks, my carpal tunnel symptoms have returned and the pain is almost as bad as just before surgery. Immediately returning to work I reconfigured my work station to be more ergonomic, split keyboard, using an ambidextrous mouse, adjusting desk height and seating position. I work as a design engineer and my work is entirely computer based. I type and use the mouse at least 8hr daily. I notice it's worsening after my work days. I'm planning to contact the hand specialist tomorrow, but I'm worried this is just going to be my life. I wear a brace that limits my thumb motion when I'm not working, but can't wear it while typing.
I'm 33yo. I can't just stop working. I don't dislike my job. There are parts of it I'm truly passionate about, but my favorite part of my job is actual design, which is entirely using the mouse and keyboard. If the symptoms really are permanent and persistent, I can't imagine working through this pain another 30+ years.
I'm so frustrated and depressed about the pain returning.