I lost the use of my right thumb

[Radosti]

I have developed terrible tendonitis in my thumbs (where they connect to my wrists). On Monday, I went to the doctor and he said the tendonitis is pretty severe. Wanted me to go get rigid braces for my wrists/thumbs. I did that on Thursday (had to make an appointment at the medical supply place). My left thumb is not as painful as before, but I completely lost the use of my right thumb today. I went to lift Aaron out of the tub and couldn't, had to call DH and walk him through rinsing Aaron off. The doctor told me to come back on the 31st and if I'm not better, I'll get cortisone injections into the tendons. I almost passed out from the pain today. It's like someone took my right hand and ripped it backwards in one swift motion. And the pain doesn't let go for a few seconds after I get the thumb back into the right position.

I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my right wrist. This is all from strain of lifting/carrying a 14 lb newborn around, but what am I supposed to do???

[Marisa6826]

Does the brace you have extend all the way up your thumb or is it the kind that ends at the base? If it doesn't go up your thumb, then I think you may have the wrong splint and it may actually be making it worse (I've had several varieties of both kinds).

It sounds as though you have DeQuervain's Syndrome - I've had it in both hands, and it's unbelievably painful.

Are you seeing a HAND doctor? An orthopedist or internist is not going to be knowledgeable enough for what's going on with you.

I would NOT wait till the 31st. The longer you wait, the more damage you can do to the nerves that run through your wrist and thumb. Either go to the ER and ask to see a hand specialist or call one and get an emergent appointment on Monday. If the guy you went to on Monday IS a hand guy, then call his off hours number and ask to speak to whoever is covering ASAP.

I know from calling my hand guy that you almost never have to wait long for an appointment (and he's a well known NYC surgeon). Two days at most, usually. Hands are not something you want to screw around with, KWIM?

In the mean time, keep up with the ice on/off every 20 minutes and take some either Advil or Aleve. You can take Tylenol but it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory properties of the others.

Feel better - and get OFF the computer! ;)

-m

[chiqanita]

I kind of know what you're going through. When I first had my twins they were just peanuts about 5'11" and 5'14" each. As they started to gain weight I was having severe pain in both of my hands around the thumbs. Since it was worse in one had I would keep that thumb close to my hand...not extend it...when lifting either. I would lift from their little armpits and bring them close. Today I don't have that pain.

Keep doing what the doc says to do and see if you can lift your baby in different ways. I'm sure you're probably already doing that since you have braces on. Hope you get some relief soon.

BTW, now I'm having back/neck/shoulder problems from all of the lifting...my twins are 30 pounds each now and we live in a 2 story home. I wish I was more in shape but that's another story.

[dogmom]

I had the same thing, but it was before I had children from my job as a nurse. You do need a hand specialist and to have OT. NSAID (motrin,etc.) can help in the short run. There coritsone injections can help for some people, but not for everyone. (Just a note, it will hurt WORSE for the first day or two after the injection, then you might feel an effect.)

Rest really is the best method, but I realize that's easier said than done. Even more reason to see and OT to help you figure out some ways to take care of your baby without straining your hand.

Also, were the braces custom made for you or off the shelf? They should be custom made (by OT again) and they need to be checked after you are wearing them a while to make sure the fit is correct and they aren't just doing more damage.

If you are looking for a hand specialist, they will either be under orthopedics or plastic surgery as a specialty. Both are equally good, jsut as long as they specialize in hands. If you find one they will have a therapy place they deal with on a regular basis.

Here are some links you might find helpful:
http://www.orthogate.com/patient-guide/cumulative-trauma-disorders/patient-guide-to-dequervains-tenosynovitis.html

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030801/tips/5.html

http://www.wfubmc.edu/rehab/out/services/hand/dequervains.html

Various tendonitis conditions or more prevelant in pregnant women and post-partum women. The cause is not clear, but some theorize it is linked to hormonal changes, fluid retention, and repetitive motions common with caring for a newborn. Not that it helps you feel better. I hope you get some relief.


Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
& Eve
EDC 6/18/06

[Radosti]

Thanks! The braces extend all the way up the thumb and half way to my elbow. I look like I have two broken arms when I'm wearing them.

I moved my appt to Thursday for the injection. My left hand is much better, not sure why that is.

[dogmom]

Are you right handed? If so, the tendonitis probably wasn't as bad on your left so the braces alone are working. I only had in in my right hand, but I started getting in the left when I wore my brace because I started using my left hand more.

Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
& Eve
EDC 6/18/06

[Radosti]

Yup, I'm right handed. Makes sense. I hope the shot helps.

[brittone2]

Very common as the PPs mentioned in new mamas especially. I agree it sounds like DeQuervain's but without evaluating you there's no way to know for sure.

