About a month ago, a pain started to develop in my right wrist and slowly spread down into my thumb. It was annoying at first, but has gradually gotten worse and worse. I try to ignore most aches and pains because I can usually attribute them to my Fibromyalgia, but this one was different. There are some daily tasks that have become pretty excruciating when I catch my thumb just the right way - painful enough that I finally decided to see my doctor about it today. He examined my wrist and thumb and quickly diagnosed me with "De Quervain's Tendinitis" and told me to get a wrist/thumb splint and take some anti-inflammatories.
It was a rather interesting visit to the doctor - it was in the middle of a thunderstorm and the power went out! Our doc had to call patients back one at a time and see us in the examining room that had windows in it so he'd have some light! He then had to go "old school" and write everything down with a pen and paper. Kind of humorous. Anyway, the splint has helped TREMENDOUSLY and has kept me from moving my thumb in a way that aggravates it.
I had to get online tonight to find out more about "De Quervain's". Interestingly enough, I found out it's also known as"Mommy's Thumb". I have NEVER heard of this! Most mothers report pain in the right hand, near the thumb, which is associated with lifting infant carriers, cribs, removable car seats, baby bottles, and even the baby itself. Heavier children often contribute to symptoms of mommy thumb because their added weight stresses the hand (Madeline
HAS been in the high 90 percentiles for weight and height for most of her life!). It's also more common with older first-time moms. Yay for me! The tendons around the base of the thumb can get constricted or stretched, and they may become inflamed. I started lifting Madeline differently with my right hand a few days ago out of necessity, and from what I've read tonight, that's one of the first things that's suggested to help alleviate the pain.
So, this is another little speed bump in this journey called life. I am grateful that it wasn't anything more serious and I am praying that the splint, medication, and some modifications in how I use my wrist/thumb will help me knock this thing out! In the meantime, a lovely brace similar to this one will be a regular part of my wardrobe. :)
