I quit smoking 2 months ago. Since then, my left hand ...

Hello,

I think that you have a couple different things going on here. First of all, when you have symptoms of your thumb and first finger getting numb and tingling, it is usually caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and is generally caused by repetitive wrist motion which irritates the nerve.

Wearing a wrist splint will help to keep the wrist in alignment. Taking Ibuprophen along with the splints will help to eventually relieve the pain.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm#68963049

Certainly the cessation of smoking can add weight. Fluid retention is also a side effect of steroid treatment which also increases your overall weight gain.

As for the morning sickness, you may be experiencing "quitter's flu" which results from nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms eventually resolve, but it is a very difficult time for the smoker in resisting returning to nicotine to "feel better".

http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/cravingsandurges/a/withdrawal.htm

Hope I have explained things well enough, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

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Pamela, R.N.
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I did try a neutral brace at nights when the tingling and numbness was in my middle and forefinger, then after a few nights of the brace, the ting. & numb. did not go away, but started in my thumb, i then discontinues the brace. The first month of non smoking i lost 2 lbs. the second month is when the wait gain began and the 8th week of not smoking is when i began with the morning sickness.....wouldn't these symptom have started sooner? also, i was only on a small dose of the steroid for my had and that was the week of the 14th and i was only on the steroid for 6 days. So why the swelling now? Please help, every time I go to my family doctor, i come home with a new prescription. The doctor checked me out for Carpal Tunnel and said that i did not have that. Any other ideas, or thoughts or direction that I should take?

Good morning,

If the tingling and numbness continue to be bothersome, I would suggest that you see an neurologist. They are a good resource.

With regard to your weight gain, you have to remember that nicotine is a stimulant. When the stimulant is removed your body reacts differently and the metabolism can slow down.

Increasing your exercise will increase your metabolism once again. Increasing muscle mass will also be helpful in burning additional calories. It is difficult as a smoker, to replace the "oral fixation" with something that is non-caloric.

I think that the website that I had sent before describes your symptoms well....the smokers flu can exceed 8 weeks and is probably dependent on the length of time that you smoked.

It can take considerable time to relieve your body's dependence on the nicotine and the impact that it had on your metabolism, weight and fluid balance as well as feelings of wellness.

Clicking on the “ACCEPT” button validates your acceptance of the information provided. Clicking on the “BONUS” tab assures me that I have been of assistance and value to you and is most appreciated. Don’t forget to leave your FEEDBACK.

__________________
Pamela, R.N.
My goal is to provide you with information that is accurate, concise and above all helpful.Your ACCEPT and FEEDBACK is important to me in continuing to provide service excellence.