I had problems with DeQuervain's while I was working because I had to do a lot of stretching/holding of kids and used my hands a lot. I also had it again after DS was born.

I think the splints may help but it would be good to see a PT, OT or a hand specialist to make sure they are adjusted properly and doing their job. Also I'd consider PT or OT to try to alleviate some of the pain or it may come back. There are several modalities they can use like therapeutic ultrasound that can help stop the inflammation. The cortisone may or may not give you a quick fix (which w/ a newborn you might need anyway) but strengthening/stretching the area properly will help it to not come back. Any chance you have a sling?? Now might be a good time to consider one if you can have your DH can help you get Aaron in/out. It would alleviate having to physically "hold" him with your hand/thumb around his waist or supporting his head (depending on how you are carrying him). Even once you are recovering and can get Aaron in/out of the sling on your own, it would help to eliminate having to use your hands to support and carry him and hopefully prevent a relapse.

I hoep you are feeling better soon. It definitely is a painful condition.

[Marisa6826]

I agree with Beth about using a baby sling (I have to admit that I thought she was referring to a sling for YOU and not for the baby, though ;) ).

If you don't have one, PM me and I can see if one of the pouches I used for Mia might work for you (I don't know what size you are). I'd be happy to lend you one till you're feeling better.

-m

[psophia17]

I have an adjustable ring sling that's not in use, if you'd like to borrow that - it's an XL, I think (maybe an L? I can't remember) but since it can be tightened as needed, it may work for you.

Let me know :)

[Aunt to sweet baby boy]

I was just diagnosed with tendonitis on Monday. I was given a splint but my finger is constantly throbbing with pain. I came across this thread and i was wondering how long it took before your hands started to feel better, did the shots help, etc.

I am also having alot of tingling in my thumb and he wants me to wear the brace for 3 weeks and then come back and if it is still painful think about a shot and a nerve test. Should i not wait that long? He is a hand specialist btw.

Thanks

Ilana, aka Nana to my sweet nephew Avi

http://lilypie.com/pic/060403/hfNw.jpg[/img]http://b2.lilypie.com/h2bbm7/.png[/img][/url]

[brittone2]

Ilana-
What kind of doc are you seeing? The tingling sounds IMO like it could be nerve related and unfortunatley not all docs are great at diagnosing tendonitis vs. something like carpal tunnel. Also if there is tendonitis, the swelling can put pressure on various nerves and cause something like carpal tunnel in conjunction with tendonitis. Obviously there's no way for me to tell with any certainty without examining you but that's what pops in my mind from your description.

Which finger is involved?

The cortisone injections can help but it depends on how well they are placed in my experience. They also come with some potential side effects.

You might consider asking for a RX for physical therapy. Therapeutic ultrasound, nerve mobilizations, stretches, etc. can be helpful for carpal tunnel or other nerve problems (which your doc must suspect since he wants to do the nerve test on you), and ultrasound, stretching, etc. in therapy can help with tendonitis too.

Does your splint go above your wrist? Does it include your fingers and thumb? Are you wearing it at night, day or both?

[mommy_someday]

That sounds really painful! And frustrating, too. I hope you get some relief soon, mama!

[cmdunn1972]

I struggled with DeQuervain's as well and went to an OT. I went to the doctor before the pain got too bad. What helped me most was to lift DS differently. The OT told me to stop lifting him by hooking him under the arms, and instead use the whole hand and arm to lift. That's a hard habit to stop! The OT also showed me some exercises to stretch and strengthen my hands and wrist. The pain still isn't 100% gone, but it's lessened and I know what to do.

[mamato1]

No BTDT, but wanted to send you quick healing vibes!

Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/16/04


http://b3.lilypie.com/FnI6m5/.png

[maestramommy]

So sorry for what you're going through. I had the same problem, but it was mostly with my left thumb. It set in a week after dd came home, and took months to go away. Wearing the thumb stabilizer brace really helped a lot. After a while I only had to wear it at night. I've stopped wearing it for about a month now. I think you can take ibuprofen while bfing, so you might try that. You have to take about 600 mg for that kind of pain.

[Aunt to sweet baby boy]

I am seeing a hand surgeon. I do not know what his exact MD title is but i know that he specializes in hands. He said that there is a combination of tendonitis and carpel tunnel.

It is the thumb of my right hand, and i am right handed, which is very annoying as you can imagine.

I am hoping not to have to get shots, but we will cross that bridge when we cme to it.

The splint goes up my arm about 1/2 way to my elbow. It includes my thumb, but i can bend the top half of my thumb when i wear the brace. I am supposed to wear the brace as much as possible. I put it on last night but i guess it was bothering me because i took it off sometime during the night. I have been taking either 2-3 motrin every 4-6 hours, but even with the motrin my finger hurts.

