Finally got to go to the orthopedist today.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif It was an ordeal for sure - I have been SWAMPED at work, and they had emergencies. I waited almost an hour and a half for my appointment (with Dr. Deren - must remember that name because he was worth the wait!).
At least I finally got an answer.
I have DeQuervains Tenosynovitis. (Read more here.)
Dr. Deren checked my range of motion and I had the typical sign. He had me made a fist, moved my hand up and down and it hurt like hell (called the Finkelstein test - in fact, it made the pain come back worse than it had been - it had actually been getting better!) He also described the symptoms - pain moving the thumb, pain rotating the wrist, pain picking stuff up. It was all there.
After he checked my range of motion, he asked me if I had a young child at home, to which I said "No, not for a few more months!" Apparently this is a common orthopedic problem for new mothers and is caused by the repetitive motion of picking up and putting down the baby.
My first thought -- So you mean this is going to get worse when I have the kid just by virtue of picking her up??? She's not even here, and already I'm having new mom issues?
I think the doctor read that in my expression and told me that it's actually quite common among all women, especially pregnant women.
He gave me some options -
-Wait, and it normally goes away by three months post-partum...he discouraged this one because that'd be seven more months for this to bother me and potentially get worse.
-Have surgery. (He discouraged this also because the recovery from surgery is worse than having the pain itself!)
-Get a cortisone shot - in 95% of cases, cures the problem within a week, and is safe for the baby.
I'm sure you can guess which one I opted for. (Cortisone shot)
We'll know in a few days if it worked.
Other than that, the baby is alive and kickin' (a lot!) and Scott actually got to feel it the other day, I can't remember if I mentioned that! It was exciting!
And with that, I'm out - I've been at the office late every day this week and it has been a STRESSFUL week.
Enjoy the Super Bowl, everyone!
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