Pain Relief From "carpal Tunnel Syndrome" During The Night.

[RATTER15]

The dearest Carakeel has "CTS" she is waiting to have nerve conduction tests before they give her more cortisone injections or the operation, Meanwhile she is in a lot of pain during the night. I dont think she can take any more pain killers as she takes a load all ready for other issues including 2X30mg codeine, paracetamol, Ibuprofen and pregablin.

Is their any exercises or maybe sleeping in a certain position would help?

[Giggsie]

RATTER15 I had to freeze my wrists it certainly helped me to get sleep. I used ice cubes in a polythene bag before I bought ones from the chemist. Also trying to keep my hands above my head in my bed. Great relief after op was done.

[anneasquith]

i know of amitriptyline being prescribed. has cara tried a splint.? poor thing.

[RATTER15]

Thanks Giggsie, she is going to try the ice tonight.

Anne, she has tried a few different splints, they helped a little for a short time.
She was on amitriptyline. for something else but hasn't taken it for a long time, that may be worth looking into.

[anneasquith]

the only other thing my son was told to keep his arm straight in bed at night ( not the easiest thing to do though )

[divegirl]

Hi Ratter please tell Cara to take the amitriptyline again, if anything it will knock her out enough to be able to get some sleep [well it does for me lol]. Please send her my love, she's been so helpful to me with my pain issues.

Lisa x

ps, well done on the Crufts qualification and the move to Wales and my condolences for your recent loss [not been on for a while but had seen all of your posts] xxx

[atalanta]

I found it helped to sleep with my hand under the pillow. But I cured myself of the worst of the pain by changing my grip on my computer mouse, and on my steering wheel. I now hold the mouse with my wrist off the edge of the table - a bit awkward, but it has made a great difference.

[RATTER15]

Thanks for help guys, she has it strapped up with strapping bandage at the moment, it does seem to be helping a little.

[Connemmara]

Try Biofreeze gel - she will get some peace.

Also stronger from the doctor - canna remember name - but do know it has a lot of chilli - which apparently helps.

[Eve]

Mine is partly arthritis though I also get carpal tunnel like symptoms from both that and I don't think having subacromial impingement in both shoulders helps.

I try to sleep on my back whenever possible with my arms and hands out as straight as I can.

I find it hard to wear my splits in bed though they can do special resting splints which I believe are made for you specially - wish I'd gone for them when they were suggested a while back at OT. I'm hoping to get some soon.

I have cooling gel and even one of those cold sprays and pain killing gels.

Could she ask about maybe a more suitable pre-bed painkiller? Part of my pre-bed tablet regime is the same, pregabalin, paracetamol and codeine and anti-inflammatories (all x2). Maybe a stronger painkiller or something which helps her sleep.

've tried amitriptyline in the past but I went onto mirtazapine to help me with sleep though I think it's a bit like the pregabalin, the effect starts to wear off a bit after a while - not all of it but it seems to loose its edge. I'm already on four pregabalin and one mirtazapine a day and the weight I've put on with those and steroids don't help my joints though in the weighing up the pain relief wins.

I love tubigrips! I get them from pound or saver shops and usually cut one in half so I can use them for both wrists and have them doubled round my wrist and if you pop a little hole in the right place for her thumb they can pull up over the hand as well.

Great for gentle pressure and I also like little fingerless gloves - very cheap from places like Primark and they have a tighter wrist bit without making your hands too warm and aren't as restrictive as full finger gloves.

[Carakeel]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I will indeed try them out and see if I can finally get some sleep. The pain has been far worst at night than ever before, going right up my arm to my shoulder. I have some freeze spray, so will try that tonight.
divegirl, thanks so much for your kind words. It has been a very difficult time for me and still is. But my darling ratter keeps me going, as do our hounds and other furry family members. Lots of love xxx
Hiya anne! Hugs! xxx

[anneasquith]

this is rubbish cara, chronic pain preventing sleep when you need sleep at this time to recharge your batteries, how you must miss mum in your life. and indeed your new home so much. I do know what would help. sleeping in the hammock, take care anne :)

[RATTER15]

Lol, Anne, I read your post a few times to understand what Carakeel said that was "rubbish" I understand now.

The hammock, dammit! it appears to have been left back in our wild garden back in Devon, Oh no!!

:-)

[anneasquith]

the chronic pain is rubbish !

[RATTER15]

Yes Anne, I knew I was just mis-reading it lol xx

[anneasquith]

its the Scottish accent ratter ! have you been to church today ? :)