New Mommy Thumb

Yesterday I went back to the Orthopedic doctor to see if my "new mommy thumb" was healing.  For those who haven't heard of this, it's actually called De Quervain's syndrome.  It's where your thumb gets hyper extended and as a result it's tendon's become swollen causing wrist pain.  It's common in new moms, people who use their hands a lot (think jewelers) and people who overuse iPhones or Blackberrys.  Since I'm a new mom AND I overuse my iPhone (which is an understatement), it's no wonder I got it.

We determined that the cortisone shot she gave me 4 weeks ago seemed to be working, although since I started back to work this week it has begun to ache a little.  We're going to give it some more time and see how it does.  I also agreed that I would take my brace to work, even though I can't type while wearing it (we didn't agree that I would wear it).

I also had her look at my right shoulder, which  I was told years ago had a small rotator cuff tear.  Turns out, it still does, as well as, a bone spur and torn cartilage.  The torn cartilage is either new or has gotten worse, which is why my shoulder has begun to ache 24/7 since Charlie was born.  So for now, I've got some home therapy to perform to hopefully strengthen my shoulder muscles to help with all 3 issues.

So, let's get this straight.  I have a baby and taking care of him causes New Mommy Thumb.  Then apparently my compensating for the thumb causes my shoulder to get worse.  And since my shoulder got worse, I have to use my back muscles more.  Guess what hurts now!  Next thing you know my left big toe is going to get "Just kicked the baby bouncer again" pains.  ARGH!