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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Carpal tunnel Misery

10 replies

greentea72 · 19/01/2010 19:38

Is anyone else suffering from this, I am 36 weeks and have had it since about 20 weeks, getting progressively worse. Have now got splints which are helping a bit at night (now just mildly painful rather than agony - so I am getting some sleep) Completely ruling my life, can't drive far, hold and read book for more than 10 minutes or write ( typing not great either!, doing any jobs around the house is difficult. Making me miserable and really grumpy. Any other suggestions for relief?

OP posts:
GuernseyFrench · 19/01/2010 19:50

No solution but just wanted to say that you are not alone, I could I've done this thread myself, only 4 weeks to go and everything will be over!

bluebump · 19/01/2010 19:51

I had the same when I was pg, it completely disappeared almost the second after I gave birth - I hope the same can be said for you!

booboomonster · 19/01/2010 23:56

Sounds like u have it bad. My sympathies - I had it first preg and can feel it coming on now at 22 weeks into second preg. I was all prepared to have the op (they loosen the band in yr wrist sorry not very technical explanation) after last preg but like someone else said - it completely went very quickly after birth. I have found not wearing a watch, not cycling (handlebar vibration made it worse) and either raising arms or dangling wrists off bed/sofa helpful. Someone on another thread suggested tonic water - not tried that one yet. Good luck!

NowWhatIsit · 20/01/2010 09:24

misery, I really sympathise - I had in first preg, lasted a few weeks after del I'm afraid. I tried just raising them up on pillows as much as poss. My friend says cranial osteopathy cured hers...
Oh only other tip was I bought some of those baby nightie things - like a long dress (in blue for the boy!) - made nappy changing so much easier because I couldnt do up any poppers for a while..

NowWhatIsit · 20/01/2010 09:28

This sort of thing

www.amazon.co.uk/Kushies-A4650316-Nightgown-Yellow/dp/B001KA9RZI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8& s=clothing&qid=1263979548&sr=8-8

lola0109 · 20/01/2010 12:23

Hi greentea, sorry to hear about your carpal tunnel, I had it first time round from about 26 weeks and was signed off work at 32 weeks, couldn't drive (this was the worse part) i was going absolutely insane in last 8 weeks. The same goes for holding books etc. But it did go about 3 days after the birth once the swelling disappeared! What a relief!

DP thought he was being funny this time and bought me a giant pen for work in case it returned, how very amusing!! But I'm 31 weeks now and although my left hand can be a bit painful at night its nothing compared to first time round. Someone told me that if you have it beofre you are more than likely to get it again, but touch wood!!

And I've been addicted to the Twilight Saga past couple of weeks and not been able to put the books down so no problems there

So, sorry i don't have any other advice but wanted to let you know it can pass quickly and doesn't always return!

Me30 · 20/01/2010 15:18

Hi,

I have a disability in my wrists and get this regularly, now i'm pg it's even worse. Hopefully it will go for you after birth as it is due to the build up of fluid within the small tunnel in the wrist that your tendons and nerves go through. The best thing (and only one) is to try and reduce the fluid in your wrists. You can do this by physio exercises...

Raise your arms straight up towards the celing and open and close your fists, fingers and thumbs stretching out then making a ball... you are effectively using your muscles to pump the fluid with the assistance of gravity. Do this as often as you can throughout the day.

To keep the nerves and tendons moving (instead of getting stuck in the tunnel due to sticky fluid, which can cause more pain) do the same excercise but keep the back of your hand straight and in line with the back of your arm, so this time it is only your fingers and thumb moving not the palm of your hand - don't do this too much if it is painful, maybe only 5 times, 3 times a day.

You can ice the inside of your wrists, then submerge them in warm water or put a heat pack on them (wet heat is always more effective), by doing hot and clod you are again encouraging blood flow and blood vessel dilation which helps to get thigs moving.

I also find it useful if my husband rubs my hands... effectively squeezing each finger/thumb like a toothpaste tube, then my palm, wrist and up my forearm.

Wearing you supports is fine for the pain but remember that they keep the wrist immobile and this does nothing for getting anything moving, over time it also makes the wrists weaker. However it is fine for a short period of time but make sure you do move and don't wear them 24hours a day.

Good luck, if you have any other questions please let me know.

Me

greentea72 · 21/01/2010 22:34

Thanks will try some of these suggestions

OP posts:
Abubu · 22/01/2010 10:27

I had this last time (not this time so far)

I'm afraid to say that mine lasted a couple of months after giving birth (not easiest with newborns to look after) so be warned!

Not much that you can do I'm afraid apart from to keep wearing your splints.

Good luck!

jellybean86 · 22/01/2010 11:58

hey guys, im such a novice but what does carpel tunnel feel like? all night ive had pains in my fingers and when i try and make myhand flat its really hurts! they feel really stiff and big but there not really swallon x

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