I've had it for years. I've had a few really bad episodes where I was in so much pain I went to a hand surgeon for his opinion. I had the electrocution tests and it showed quite a bit of loss and delay. I went to Hospital for Special Surgery and saw a top doc there. He recommended surgery.
When it was acute I could hardly use my hand. The pain went up to my forearm and shoulder.
I scheduled the surgery both times and cancelled both times. I heard too many stories from others who were not satisfied.
It took about 4 months and the problem cleared up by 98%
Occasionally I'll get a small bit of tingling.
I did not do the surgery and I'm glad I held off.
If you do decide to do it screen the doc and ask how many of these surgeries he has performed.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/629740-who-has-had-carpal-tunnel-surgery.html
Good Luck