MetaChat - In all the diodes down my right side...

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06 January 2009

In all the diodes down my right side... My right arm has been numb for about three days now. →[More:] I think I slept on it wrong and pinched a nerve. It's numbest in my pinky, radiating out to my ring finger and part of my middle. The outer (pinky side) part of my hand is kinda numb, extending out to my wrist. It's not completely numb, it's more like a strong sensation of pins and needles. I've been sleeping with my wrist in a splint since this seemed to help back in Sept. when I had a similar (though lesser) sensation. Back then, the doc I spoke to said it wasn't carpal tunnel. I'd tend to agree because if I run my fingers around the bone of my right elbow, at certain points I get jolts of sensation all the way to my fingertips (which is why I say "arm" and not "hand"; the problem seems not to be in my wrist this time).

On the up side, my gf is taking us both on our first vacation (as a couple, not to see family/be in a wedding) since... 2004? We're going to Saratoga Springs for a spa weekend. Maybe that will help.

So, how's by you?

post by: Eideteker at: 18:44 | 12 comments

Sounds exactly like carpal tunnel.

posted by mudpuppie 06 January | 18:51

Have you looked at a Epicondylitis Clasp? I had a similar problem in the summer and a few days with this cleared it right up.

posted by arse_hat 06 January | 19:06

Interesting. My right shoulder, upper arm and upper back have been extremely wonky for the last few days as well. If I move in a certain way, I'll occasionally get a sharp OUCH. My heating pad has been wedged up in my sweater/shirt/hoodie, with the cord hanging out for easy plug-in access.

I think it's something about the way I'm sleeping, too.

posted by Stewriffic 06 January | 19:12

A spa weekend. That sound wonderful! Enjoy.

I've an impingement in my shoulder. Mayhap you've one in your elbow? Of some such similar.

I know I've had the same tingle/symptoms you've described. I often wake up with my arm under my body and it will feel crap for a few days after. My biggest concern for you is that you may have nerve damage, probably at least inflammation. Keeping it immobile is good. Cold then hot treatments are good too. I've heard of and experienced massage around the ares is not a good idea because of the inflammation. Makes it a lot worse.

You need to be waited on hand and foot, given a hot bath and then a warm fluffy robe to wear and a hot chocolate. Also, your girlfriend should give you lots of sweet kisses and spoon you until you fall asleep.

posted by MonkeyButter 06 January | 19:16

Can we rule out hairy palms?

posted by Ardiril 06 January | 19:22

This happened to my friend and it turned out to be a pinched nerve that turned into an inflamed/infected nerve. If your shoulder/neck starts to hurt on that side see a doctor ASAP.

posted by muddgirl 06 January | 23:11

Yeah, numbness & tingling in the ring and pinky fingers is a classic RSI. It's actually a pinched nerve in your shoulders. "Carpal Tunnel" is a specific medical term which civilians overload to mean RSI. So everyone is correct - it's not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but it is "carpal tunnel", quote-unquote. Or, at least that's what the doc told me when I had the same complaint.

You might reconsider your computing ergonomics, paying attention to keeping your elbows at 90 deg. and your shoulders relaxed.

posted by Triode 06 January | 23:43

and +1 for HHGTTG.

posted by Triode 06 January | 23:45

Yay for spa weekend!

I've been ~~diagnosing~~ assessing various bunnies with TOS over IRC with some rate of success, so I'll throw it in here as a possibility. You should come see me for a more thorough assessment & treatment. ;)

posted by goshling 07 January | 07:14

You'll probably die soon. Make sure you ring someone to come by and clean up the body before it makes too much mess.

posted by Wolfdog 07 January | 08:45

Make sure you're not sleeping with your hand bent/tucked under your cheek (where you kinda make a duck or swan shape with your hand/arm and have the back of your hand against your cheek - I hope this is clear). Avoid that and avoid leaning on your elbow while reading/thinking/eating, etc.

I've had similar problems and saw a neurologist. He did all sorts of semi-painful electrical tests (zap! ow! zap! ow!) and came to the conclusion it's just your garden variety nerve damage. I have a moderate amount in my right hand/wrist and quite a bit in my left. Which has puzzled us all as I'm right handed (for the most part).

I have wrist braces/splints to wear at night, but most of the time I don't bother unless it starts bothering me.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on/hijack, but I hope it helps.

posted by deborah 07 January | 16:58

Thanks, everyone! If it's not cleared up after this weekend, I'll see a doctor.

posted by Eideteker 08 January | 23:42

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