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Pregnancy

Left arm is killing me :o(

8 replies

Squiglettsmummy2bx · 18/08/2011 09:22

I woke up at 5am this morning with my left arm feeling like it had been run over & after constant suffering I have taken some paracetomol. It hurts from my wrist until halfway between my elbow & shoulder & is not just an ache but real severe pain. I actually want to cry. Is there anything I can do or does anyone have an axe to chop it off?

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TheMonster · 18/08/2011 12:32

I would get to the doctor because it could be something to do with your heart. It might not - its more likely to be a pulled muscle, but better safe thans sorry.

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jasmine51 · 18/08/2011 13:40

I am guessing this could be either a trapped nerve or more seriously a dvt. Do you have any redness or swelling - if so, go to GP straight away. If just general pain, do you hurt anywhere else eg neck? I had a trapped nerve just after birth and like you, wanted to chop my arm off. Manipulation and stretching resolved it and paracetamol kept me sane whilst it got better. x ps please dont chop your arm off.. you need it to open the biscuit tin/ chocolate box...ie important pg survival tools!

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milkyways · 18/08/2011 14:04

How far along are you? I know that ectopic pregnancy symptoms can be arm and shoulder pain - this would normally be in early pregnancy around 4-8 weeks. If you are further along, it sounds like severe carpal tunnel syndrome - I have had that type of pain in the past.

Definitely get yourself an emergency appointment at the GP, or if it is really bad, just go down to A&E. I really recommend you see a doctor today though.

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Squiglettsmummy2bx · 18/08/2011 16:51

Thanx for your replies ladies. Definitely not eptopic as I am 14 weeks now & have had a scan so know bubba is in the right place. After speaking to nhs direct it seems like carpal tunnel :o( I have worn a heat pad on my arm & it had eased off, will try to sleep in a different position tonight. You are right about not chopping my arm off, I need it to peel the lids off the many yogurts I am eating

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Pippaandpolly · 18/08/2011 17:36

I've had not-too-bad carpal tunnel but one day where my whole left arm was like this for a whole night and most of the next day. I found it helped to move it between hot and cold water (easier when it's just a hand, but possible with an arm if you use the shower!) and to keep it moving. I got some conflicting advice about whether to keep it elevated in order to relieve the pressure or lowered in order to keep the blood flowing to it and pretty much ended up alternating between the two all day. Paracetamol helped a little bit but not much. It did go of its own accord in the end - I guess the fluid drained from whichever nerve was under pressure. I sympathise with you. Try and keep it gently moving and see your midwife who can send you to a physio - they gave me splints for overnight which have helped quite a bit.

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milkyways · 18/08/2011 22:58

I'm glad it was carpal tunnel! You should try ibuprofen along with paracetemol, because carpal tunnel is caused by inflammation in the nerves, so ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and help relieve the pain.

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yummymango · 19/08/2011 07:38

I could be wrong but check with a professional before taking anything like Ibuprofen as I have always been told you can't take it in pregnancy.

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Squiglettsmummy2bx · 19/08/2011 11:11

Thank you everyone. I too thought ibrophen was out but actually a hot water bottle helped & today left arm is ok & right is twingy so it is definitely to do with how I sleep.