My hands are getting numb lately

[RecordProducer]

Both my hands get half-numb for no apparent reason. It happens when I am cold, but also when I am not. They are not getting completely numb; I can type and do everything, but I feel that my blood is not getting to all the cells and it's frightening. Once it starts, it won't go away for hours. It's been like this for a week or so, but it's getting worse and worse. I smoke and drink moderately, but quite often (mostly red wine).

 

However, I've smoked and drunk before and many people do; and they don't experience these symptoms. I have many heart attacks on my mother's side, but none of them was young. I am only 32 and I weigh 140 lbs at 5'6." I have also become very passive physically in the last year. I barely ever go outside. I hate the gym, I am depressed because of my crappy marriage, my husband leaves me alone with the kids at home, and I don't have anyone here in the US to go out with. I know, I should cut down the cigs and booze and start going out and meeting people. This might also be due to stress and frustration.

 

I am calling the doctor on Tuesday in any case, but I wanted to hear if anyone had any similar experience and how it turned out. Thanks for listening.

[whichwayisup]

You could have a vitamin/mineral deficiancy, or your calcium is low. You could have pinched a nerve which is causing you the numbness, or it could be something else, so I'm glad you're seeing your Dr on Tuesday. Let me know what happens!

[RecordProducer]

You could have a vitamin/mineral deficiancy, or your calcium is low. You could have pinched a nerve which is causing you the numbness, or it could be something else, so I'm glad you're seeing your Dr on Tuesday. Let me know what happens!

Vitamins? I thought it was my blood circulation. Hm. If a nerve is pinched, it must be in the spine, because both my hands get numb. Thanks for your reply, WWIU.

[tanbark813]

This is just a stab in the dark but is there a history of diabetes in your family? Numbness in the hands or feet is one of the warning signs of the onset of diabetes.

[whichwayisup]

It also could be stress. You have alot going on in your life right now RP.

Vitamins? I thought it was my blood circulation. Hm. If a nerve is pinched, it must be in the spine, because both my hands get numb. Thanks for your reply, WWIU

 

Well, one symptom of my low B12 levels were numbness in BOTH of my feet.

[Ladyjane14]

Good plan to see your doctor. It's important to rule out any kind of circulatory problem.

 

But, do you think it's' possible you could have carpel tunnel syndrome?

You've been doing alot of typing lately, haven't you? working on your applications and all?

 

Anyway, I've got it in both hands. For the most part I tolerate it because it's not debilitating enough to mess with the surgery. That said, I'm fairly miserable with it if I strain the tendons in my forearms because even a mild amount of inflammation will crowd the carpal tunnel.

 

I learned this when I was diagnosed... There are two main nerves which run through. Your thumb, index, middle, and the inside of your ring finger closest to the middle finger are on one. Your pinky and the other side of the ring finger are on the other. When one of those nerves is crowded, you'll experience symptoms in the affected digits. So... sometimes, you can tell it's carpal tunnel because half your ring finger is unaffected.

[jerbear]

I was about to say posture and carpal tunnel.

 

I would suggest following LJ's advice on going to see a Dr.

[amaysngrace]

And if it's your pinky and ring finger it's not carpal tunnel but your ulnar nerve. So keep your elbows off the table.

[johan]

Do you have several rubber bands around each of your wrists? That could be a cause.

[Tony T]

You may not be feeling numbness as much as a bit of tingling. My bet, given what you have been going through lately, is you're experiencing anxiety and stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your body and cause lots of symptoms.

[RecordProducer]

Thanks for your replies, guys. Today it's better, so maybe it will go away.

This is just a stab in the dark but is there a history of diabetes in your family? Numbness in the hands or feet is one of the warning signs of the onset of diabetes.

Yes, there is and I had latent diabetis during my pregnancy. They call it latent because it only shows up during pregnancy, but it may show up later in life. The last year's checkup was OK, but I should always watch my diet. I gained 15 lbs in the last 6 months so maybe I should just switch to a healthier lifestyle.

 

Good plan to see your doctor. It's important to rule out any kind of circulatory problem.

 

But, do you think it's' possible you could have carpel tunnel syndrome?

You've been doing alot of typing lately, haven't you? working on your applications and all?

No, I haven't done a lot of typing. It spreads throughout my whole hand, not just some fingers. LJ, are you a surgeon?

