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A new painful issue with my hands

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Posted 8/24/2008 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
smhair  I was Dx in late winter of this year with carpal tunnel; my symptoms were a light numbness in my handw and first three fingers, lots of tingling and esp. bad if I was typing, driving, things like that. Then I got sick with a horrible flare in July and for a few weeks after that, didn't feel any CT in the hands. All of a sudden two weeks ago it returned but much, much worse. Now the hands are numb [and not slightly anymore], they burn inside badly, and now they actually hurt as opposed to being tingly. As of a few days, a new thing is going on, my ring finger on the R hand will 'pop' when I am doing something that requires making a fist [like opening a car door, taking off jar lids, etc] It really hurts when it pops, like a tendon is rolling over with a twang or a pop sound, and I feel a strong and sudden numbness, and can't feel my hand, or if I am using the hand,m like writing or eating, I will drop the pen or fork because I can't feel it. Its getting worse by the day. I have tried the old wrist stabilizer but it makes it worse instantly when I use it, no matter how tight or loose I put it on. I will ask the doc when I see him, but any thoughts you may have will be wElcome.  Thank you!
Posted 8/24/2008 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
I developed carpel tunnel during my 1st pregnancy, and that does not sound like what is going on. Well, it's not like my symptoms anyway. I had severe numbness in both hands, especially when sleeping. Also driving, typing, etc... The splints did not work, but it didn't make things worse. I also had pain in the hands, all the way up to the elbows. By the time I had my surgery, the pain went up to the shoulder. But I never had any popping. I did have a hard time holding things when my hands were numb, but I don't remember it being sudden like that. From what I've been told, there are 2 differnet nerves to this carpel tunnel. The ones I had surgery on are fine now (the thumb, index and middle fingers), but now I feel numbness in my pinkies and ring fingers, but not as bad as it used to be. Let us know what the doctor says, I'm curious. I do hope you can get this corrected. I can just imagine the hardship this must be on you.

edited to add:

my hands do hurt some days now though, with burning.  It feels like what I imagine arthritis must feel like... a deep down, burning ache.  So maybe this is a new facet of your fibro?  Doesn't explain the popping though. confused

Posted 8/24/2008 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and thank you for your thoughts. I forgot to mention that when the numbness and pain is the worst, I can feel it just above my elbow, and it is feeling like the bone aches. I don't know if that is possible, but its very uncomfortable.
Posted 8/24/2008 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sera, you have described my hands to a "T".  When fibro first hit me, it was all over and the worst was from my elbows down.  You know when you hit your elbow really hard...they call it the funny bone?  Well, that's what happened to me and it felt like electricity shooting down my arms into my hands.  My hands ached, tingled, and lost nearly all their strength.  That's when I was told to start ibuprofen.  It didn't help at first but, after a couple of weeks I did get some relief.  (I was in tears nearly all the time because I couldn't sleep a wink because of the pain.)

 

They did get better after several months.  I remember dropping my crock pot, filled with food, because my hands were so bad. 

 

My hands started getting better and better and, then I had no pain or numbness in them!  But, several times since then, it has come back.  It's hard to ever write because your fingers are so numb.  I would have to let my hands hang to my side and shake them to get some feeling back so I could continue to write out checks.  I'm sure you know the feeling.

 

My last attack was last year.  I was on a trip and a cold front came through.  It was below freezing and I just can't tolerate the cold.  I was in so much pain and my hands started acting up again.  Keeping them warm does help, Sera.  Anyway, I had to pull two suitcases through a small airport.  They didn't have skycaps!  (Gulfport, Mississippi).  I thought I was going to pass out.  My hands were completely numb and my arms ached sooo badly.  But, I made it.  It took about a week for that to subside after I got home to my wonderful warm weather and I haven't had a problem since.

 

Sooo, I do know what you are going through but, hang tough.  It most likely will go away and it may come back again.  I'm really not bothered much with it when I look over the 20 years of fibro.  I know they say that fibro is not an inflammatory problem, but you couldn't prove that by me!

