Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

mmalone97

Did anyone get CTS just before and after they delivered?  I'm pretty sure that I have it and it's very annoying and it's also causing me some concern when I'm holding my baby - my wrist and fingers are so numb that I just don't want to pick him up for fear that I might drop him.  If you did have it, did it go away on it own or did you end up having to go back to the dr. to be treated? 

 Any advice would be much appreciated.

ljlkm

I have it, although not as bad as you do (my fingertips are numb).  My OB told me it could take months to go away.....

Mrslove78

Hmm...  nope.  Why would you get it before and after delivery?  From the swelling?  Carpal tunnels from using the same ligaments over and over and over.  Or from holding onto DH too tight for hours wile in labor? 

mmalone97

Yes, it's from the swelling.  It started just before I delivered but it's gotten worse in the last 2 weeks, which is odd... considering I'm not swelling anymore

Mrslove78

Wow, never heard of that.  It's insane all that we have to go through to have a baby, our bodies get so abused.  Hope your CTS gets better soon.

SarahDee

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused when the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist is pinched.  It can be due to swelling, or repetitive use in the wrong positions.

 I would recommend getting a splint called a write ***-up splint from the drug store/pharmacy.  They cost about $20.  They put your wrist in a neutral position to take off as much pressure as possible from the nerve.  Wear it at least when you're sleeping.  But, it wouldn't hurt to wear it all the time. (other than its not very pretty)

grinsandgiggles

I got it during 3rd tri and it went away.  My OB said that she would evaluate it at 6 weeks PP and if I still had it she was going to refer me to a dr who specialized in carpal tunnel.  She said in some cases women have to get it corrected through surgery.

BarnStar

I got pg-induced CTS during 3rd tri and it sucked! The first few weeks after delivery were still really bad, and I was terrified every time I picked up DD in the middle of the night, when my CTS was the worst. About 4wks pp, it did start to get better. I'm still dealing with it at 8wks pp, but it's MUCH better now than it was. My OB said it can take a few months to go away. She also said that I'm probably still retaining some fluid, which is also why I can't wear my wedding rings yet =(  She said to give it 3 months, then see my PCP if it's still bothering me.

Mr. & Mrs. RN

Got it around 32 weeks pregnant and went away 3 weeks postpartum