post partum carpel tunnel... how to cope?

[PeaPod]

Im pretty certain that i have carpel tunnel in my left hand and it is starting in my right. My GP has referred me for the nerve test but im not sure how long the wait is. Im due my 6 week check up at the end of this week so will discuss then but i just wondered if anyone has any experience/ advice with this. Also, has anyone had the surgery and how did you cope looking after a baby in the recovery period as this is starting to stress me out a bit? TIA

 

[Gayle30]

I know your worried pretty lady, but please try not to be. Like I said earlier-splints are a good start and also the nerve conduction tests. I never had these as both times the clinical diagnosis was enough. I had the test eventually as I have De Quervians also and that needed fixed too. Yep I know, my body is a freak! The nerve tests will tell the specialists just how bad the problem is. It could be something temporary though-i don't have CTS now as I've had both hands released but post birth I've felt my fingers swollen and sore in the am and my rings are tight. I've been told that this could take a few weeks to settle again? Really?! Cause I never had it in pregnancy!

Chin up and keep doing what your doing. The surgery aint good (you know I wouldn't sugar coat for you) BUT it is effective and helped me so much. I suffered about 6 years with mine in both hands (steroid injections 6, 5 times in both hands and then another 3 into my thumb for the de quervians) and the relief after was amazing. Ok not straight after-maybe about 6-8 weeks.

Like I say tho-i feel the steroids weakened my hands and if I knew they weren't going to help I'd never have had 5or 6 times.

Big hugs xxxxx

Sent from my BlackBerry using Tapatalk-its rubbish tho so can't see tickers or upload pics!

 

[PeaPod]

Thank you lovely! I found sitting with my hand slightly elevated last night really helped too so will do that when im resting (and i can still have Fraser cuddled into me as i do so). I just have go keep reminding myself that hopefully its just temporary. Hope your hand feels better soon too. Big hugs!!XxX

 

[Little_angel]

Oh goodness, I have had problems with carpel tunnel and probably de quervains (in the left hand only) too, the last few months. I was really hoping this was going to go away after the birth!

It's not a cure, but my physio has taught me to massage my arms/wrists and hands to encourage the fluid back: hold the arm slightly elevated, start at the elbow with a massaging movement towards the shoulder, then do the forearm, then the wrist hand. This seems to relieve it a little.

Hope you get it sorted soon xx