 

I hope this eases your mind.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/24/2008 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherrine, for your info. It does sound very much like my issue.Its puzzling and I am so tired of it! I am trying to remember when I lay down at night to keep my hands in the 'neutral' position my last doc told me about- as tho I were holding a glass. I think its getting a bit better because I am more aware of it and am trying to avoid it rather than deal with it once my hand it numb and in pain. Isn't that odd- that something can be numb and in pain?!? Thanks again!
Peace!
Posted 8/24/2008 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sera, I have a lot of problems with my hands also.  I think mine is due to osteoarthritis though.  My fingers have grown crooked since I was in my early 40's.  The first two on each hand turns sideways.  I'm so ashamed of my hands and my dh has bought me so many beautiful rings, but I'm ashamed to wear them anymore because I'm afraid it draws attention to them. 

 

My ortho dr. told me he could straighten them but it would leave them stiff.  Then I wouldn't be able to type or play piano again.  So that is out.

 

Just lately though they've been locking up on me and I'm getting that tingling feeling.  I don't know if it's from the Fibro or arthritis.  It feel like they are drawing backwards like my toes often do. 

 

Maybe someone else has some information about this.

 

God Bless!

Shannon

Posted 8/26/2008 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
confused  I get similar in my hands, it was the first problem I had before I was diagnosed with fibro.  Someone told me it sounded like carpel tunnel syndrome , its funny but im actually bringing it up with the rheumatogist next visit.  It makes using the computer very difficult on some days.  It is always there but differs from day to day. I have trouble driving also, cant open jars, and my writing has deteriorated into a child like scrawl.  It is horrible watching out bodies break down bit by bit.  Never know from day to day. Do what you can and leave the rest for another day.  That is one valuable thing amongst others ive learnt from ths forum.   see ya      suez2 :-) :-) :-)
Posted 8/26/2008 12:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Sera,

I just wanted to share with you my experience with Carpal tunnel. I had the numbness,tingling dropping things, etc...I found myself shaking my hands alot when the tingling and nummbness started getting worse. I waited several years before I HAD to have anything done. I kept putting it off because it was an on again off again kind of thing. When I found myself waking up in middle of night and the pain was SO BAD in my lower arms from elbow down, that I would literally sit on the side of the bed, rocking back and forth, holding my arms in that "position" crying. The pain was truly indescribeable. I found that when the carpal tunnel was that bad on those nights, that running hot water in the sink and letting it run over my wrists, arms and hands until it was just too hot to take would get me some pretty good relief. I would follow that up with wrapping a hot wet cloth over each wrist kept in place with something like seran wrap (to help keep the cloth hot as long as possible). It really helped me, but finally even that would not give me any relief. I waited  just a little too long to have the procedure done though. It's called a carpal tunnel release. I now have permanent nerve damage in my right hand but its not that bad. (compared to everything else) BUT, since I had the release done it is 100% better! IF what you have is carpal tunnel, the surgery to repair it is a snap. Well, it was for me! Try that hot moist, or warm moist heat trick until something gets better! I wish you luck.....Take care,

Breath

Posted 8/26/2008 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have always had the pain from my elbows to my fingers, just unbearable at times. When you write about the tingling and numbness though, my first thought is pinched nerve in your spine...the problems there will cause tremendous problems including all you speak of.

I would try a chiropractor first; see if there is something that can be done that way to relieve this. A co-worker with carpal tunnel was scheduled for surgery; she went the chiropractic route and not only did she avoid the surgery, but she was incredibly better. My experience with one has dramatically reduced my use of pain meds and muscle relaxers.

Good luck!
Posted 8/28/2008 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
Lady Jane, thank you for your thoughts, in fact I have been thinking about that too. I believe that there is a pinched nerve on my right side, just at the crux between neck and shoulder. I am doing water fitness and low impact cardio-strength training-flexibility classes, I hope that will help. I will also begin an MS yoga class soon that I hope will work on my tension around joints and help me move a little easier and ease the pain somewhat. Thanks again!
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