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May 2012 Moms
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Lurking w/a ?: De Quervain Syndrome

Kate06Kate06 member
in May 2012 Moms

Hello, all!  I generally just lurk and soak in the information and reassurance, but I have a question about something I haven't seen talked about too much: De Quervain syndrome.

I'm pretty sure I have it.  All the symptoms from internet pages fit, and after being hard-headed and stupid and avoiding the doctor, I'm pretty sure I can't go without outside help any longer.  My question is, where do I start?  I'm such a dope when it comes to which doctor to see for what - do I start with my general practitioner, or should I start with someone more specialized (and in that case, who?)?  

Also, I've tried ibuprofen and ice, but that doesn't seem to help (I think all the typing I have to do at work aggravates it) - should I attempt a brace or just head straight to the doctor?

 Thanks for any input!


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Re: Lurking w/a ?: De Quervain Syndrome

  • EMOmammaEMOmamma member
    Dr. Dr. Dr!
    I ended up needing physcial therapy when I let it go too long with my 1st. If you have a GP you like you can start there. If not, and you don't need a referral for your insurance, try a hand specialist or sports medicine doctor. It's really a special tendinitis so a specialist may be able to help more, especially if you need shots or braces.
    Either way, request at least some PT so you can learn stretches and exercises so it doesn't come back.
    I was the same as you, I kept thinking it would just get better but it didn't. Good luck!

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  • notallisonmarie22notallisonmarie22

    I had this in my wrist during the last months of my pregnancy and after my babies were born it got way worse.  I originally went to my primary care doctor who seemed pretty clueless, but he referred me to an orthopaedic specialist.  He diagnosed me with the De Quervains and told me to wear this cumbersome brace all the time and do occupational therapy to help it.  Well, in the process I also had some knee troubles that needed surgery, so I went to another doctor for a 2nd opinion.  That doctor seemed confused that the previous ortho doc. hadn't offered me a cortisone shot right away.  He gave it to me and it hasn't hurt a single bit since.  The shot hurt just a little bit, and I had a nasty bruise on my wrist that made me look for a while like I was a domestic abuse victim, but other than that I give it YesYes.

     Good luck!  There's always the chance I suppose that the shot may wear off at some point and the pain will come back, but it's been about 2 months since I got it and it's been wonderful ever since. 

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  • NatPhoto09NatPhoto09 member
    I had to google the official name. LOL. I know it as mommy thumb. I had it with my first and it lasted quite a while b/c I didn't go to the dr.  My general practicioner (sp) was a sport medicine doctor and he prescribed me a special brace.  about a month after using it, it got a lot better.  GL
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  • MelissaMisoMelissaMiso member
    I have it, too. I went to an orthopedist who said my case was bad enough he would skip the oral anti-inflamatory meds and go right on to the cortisone shots but since I am breastfeeding, he won't do either. (Third step is surgery to release the connective tissue that goes across the tendon.) He just has me wearing the spica braces as much as possible. I've heard that acupuncture, dry needling and massage are helpful as well.

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