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Just when I thought it is all over, the pain came back. Throughout my pregnancy I fought a battle with extreme hand pain. Something that started out as a mere swelling in my hands, transitioned into more painful carpal tunnel syndrome. I counted on it going away after the delivery. That is what everyone said would happen! In most cases, that is true. But then again, there are exceptions. In my case, the pain got ten times worse postpartum. I struggled through holding and feeding my baby. It was physically as well as emotionally challenging but with the help of my husband Ashwin and my parents, I got over it. The swelling subsided but the pain got more intense. Finally, after seeing a sports medicine doctor, I was diagnosed with deQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, a fancy name for tendonitis of the thumb side of the wrist.

My treatment plan included administration of cortisone shots, wearing spica thumb splints and six weeks of physical therapy. I felt great after the treatment and was very cheerful. I had an entirely new perpective of being a new mom.

Now, two weeks later, the pain in my right hand is back. My thumb snaps out just like it did before and I have very restricted mobility in my hand. I also have nerve damage. I experience numbness and funny sensation. From what I hear, pregnancy and nursing can cause hormonal changes which along with caring for a new baby often puts new moms at risk to develop this condition. I am considering switching Riana over to formula by the end of May. I plan on returning to work in early part of June and am hoping that the condition will improve. I am seeing my doctor again on May 1st to evaluate my options and see if I would need a surgery. Surgery is often the last resort for this condition when all else fails.

So for all those who are wondering whether I want to have another baby, my answer is, absolutely yes! There is no greater pleasure than to look at your baby and know that you are the one to bring this beautiful little being into this world. It is indeed a miracle and regardless of the amount of pain you go through, it is definitely worth it. Now as far as when we’ll have a second one, my answer is “not anytime soon”.

all’s well that ends well…

The journey began long back in July, 2006 when Ashwin and I found out that we are going to become parents. Like every first time parents, we were nervous but happy at the same time. We had a little celebration the day we found out.

Everything seemed to go smoothly until I was 10 weeks pregnant. Then, I had to run to the Chiropractor two or three times a week. My back and my hips were misaligned. I could barely walk. As time went on, I began to gain weight and develop new issues. In my case, I gained a total of 65 lbs. Yeah, thanks to my crab rangoon cravings! And oh, how could I forget the chocolate cakes! I had a lot of swelling by week 24, not just in my ankles and feet but also my shin, my chin and my hands. I looked like a balloon ready to blast. Things got ugly and I developed severe carpal tunnel. I had many sleepless nights because of the pain in my hands.

By week 30, the baby had already flipped facing down. By week 32, she had already dropped causing more pelvic pressure and pain in my hips. It would hurt to walk. Towards the latter part, I would cripple while walking. And oh, did I not mention the countless trips I had to make to the restrooms? Every store I walked into, I first had to pay visit to the restroom and then carry on other business. At nights, I would wake up at least 8 times to pee.

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