Before you think about surgery (which has so-so success), I suggest you try another course of treatment under a doctor's care.
This is my experience. I had severe carpal tunnel in my right wrist from years of computer usage. My right arm would "fall asleep" all time (even while driving), the fingers were numb, and my sleep was disturbed every night. My doctor first prescribed a wrist wrap with a metal insert and "spoon" which kept the wrist in the correct position. I wore it at night and had instant relief. I also wore it on a set schedule during the day and while doing certain activities. He prescribed anti-inflammatories to reduce the inflammation and swelling. This medication was monitored by the doctor because the dosage could affect the stomach. The inflammation is deep and usually doesn't respond to over the counter pain relievers. It took several weeks and if I wasn't careful, I had to repeat the routine for a week or so. But the treatment worked and I avoided surgery.

Kathy, I have the flare ups periodically because of working all day on the computer and my quilting. I bought those $5 stretchy gloves at the drugstore and oftentimes the pain and swelling goes away in a day. Now everyone is different but if you haven't tried those, it's an inexpensive experiment.

Kathy, I pray that you will receive some relief. I have cubital syndrome, more commonly known as tennis elbow. I have to make sure that I sleep with a pillow between my arms, keeping my elbows straight or else I have pain and numbness. Don't know if this would help, but it might be worth a try. Take care and get that second opinion. WandaM

Kathy, I know the numbness you're talking about - it's not fun, either. Let's hope and pray you get good counsel from your doctor. And yes, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Perhaps they can still prescribe a pain reliever that will help without bad side effects. I'll be thinking of you!

Kathy, remember get a second opinion. That is best wish I can have for you. A friend of mine had the surgery and it ruined her. She can't do a thing, her Physical therapist recommend she continue with Occupational Therapy. I think her surgeon wasn't in their right mind the day of the surgery.

Looks like I'm going to have to break down and have carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand,even though I have arthritis and have alot of numbness in both hands even after having surgery on the right hand.
My left hand has swelled all week-end has been doing this often this pain goes up to my elbow.Ice hasn't help any - advil didn't help any. Even though I still have numbeness in the right hand it sure doesn't hurt like the left hand does right now. I don't think it ever hurt this bad like the left one does,just numbness mainly.
So I'll have to go dr. have a look at it. I'm right handed and you would think it would hurt worse because I use it more.
"I don't know,"but I guess rather you have arthritus and dumbness - the carpal tunnel makes it much worse. I'll update once I know for sure. I've had to avoid this numbness but the swelling & pain I can't take this,its constant pain.
I'll update once I see my DR. "Darn it Darn it" .
Kathy