carpal tunnel and swelling - this week sucks!

sarah_beth2005

I went to my OB yesterday for an emergency appointment, since over the last 3-4 days I have noticed that my feet and ankles (and really, my entire legs) have started swelling really bad (they're even swollen when I wake up in the morning!), and the fingertips in my left hand are almost constantly tingly/numb.  Turns out I've developed pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome (which thankfully should go away after the babies arrive, but I still need to find a way to function until then).  So now I'm wearing a wrist splint to sleep in, and I bought a smaller one to wear during the day -- so far today, I'm a little less tingly/numb than I have been, so I'm taking it as a good sign, but it's hard to type while wearing it.  The bad news is that if I can't get my swelling under control, then I'll have to go on a reduced work schedule.  So I was prescribed some supremely hideous granny thigh-high compression stockings -- took forever to get on this morning, but so far my feet feel more comfortable!  My upper things hurt now, of course, since there's a super-tight band.  This week just kind of sucks.  End of vent.

tryingyetagain

I feel you! My hands go numb every night and it is constantly waking me up. I change positions and they just go numb again. I've also had restless leg syndrome since a couple of months ago and it is driving me crazy. I haven't had swelling like yours, though. Ugh! Your compression hose sound lovely. I wonder if that would help with my restless legs.

zazu13

I have the tingly numb hands, too. I have been trying to drink as much water as possible and when I sleep I elevate my hands on a pillow in addition to wearing a splint. Have someone give you a hand massage; I don't know if it helps, but it feel so nice! I also hold ice packs in my hand some nights to help me get to sleep when they ache too much.

Crystal120410

My wrist and fingers kill me. In the mornings my fingers hurt so bad I can barely turn a door knob. And dh refers to my feet as the mechelin man lately. Ah the joys of pregnancy. Lol

sarah_beth2005

It's good to know I'm not alone (although I wouldn't wish any of this on anyone!!).  I returned the wrist splint I originally bought, since it was really uncomfortable, and am trying a different one today.  The sleep splint seemed to help tremendously last night - I actually slept better than I have in weeks (so it was either the new splint, or pure exhaustion....).  I talked to our office manager and she's going to get a standing desk put in my office so that I can alternate sitting and standing, since the Dr office recommended not sitting as much at my desk (which is hard to do at a desk job!).  Hoping all these fixes help!!