Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I assumed that something is wrong when I began to feel pain from my wrists two weeks ago. My work requires me to be in front of a computer 8 hours a day and I didn’t know that this will result to “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”.

According to Wikipedia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - median neuropathy at the wrist, is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to paresthesias, numbness and muscle weakness in the hand. Night symptoms and waking at night are characteristic of established carpal tunnel syndrome.

There was pain and numbness and ache in the fingers, hand, and wrists. I also had difficulty on grasping things as it made my hand feel weak and clumsy.

CTS usually begin in the third trimester or when nearing the “big day” when women tend to retain more fluids. The symptoms usually go away after giving birth when the swelling finally drop.

Aside from taking Vitamin B Complex, my doctor advised me to limit repetitive hand movements or if my job really requires me this kind of movement, better elevate my chair so that my keyboard and monitor as lowered and my wrists are bent downward.

It also bothers me at night as the pains are more intense. I used some pillows to prop my arm and when I wake up, I tried shaking my hands until the numbness go away.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may little by little settle on its own after giving birth. But if it continues after the baby is born, it is advised to visit a healthcare or an orthopedist if necessary as a specialist might suggest splinting and taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.

I'm big as a whale!

I'm on my eighth month of pregnancy and still a month to go and I feel I'm big as a whale! My maternity clothes hardly fit my bloated body. With a month to go, I don't think I need to buy some more maternity clothes. My feet are swollen that I need to buy a new set of slippers one size higher. My hands are swollen and my wrist is aching. And my nose! Ughh! I felt disgusted whenever I look at the mirror. My doctor said it's normal that my body retain some fluids since it will help support the extra blood volume that I will need when the big day comes. I had been pregnant three times with girls and this is my fourth pregnancy and this time I'm having a boy. And it's really different this time. I had so many pregnancy discomforts that I'm thankful that my doctor hasn't been impatient with me. I had these discomforts during my past pregnancies but much worst now. Here are some of them and the remedies I did to lessen the discomfort.

Swelling – drink more water, elevate feet and hands, get plenty of rest, and wear loose clothes.

Heartburn – eat smaller but frequent meals, minimize intake of the food that’s making me ill, pelvic rocking as it moves the uterus thus giving the body enough room for digestion.

Sleepless nights – use lots of pillows to support body and legs, sleep on the side as it pulls the uterus in a better position, sleep in couches or elevate the head with pillows.

Baby Moving – if baby’s kicks become uncomfortable, try some pelvic rocking of walking as according to some theory, mom’s movement rocks baby to sleep.

Discharge – wear loose clothing around the crotch, wear panty liners, and try cleansing as often as possible.

Skin Darkening – skin darkening will go away after the baby is born but to minimize them, stay away from the sun as it will make the skin darker.

Shortness of breath – do some deep breathing to get more oxygen.

Weight Gain – as gaining additional weight is needed by the body to support the baby, instead on worrying on how much weight you are gaining, focus on eating healthy food. Do not invest on too many maternity clothes. A pair or two is good or just borrow from friends. After all, time flies fast before you know it, your big day is here.

On the eighth month of pregnancy, we became a pro, adjusting well on the hardship on fashion and lifestyle changes and the physical changes that the baby and our belly had put into our lives. But don’t worry; it’s not much longer now.

Getting ready for my new baby!

I'm on my eighth week of pregnancy and I've been experiencing contractions. These are uncomfortable but not painful tightening of the uterus. My obstetrician called it "practice contractions" or the so-called braxton hicks contractions. They are non-rhythmic and happens very unpredictably but they ease up easily. Mostly, they happen when my baby is getting so active inside my tummy or when my bladder is full. I got so worried at first because I'm afraid that I might have a pre-term labor but my doctor gave me some medications and advised me to just lay down and rest each time I'm having these contractions. But she said that if my contractions does not alleviate after I rested I should call her at once.

I'm also getting my stuff and my baby's stuff ready. This is the 4th time I'm giving birth but I'm still nervous yet exited as I was during my first. I already started with the things I have to pack and I'm almost set. Here are the things on my list. Did I miss any?

For Me:

house dress (daster) - because they are much comfortable to wear

going home outfit

maternity bra

socks - in case I got cold

Jammies

undies

bath towels/face towel

toiletries (feminine wash/toothbrush/toothpaste/facial wash/soap/shampoo )

maternity pads/adult diapers/sanitary napkins

alcohol/hand sanitizer

tissues

laundry soap/laundry powder

cellphone/charger/phone cards

camera ;)

kikay kit

mp3 player

my bag (cash/atm cards/letter from OB/ballpen)

For my baby:

2 receiving blankets

newborn diapers

3 bonnets

3 pairs mittens and socks

baby wipes

baby oil/baby soap/alcohol

cotton/cotton buds/cotton balls

going home outfit

bigkis (if still "uso")

baby clothes

baby carrier

wash cloths

For the daddy:

clothes

blanket and pillows

snacks

My father said It looks like we're moving out :) but I hope I'm not forgetting any. If you notice that I missed some stuff, please let me know :) and I would be very much thankful.

Oh Boy, I'm having a boy!

Children . . . they string our joys, like jewels bright, upon the thread of years. ~Edward A. Guest

I am one of the few mothers who suffer the so called hyperemesis gravidarum. It's a severe case of vomiting and nausea during pregnancy which cause is yet to be known. It was said that 1.5% to 2% of mothers suffered such case (very unlucky me). I was hospitalized due to severe dehydration and malnutrition and I lost 5lbs on the first month. I was so stressed that it made me ill that I need to get a leave from work for a month. My doctor gave me medications but she said it would be just help ease the case and not to cure. She gave me large doses of Vitamin C to strengthen my system, Vitamin B Complex to ease nausea, Antacids to prevent acid reflux, and Phenothiazine injections to help ease the vomiting. I was also given Vitamin A because my eyes weakened.

My case of hyperemesis gravidarum subsided on the 16th week. I'm so thankful that my loved ones we're there to support me and help me on my needs. The doctor who's just a phone text away, the father who's willing to do all the household chores because I've been "useless for 4 months, the kids who never missed giving hugs and saying "i love u mommy", and my mom who's been there supporting me till the last days of her life.

Now I'm on my 28th week, hyperemesis gravidarum now is just a thing of the past. I eat a lot, sleep a lot, do the chores, drop the kids to school, check on the father, go to visit mom, and a lot more things that made my father say "magpahinga ka naman". And my last ultrasound said I'm having a boy. Oh boy, I'm having a boy! And he's showing a lot of activities in my tummy, a little acrobat I got here hahaha! The girls were so exited that they kept asking me when is my due date. We can't hardly wait.