Seeking free medical advice :)

[stella4star]

Since many of you are also on the computer often, and since I am without any sort of health insurance, I thought I'd ask about a minor concern I have. In the last month or so, my pinky and ring finger on my right hand have been slightly numb. More so with the pinky, to the point that it often has a dull ache. I'm wondering if this may be the beginning symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Have any of you been diagnosed with this? I hate seeing doctors, but I'm also a full-time artist and couldn't stand to lose the full use "money-making" hand. Again, just seeking free advice. Maybe one of you is a doctor. :icon_mrgr

[Coffee Diva]

I'm only a doctor of love, but I have a friend who had it bad once, and your description sounds like it could potentially be CTS.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.

::snip::

Maybe there's a clinic you could go to?

[PrncssNikki]

It sounds like you could have it. My mom had that and went to a chiropractor for a couple weeks just to snap it all back into place and her numbness stopped.

[Smoke]

I'm also a full-time artist and couldn't stand to lose the full use "money-making" hand.

I assume you use that hand over the other for your work, so I would also agree with the CTS theory. It's going to happen to me someday, but not anytime soon...

[ResinIII]

This site may help you out:

www.webmd.com

Just type in what you described.Pretty good info there.Hope it helps.

[Mike H]

I have the numbess in three fingers on my left hand, but I am sure you do not have what I have, which is nerve damage.

[highfive]

just keep in mind that the symptoms you describe may show up as carpal tunnel syndrome. This does not mean you have it. I can find "weak and tired" in heart disease as well as low blood sugar. Basically what I am saying is, be careful when you self diagnose yourself.

[stella4star]

I do have a tendancy to self-diagnose, probably because I hate seeing doctors. But if it worsens, I guess I'll have to. Thanks to all!

[Butt Nugget]

It sounds like you could have it. My mom had that and went to a chiropractor for a couple weeks just to snap it all back into place and her numbness stopped.


Gotta love the bone-crusher. Mine works wonders.

[RunninStag]

What hand is you numbness in?

[stella4star]

It's my right hand...

[PyrettaGirl]

I totally believe in Chiropractors...at least go once to see what they tell you it is. It usually isn't that expensive and they might work with you and your financial situation!

[RunninStag]

It is not right to diagnose people without meeting them and it is extremely dangerous to accept medical information on the internet. Lasting Numbness of body parts is never normal and should receive medical attention

[Goods]

You could have the AIDS

:icon_mrgr

[stella4star]

Good point. Better see a doctor.

[tysonpunchinguterus]

Your best bet is to just chop them off. Don't take any chances.

[BIV]

Don't see Chiropractors, they do more harm than good. You don't even need to be an MD to be a Chiropractor. They are as big of medical hacks as acupuncturists or herbologists. Just quack medicine.

[kevtv]

Your best bet is to just chop them off. Don't take any chances.

you mean like pat's toe? hrmph, huh, ah, just throwin' it out there.

def. go to a doctor...i don't have medical coverage either but just to get it checked out will be worth it.

as a bit of a related note, if you don't have perscription coverage like me and ever get perscribed something, 99% of the time doctors have loads of samples at their office, so just ask for them.

(ps - tysonpunchinguterus is my favorite screen name on the board, second place i think someone has the name "savemyupsdick". classic)