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11-12-2008 - Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

My mood while writing this blog: irritable and tired

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Gawd I hate complaining...but at this point, I guess all I can do is hope for both the callback from my midwife and any advice from others experiencing this horrible byproduct of pregnancy.

Since week 20 (almost exactly) I have been experiencing mild-moderate symptoms of carpal tunnel. At night after about 6hrs of sleep I'd wake with numb aching hands. I bought splints immediately as I recognized the symptoms (I'm a Reg'd Massage Therapist so I've treated it) They were an immediate cure! I was THRILLED. But NOW.....it's moved into a completely different level of discomfort. For the last 4 days....after only 4 hrs of sleep with the splints on....my entire forearm from my elbow to my middle finger on one or both or alternating hands....serious aching starts with numbness and esp. my middle finger feels like a burning sausage. If I don't get out of bed....run my arms/hands under freezing water (which is rather waking) and shake my hands out for 5 minutes....the pain can progress to excruciating sharp pains shooting out of the sides of the middle fingers. Sometimes I can go back to bed for 30 min....but last night...I had to resort to trying to sleep sitting up....and it still came back every 20-30min. (Geeez even now my hands are numb typing this)

I don't imagine this is going to get any better as time goes on.....I'm terrified. I am self-employed....I cannot take time off work..... I don't even think that would necessarily help!!! By the end of the day after doing about 5 hrs of massage....my hands finally feel GREAT....so I don't think my job is necessarily aggravating the issue.

Things I'm currently trying:
splints
dandelion tea (preg-safe diuretic)
cold arm washes after ever massage
massage therapy treatements on me
chiropractic....but not that frequently so far.


Any other suggestions???
Today I plan to look into homeopathic methods....anybody ever try any?

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2 Comments on Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome


lmommytobe - Friday, 12 Dec
Hey sorry to hear, that really sucks. I can't give any advise due to my own experiences, but however I know my midwife highly recommends homeopathic methods and she is a big fan of accupuncture just about for any symptoms you experience during pregnancy. She says she's seen it work time and time again in the 20 years she's been practising. Hope this helps!

Debra - Thursday, 11 Dec
I had the numbness in my right arm/hand from 36 weeks to 2 months post birth. My massage therapist helped, but i was swelling alot from not drinking enough water. How much are you drinking now?