I also noticed today that my hand was feeling very stiff, including my other fingers. I think it is because i have limited use of those fingers when i wear the brace, but is there anything i can do about that?

Thanks so much and sorry about the typos, it is hard to type with the brace on.

Ilana, aka Nana to my sweet nephew Avi

http://lilypie.com/pic/060403/hfNw.jpg[/img]http://b2.lilypie.com/h2bbm7/.png[/img][/url]

[ohiomom]

I struggled a few months with this. Started from holding DDs head in my hand while nursing as it was the only way to get her to latch properly, then aggravated by picking her up by hooking thumb under her armpit. My MD was reluctant to give me the shots.

I'm pretty sure i found some stretches in this thread, but don't have time to check it all now. http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/parents/tendonitis.html

Yoga also is supposed to help a good deal because of the stretches. I also was seeing a massage therapist who did a lot of body work and spent LOTS of time on my wrists/hands/arms for a few months. Frankly, I think the gentle stretches and time to rest helped the most.

Your post is a good reminder to try to AVOID this with DD#2 when she arrives. The pain was unbelievable.

Hang in there. Hope you get good answers/help.

[brittone2]

I see. I thought it sounded like a combo of tendonitis and carpal tunnel from your description.

With the brace, you can just remove it every 2 hours or so and do a few stretches...wrist circles, open close fingers, etc. See if that helps.

It sounds like you are seeing someone competent. You still might consider a trial of physical therapy to see if that can help, particularly if the surgeon ends up recommending surgery, kwim?

I spent some time interning as a PT where we saw TONS and TONS of carpal tunnel. The clinic was amazing at working with carpal tunnel. One of the big things that was helpful was neuromobilization...if you decide to try physical therapy, check around and see if you can find a PT that uses this technique (David Butler is a PT that teaches a lot of continuing ed on it). You might ask them if they use that technique.

I hope you get some relief. The more you can wear the brace, the better. I'm sure your MD explained this but at night we often sort of bend our wrists in a weird way and that puts a lot of pressure on the carpal tunnel, so if you can manage it, try to keep your braces on at night (yeah, fun, I'm sure :( )

Good luck!! If you decide to try PT and have any questions, let me know. IMO it might be worth trying some things other than just bracing and waiting for the cortisone shots. There are other things that can help a great deal.

[Rachels]

I had that! Immobilizing it for a while really helped, and acupuncture took it the rest of the way. Owwwww, though.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[mudder17]

>Yoga also is supposed to help a good deal because of the
>stretches. I also was seeing a massage therapist who did a lot
>of body work and spent LOTS of time on my wrists/hands/arms
>for a few months. Frankly, I think the gentle stretches and
>time to rest helped the most.
I had De Quervain as well and I finally gave in and got the injection and truly it did help. But shortly after, I started seeing a chiro and he was telling me that although the injections help, they also basically kill the nerve cells there. So you're not exactly healing the area. Plus, if you don't change how you do things, it'll come back as soon as the shot wears off. Well, the pain was coming back and for a short while the Chiro was helping with it. But then I started yoga and I swear THAT is what healed me. With DD#2, I'm planning on doing yoga as soon as possible post-partum to help prevent the same thing.


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev317pp___.png
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah

[Radosti]

My right hand was very advanced De Quervain's by the time I decided to get the shot in February. The doc told me it gets worse in the first 24 hours, then gets better. Well, I was in so much pain already that it felt much better right away. Every once in a while, if I turn my hand the wrong way while holding DS, it twinges a bit. Otherwise, my thumb is perfect. The left thumb was not nearly as bad and it went away with some Advil.

I also got into wearing DS in a sling or in the Baby Bjorn heavily. I've recently stopped that since he is 23 lbs and too heavy. Besides, he likes his stroller a lot now for outside activities. And he can entertain himself in the intellitainer for an hour.

[Aunt to sweet baby boy]

I am glad to hear that you are feeling better, that gives me great hope. My thumb is still throbbing. It seems that the motrin only works for an hour or two before the pain kicks in again. I have been told that it can take a week or so of wearing the brace before it starts to feel better so i am trying to wait patiently.

Thanks for the advice. I have a chiro, should i give her a call?

Ilana, aka Nana to my sweet nephew Avi

http://lilypie.com/pic/060403/hfNw.jpg[/img]http://b2.lilypie.com/h2bbm7/.png[/img][/url]

[mudder17]

It depends on the chiro, really. Some chiros have experience with joints and some don't. I did have OT, and it did give me some relief, but in the end, it was probably yoga and lifting Kaya in different ways that helped the most.

Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev317pp___.png
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah