Gestational CT question - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

JenW67 · 04-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Hi,

I am new to this board. I had a baby three weeks ago and have had horrible CT for the past two and a half months. I never had it before that, not even with my first pregnancy.

My hands are still almost completely numb in the thumb, index and middle fingers. The most feeling I get is a kind of pins and needles sensation. It is very hard for me to do things like change, bathe, and dress the baby as those movements can require more fine motor skill than I have right now.

Do any of you know if this will indeed go away? Should I seek out a specialist of some sort?

Thanks,

Jen

PeloMarron · 04-12-2008, 08:27 PM

Fluid retention during pregnancy causes increased pressure in the capal tunnel. CTS is not uncommon on women late in their pregnancy or months after giving birth.
These symptoms should go away, once there is normal pressure in this area. Speak with your doctor about what meds you can take. If you are breast feeding, symptoms may improve sooner. Wear wrist splints when you are doing activities that irritate your wrists and cause the symptoms you described. Again, speak with your doc, he knows your situation better than we would.

JenW67 · 04-13-2008, 06:55 AM

Gracias Pelo.

I have splints and I wear them when I can. They get in the way when I am changing the baby and make it hard to get a good grip on him when I pcik him up but I do try to keep them on as much as possible.

I can take ibuprofen and it does help a bit. I think I am just being impatient. I thought that the CT would be gone a few days after giving birth. I am finding out that this is not the case. So, now I am trying to find ways to cope.

Thanks for your input.

-Jen

sandradee0303 · 09-18-2008, 12:20 PM

Hi, I started having CTS in the last trimester of my third pregnancy. This was nine years ago and I still have it. Apparently my thyroid also quit working appropriately during the same time frame and mine is hormonal to a point. I did fail my EMG test. It is getting very bad. I wake up every night, 3-4 times with my hands on FIRE!!!! I need to get a new appt and start thinking about surgery. Good Luck to you. Maybe once your fluids and hormones regulate you will get better. Blessings, Sandra Dee

Johands333 · 09-19-2008, 08:39 AM

Jen,
Watch your salt intake. Also, in between changing the baby or ordinary every day chores, let your arms hang limp and loose. Relax the areas as much as possible. You can also try soaking your hands in warm water (or hot as you can stand). Or take a wash cloth and wet it and pop it into the microwave for 10 seconds and then when you can stand the temperature, wrap your hands with it. See if it helps. Also, before my surgery I was on Naporsyn for 5 years. It can hurt your kidneys, but then most medicines have some kind of effect on various glands. Aleve is almost the same thing. My doctor told me I could take 2 Aleve every morning if I wanted to. I only take it when I have to do something or drive somewhere. Good luck. Keep us informed on your progress. Also, I hate it, but I sleep in splints every night.