 

Do you have several rubber bands around each of your wrists?

No.

 

You may not be feeling numbness as much as a bit of tingling. My bet, given what you have been going through lately, is you're experiencing anxiety and stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your body and cause lots of symptoms.

It could be anxiety. I think I just need sex.

[quankanne]

It could be anxiety. I think I just need sex

 

well, as long as you don't overwork your wrists manipulating Mr. Happy, you ought to do okay with sex.

 

carpal tunnel was my first thought, too. I didn't even consider diabetes, though you might get a glucometer to check your blood sugar levels to see how the alcohol is affecting it.

[JamesM]

You may not be feeling numbness as much as a bit of tingling. My bet, given what you have been going through lately, is you're experiencing anxiety and stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your body and cause lots of symptoms.

 

That was my first thought. I have heard of this before. When I googled hands going numb, this is one of the things that popped up.

 

RP, you have had a very stressful year or two. It is bound to come out one way or another.

 

But I agree...see the doctor for two reasons...rule out any physical reason (which it could be circulation) and it will put your mind at ease.

 

Keep us updated.

[RecordProducer]

That was my first thought. I have heard of this before. When I googled hands going numb, this is one of the things that popped up.

 

RP, you have had a very stressful year or two. It is bound to come out one way or another.

 

But I agree...see the doctor for two reasons...rule out any physical reason (which it could be circulation) and it will put your mind at ease.

 

Keep us updated.

Aww, you googled this? Thanks. Well, since today it was OK, I think I'll wait until it happens again to see the doctor.

 

It could be anxiety. I think I just need sex

 

well, as long as you don't overwork your wrists manipulating Mr. Happy, you ought to do okay with sex.

 

carpal tunnel was my first thought, too. I didn't even consider diabetes, though you might get a glucometer to check your blood sugar levels to see how the alcohol is affecting it.

Yes, I should buy that little device and measure my levels after a meal. I have a habit of eating a lot once or tywice a day instead of having several small meals.

 

I definitely need the sex though.

[whichwayisup]

Well, since today it was OK, I think I'll wait until it happens again to see the doctor.

 

NO! Get that sexy ass of yours TO the Dr's office tomorrow. You said Tuesday, so call and make that appearance, even if you feel better.

 

hehe..

[dropdeadlegs]

I experience numbness in both of my hands. More accurately I think it's in some of my fingers and both thumbs. It most often occurs when my hands get cold, but it takes many hours of warmth for the numbness to subside. I don't have a family history of diabetes, and stress doesn't seem to be a factor since I have experienced it at both high and low stress periods of life. I do have joint problems in my hands and wrists, so nerve pinching could be relative. I had a ganglion cyst in my left wrist that was never operated on. The cyst doesn't emerge anymore, but I'm, sure the "tentacles" are much of the problem in that hand. I rarely have it happen in my feet, but it has happened.

 

Not much help, here, just some empathy.

[JamesM]

Aww, you googled this? Thanks. Well, since today it was OK, I think I'll wait until it happens again to see the doctor.

 

 

 

I definitely need the sex though.

 

You are welcome.

 

Yikes! I didn't say that to keep you from the doctor! Get your (to use WWIU's words) "sexy ass" to the doctor ASAP. At least you will know what the problem is. My unofficial diagnosis does not count.

 

And for the second part....well, I had better not go there.

[RecordProducer]

I experience numbness in both of my hands. More accurately I think it's in some of my fingers and both thumbs. It most often occurs when my hands get cold, but it takes many hours of warmth for the numbness to subside. I don't have a family history of diabetes, and stress doesn't seem to be a factor since I have experienced it at both high and low stress periods of life. I do have joint problems in my hands and wrists, so nerve pinching could be relative. I had a ganglion cyst in my left wrist that was never operated on. The cyst doesn't emerge anymore, but I'm, sure the "tentacles" are much of the problem in that hand. I rarely have it happen in my feet, but it has happened.

 

Not much help, here, just some empathy.

Actually your case seems closest to mine. I guess I have to see the doctor, huh?

 

Well, when I say Tuesday, it means ANY Tusday down the road. I am so irresponsible, I hate it.

 

I am so down, my husband just told me that he would be moving out shortly, which is BS, I know, but it hurts. This is too much for me. I am falling apart.

