WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 1999: Re: Post-partum joint pain

Re: Post-partum joint pain

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:45:07 -0600 (CST)

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At Mon, 29 Nov 1999, Susan wrote: >
>I will try to make a VERY long story short. I am 35 and had twins 11
>weeks ago at 36 weeks gestation following numerous complications .........I breastfed both babies until 7 weeks, when I came
>down with mastitis. While taking Cipro for the mastitis, I began
>experiencing severe joint pain in my fingers, knees and elbows. My OB
>chalked it up to a side effect of the Cipro. Ten days after stopping
>the Cipro I saw my internist and she diagnosed my pain as tendonitis and
>prescribed Vioxx. The Vioxx helped but caused stomach pain, so I am now
>on Celebrex. The pain has now spread to my shoulders, wrists and
>ankles. The pain is worse when getting out of bed (which I do several
>times each night to care for the babies) and going down stairs. My
>internist ran blood work (CBC, thyroid panel, ANA, rheumatoid factor and
>sed rate) and all were normal except for the ANA (1:80). I have had ANA
>levels of 1:320 and 1:640 in the past (discovered during infertility
>work-up). ....My internist now wants me to see a
>rheumatologist, but I can't get in to one until February. I am very
>frightened and am trying to find some answers.
>

It sounds as if you have had a very thorough workup. I suspect some of the joint pain is due to the rigors of caring for two babies. After having my daughter (one year ago this Wednesday!) I developed tendonitis in my right wrist (which I still have), in both elbows and my left knee. Picking up the baby,carrying her around in a sling all day, holding her with one arm while trying to do a million other things, bending down to pick her up, etc, etc wrecks havoc on the old joints.

-- Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG

Replies are for educational purposes only. They do not take the place of a consultation with your own doctor, nor do they construe any doctor-patient relationship. Private e-mails WILL NOT be answered due to the fact that I am answering this question after my baby is in bed and I do need some sleep myself! Plus, my husband is getting jealous of the computer.

Next message: Kimberly: "Typical Endo Signs?"
Previous message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "right cyst"
In reply to: Susan: "Post-partum joint pain"
Next in thread: Robin: "Re: Typical Endo Signs?"
Reply: Robin: "Re: Typical Endo Signs?"
Reply: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Typical Endo Signs?"

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