My Cubital Tunnel Syndrome surgery had about a 4-inch incision from about an inch below the elbow and 3 inch above.
They shaved from hand to arm pit. Some small bruise on palm where they did while I was under, probably a Nerve Conduction Test and EMG Test. The needle marks on palm and upper arm is similar to where they shocked me as was done a few months ago that signified the surgery was warranted back then.
After having awakened with much pain, I got admitted which was not the plan. Three free meals though!
Since leaving hospital I have only used Ibuprofen on occasion. The gabapentin I stopped taking altogether.
The prescription oxycodone my pharmacy is still waiting to be able to dispense. They are not approved for it now, and it does not matter.
Mostly I am not having the real bad stinging pain in my hand, but just when over stressed, or very cold without enough clothing being worn.
The stitches are dissoluble. A bunch of special tape pieces covering them are supposed to eventually just fall away.
The tight wrapped gauze and ace bandage now removed, I can go around without gauze and first aid tape. That otherwise just irritates the skin area already tender.
My use of cotton / linen mix long sleeve shirt works well. There was hook part of Velcro on both ends of ace bandage cutting into my arm by the end fasten when I bent my arm.
Using the clear waterproof stuff for showering works well. I bozoed though. The stuff is supposed to be used by itself, not as tape to hold gauze. It sealed water out well.
Expensive stuff, I will order more online with my allotted insurance OTH free stuff. It is Quartey, use it or lose anyway.
A clear mind without that gabapentin and free from most stabbing pain in hand, I am glad for. Numbness is same, but it needs time as you have mentioned to get the rest to normal. I can hope.
I did drive my truck yesterday (2 days after surgery), but the bumpy road I will limit driving so much right now. Getting to and from hospital I had a service get me there an back. That was mandatory by the hospital.