[dropdeadlegs]

Actually your case seems closest to mine. I guess I have to see the doctor, huh?

 

Well, when I say Tuesday, it means ANY Tusday down the road. I am so irresponsible, I hate it.

 

I am so down, my husband just told me that he would be moving out shortly, which is BS, I know, but it hurts. This is too much for me. I am falling apart.

Maybe I'm in denial, RP, but I won't believe your hubby until I see some real action on his part. I think he is secretly (or not so secretly) hoping you will

buckle under the pressure and beg him to stay and become a more demure spouse.

 

But, back to your numb hands. Just this morning everything was fine and normal. A cold front moved in so it was nippy this morning (40's) but I was pretty cozy in my home. I was posting and answering emails then decided to shower. I got in the warm water and immediately had the numbing in both hands. I paid close attention and both thumbs, both pointer fingertips, and one middle finger on my right hand went numb and stayed that way throughout my shower. After getting out and going about my business the numbness subsided.

 

I sure wish you'd see a doctor so I would know what's wrong with me.

 

BTW, I also smoke and drink moderately, but often. My poison is beer.

[whichwayisup]

Buy a rice warmer. Those are sacks filled with rice (or other hard grains) you can put in the microwave oven to heat up. They work well with the cold numb hands, I use mine ALL the time in the winter, I sometimes warm afew up and put them in the bed so it's nice and warm. Also they're great for cramps!

 

I hope you feel better RP. I'm worried about you! You gotta de-stress and book a spa day for yourself!! Seriously, get a massage and just soak in a hottub for an hour or two..

 

DDL - LOVE the avatar! I know it's from one of my favourite movies! Looking forward to the 24 hour marathon on Dec 24th! hehe..

[dropdeadlegs]

Buy a rice warmer. Those are sacks filled with rice (or other hard grains) you can put in the microwave oven to heat up. They work well with the cold numb hands, I use mine ALL the time in the winter, I sometimes warm afew up and put them in the bed so it's nice and warm. Also they're great for cramps!

 

I hope you feel better RP. I'm worried about you! You gotta de-stress and book a spa day for yourself!! Seriously, get a massage and just soak in a hottub for an hour or two..

 

DDL - LOVE the avatar! I know it's from one of my favourite movies! Looking forward to the 24 hour marathon on Dec 24th! hehe..

Ooh! I have rice warmers and I never thought of using them for this problem. Thanks, WWIU!

 

RP, I second the spa day motion by WWIU.

 

Sidebar: I watched the movie Sunday night, but it's a Christmas Eve must-see at our house, too. With the marathon we can watch a few minutes, do something else, and come right back where we left off! That one and "It's a Wonderful Life" are traditions.

[White Flower]

Hi RP! Long time no see, how are you?

 

I don't want to alarm you, but have you thought about googling MS? Try this article with symptoms and book an appointment for testing. I thought Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, too, but didn't want to be boring:)

 

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/recognizing-multiple-sclerosis

 

Good luck, darling.

[White Flower]

Sidebar: I watched the movie Sunday night, but it's a Christmas Eve must-see at our house, too. With the marathon we can watch a few minutes, do something else, and come right back where we left off! That one and "It's a Wonderful Life" are traditions.

We love that movie too, it is a must see this time of year! Oh, you just said that. Love the avatar.

[RecordProducer]

Maybe I'm in denial, RP, but I won't believe your hubby until I see some real action on his part. I think he is secretly (or not so secretly) hoping you will buckle under the pressure and beg him to stay and become a more demure spouse.

Neah, I think it's more than that. I think he needs drama in his life, challenge. My mom said he needs to be dumped. He will want me when I won't belong to him anymore. If I leave today and keep NC, he will run after me. He doesn't want a woman who loves him.

 

I sure wish you'd see a doctor so I would know what's wrong with me.

That was funny.

 

Hi RP! Long time no see, how are you?

 

I don't want to alarm you, but have you thought about googling MS?

Long time no see? I am here all the time! No, I don't have any of the other symptoms and the tingling is not happening now after I posted. I think it was stress. I feel that I should really start leading a healthier life, because it's taking a toll. I won't be young forever. My grandfather is 87 and healthy after three heart attacks, but he never smoked or drank. My grandmother died at 75, but she was overweight her whole life. I am not overweight, but I smoke and drink.