Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...???

Don't have it but when I fall to sleep I clench my hands into tight fists, so when I wake up hands and wrists are sore, so I wear splints used for carpal tunnel syndrome to keep hands flat, GP thinks it's my meds that cause me to do this

 

yeah I have it and having an operation onFriday to relieve the preasure of the carpel tunnel on my median nerve. I have had it for around 20 years or so and I have started loosing muscle because of it, but as far as I'm aware it is not common to have muscle wasting away through it (though I maybe wrong).

Best off getting is sorted out sooner rather than later

 

Never had it but I read that it's common in pregnancy (for all women)

I did have an inflamed tendon in my wrist once though and found I really had to think about resting it. Rest did help a lot. Did the doctor suggest a splint or anything?

 

If it continues, you could try asking your midwife for advice maybe?

Here's some basic info:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/Pages/Whatisit.aspx

I hope you get some relief

 

Maybe go back to your doctor then and say it's keeping you awake?

Mind you, pregnancy is a time of disturbed sleep anyway - in practice for the arrival of baby! Would something like resting it on a pillow by your side help? I had a fab pregnancy pillow that helped my hips and back, so sometimes a little extra comfort or a change of position can relieve the pain if not totally cure it.

 

maybe ask your GP for the wrist splints, they were the only thing that helped me and I bought a nice set from Amazon around 3 years ago.

 

I don't know if a pillow would help, but I was thinking you could maybe rest your arm on it and it might help relieve some of the pain. If certain positions make the pain worse, then having a pillow 'in the right place' might help a little because you could train yourself to try to keep your arm there rather than above your head/under your side/whichever position makes it hurt more.

I know you can buy wrist splints in high street chemists but I'm not sure whether that would be a good idea, so I thought maybe the pillow would be a gentle alternative until you get seen.

 

I had mine surgercally decompressed 20+ years ago (caused by a sports injury) pre the surgery, wrist braces helped (the ones with a metal plate in) and keeping the affected wrist raised above heart level also can help as it reduces the swelling. Anti- inflammitories can help (asprin, ibuprofen) releive the pain. before my surgery my hand used to go so dead I'd bash it against the wall to recover some feeling (not a good idea I know, but it was so frustrating). my surgeon gave me a fab scar, and extended my "lifeline" off the edge of my hand!

 

Can you self refer for physio? A physio will sort out splints for you to wear at night.

 

That sounds unpleasant! The need to wall-bash I mean : D

I know you didn't intend for the OP to take any drugs, but just a reminder to any pregnant readers that things like ibuprofen are not recommended in pregnancy:

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2398.aspx?CategoryID=54

 

Yes I had mine done a few years back and probably one of those things in your life that will definitely improve your day to day life no end, mine was really successful, I'm now typing this with the hand that got operated on. And I don't have any pain at all.
I highly recommend the surgery wether local or full anaesthetic. I had local so I could watch what was happening.
Just to get rid of the pains, aches and tingling, needles and pins and you do get better sleep.

I urge you to have the op!

 

@nosher8355 The OP is pregnant. Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome that develop in pregnancy resolve a few months after birth without treatment. Odds are Nicola won't need an op

 

Ok, sorry!

But if it persists, get it done! Obviously after giving birth!!!!!!!