It hurts!
By GreenMoo
@GreenMoo (11834)
November 7, 2012 4:22am CST
This is a blatant call for sympathy! I have a weird, and very painful, infection on one of my hands and I'm really feeling miserable and out of sorts. This is day 5. It started as a small circle the size of a coin on the top of the webbing between my first finger and thumb, with a larger red patch spreading around. That original patch has now gone, but I have swollen patches on the side of my first finger and on my thumb, and the red infection has spread as far as the centre of my palm. The whole thing tingles like the start of a cold sore constantly, and is intensely painful if I touch it. I can't grip anything. To make matters worse, I can't grip in my other hand particularly well either, as I have a slice cut along the inside of my fingers!
I asked the pharmacist on Tuesday, and he had no idea at all. I would like to see the doctor, but can't make an appointment and the alternative is to drive over to the big town and see an emergency doctor.
So, to make this into a discussion rather than a good long moan, how swiftly do you tend to see the doctor if you have a problem? I tend to put it off and put it off and hope things improve on their own. In this case I suspect that wasn't the best decision!
Have you ever had a problem with one of your hands so that it was hard to work with? How did you go about your day to day jobs? I am so wishing my son was home so he could milk the goats for me today.
8 people like this
23 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Nov 12
I think you should see a doctor as soon as possible. I don't usually visit the doctor unless I have an infection. Normal aches and pains, muscle pulls, flu and colds I can take care of myself. But infections can spread throughout your body and affect your organs! A bad infection will send me for help. I've had little infections like in a cut that I treated myself but the big ones, like yours, need professional attention. I hope you get the help you need and feel better soon! Isn't medical attention free over there?
3 people like this
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
7 Nov 12
I react badly to most antibiotics, so I actually try and avoid the doctor's surgery for even infections unless they're serious.
Since I wrote though, my hand has got worse and I'm feeling hot and cold and very peculiar (probably just from looking at it!) so OH is going to drive me to the emergency clinic in the big town shortly.
I don't actually live in the UK all the time, but although medical attention isn't free here, it's very reasonable. It's not something that stops me going, it's more the hassle factor. For this appointment, it's a 50 minute drive each way and we'll have to pick my littlest up from school first as otherwise there will be noone here when he gets home. Hopefully I can reach my eldest on his mobile in between classes and let him know to put dinner on for the volunteers when he gets in and deal with the animals. It's just such a PAIN!
4 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
7 Nov 12
You poor thing you!
You should definitely get it looked at. Why can't you get an appointment?
I'm like you, I tend to put off seeing a doctor until I can't stand the pain anymore. Mostly because everytime I've gone I've been told it's nothing and it will clear up on it's own.
Sometimes my right hand hurts.. but in an odd way. The knuckles on my hand will hurt if I twist the hand. Gripping is fine, holding is fine.. but it's twisting, like twisting a cap off a bottle or something.
It used to hurt like that all the time when I worked at Subway.. I figured it was from repetitive motion of holding and placing lunch meats and cheeses.. then the squeeze bottles. It hasn't hurt like that pretty much since I stopped working at Subway, but the other day it hurt again and I don't know why.
3 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Nov 12
hi katsmeow carpal stunnel syndrone typing sometimes makes mine worse and my hand goes numb then hurt from blood c oming back into it. now how can I my lot without t typing? my doctor sa ys just take it easy okay and elevate your legs and act like your one hundred? no no no I am not elevating any thing, napping any tihn, actin like an old lady.okay I am an old lady but I do nt have t act like one. but she must get that hand seen as it sounds l ike blood poisoning as for me
I am putting off g etting blood work done,seeing the gastric doctor and getting a colonscopy done yuck the prep is what I hate the test its not all that bad as you mostly sleep through it. but drinking a gallon of laxative
and the after math'thats not fun at all.
and the after math'thats not fun at all.2 people like this
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
7 Nov 12
I get periods when my knuckles hurt when I grip things, and then it goes away again. When it's really sore it's difficult to do things like raking but driving long distance can hurt too. After a while it goes way again, and so long as it does I'm quite happy to ignore it.
Thanks for the sympathy :) It's helped immensely ;) Having been to the doctors now, I'm now sporting an impressive bandage, so I'm looking for some more once I get to show it off tomorrow!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
7 Nov 12
Have you ever had chickenpox? If so, it could be a shingles infection. I know they are usually on the torso, but I know someone who has gotten them at least twice on her hands, and she is not even thirty. The fact that it tingles like a cold sore is what brought that to my mind, related viruses. It also reminds me of hand foot and mouth disease. I do not think you should wait as so much of your work depends on your hands. It also concerns me that you may pass the infection to your animals during milking. I have had serious burns on my hand as well as having sliced my thumb more than one time. Once on a tin can, and once on a mandolin at a job, washing the dishes.
3 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Nov 12
hi gardengerty the way she described its onset is could be a brown recluse spider biteand those are mean as the venom dissolves flesh in the hand. so wish she would see a doctro at once as that venom also causes blood poisoning. too
1 person likes this
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
7 Nov 12
I remember my grandmother having shingles, and it was really sore. I didn't know about the tingling sensation, so that is a good piece of information to file away for future reference.
I've been pretty much unable to milk with my left hand for a few days so I've been doing it one handed. Now I've got a ridiculous bandage on so I couldn't milk with that hand even if I wanted to. I can't bend it! I'd wondered actually whether the infection had come from the goats, as it's a part of my hand which rests on them. I did check the goats though, and there's nothing untoward there. The doctor isn't able to be specific.
2 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
7 Nov 12
Hiya GM.,
Sympathy you have from me that sounds bad yes but it only needs treatment from a Doctor.
It could be caused by anything I find a big culprit and found a culprit was the washing powder I was using I had no reaction except to the perfume stuff in it but these others were coming out in red patches like bruises and scaly white skin so I stopped using it hey presto skin problems gone.
Coincidence I think not I also have to use gloves lately to wash anything up as I found the washing up liquid caused sort of chapped skin on my thumb protective gloves and away and I also water the washing up liquid down too.
Chapped skin has gone and cleared up altogether.
Certain famous brands of that are too strong I find maybe you have that kind of allergic reaction to it?
All the same get a Doctor to see it I know it is annoying but sometimes it could be something so simple like I have mentioned too hope it is only something simple.xxx
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
7 Nov 12
Went to the emergency doctor this afternoon in the end, but he had no idea what had caused it in the end. It's some sort of infection which has got a bit out of control and nasty, but I'm hoping the antibiotics and cream I have will sort it out quickly. Until then, I've got a rather dramatic looking bandage which allows me dispensation from mucky work ;)
3 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
7 Nov 12
Hiya GM,
So glad for you as you have enough to cope with and you will need a bandage to be able to work.
Anyway at least you have got it sorted out now hope it clears up soon.xxx
1 person likes this
@akmmedhi3 (41)
• India
7 Nov 12
I am very sorry to hear that. I think you shouldn't have waited so long and should have visited a doctor as soon as possible.
In my case I prefer to go to the doctor as early as possible. But the visit to the doctor depends upon the nature of the illness and it's severity. In case of mild cold, cough , headache etc I don't go to the doctor and just let it heel in it's natural way.
When I was in BA 2nd Year then during the exams I got a deep cut near the thumb in my right hand and writing in the exam with that hand was a very painful experience. But I managed it although my hand was bleeding after 1 hour of writing.
Get well soon.
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
7 Nov 12
My friend you are indeed pitiful in your story about how your hand was infected by that allergy in you,so was your other hand due to the cuts in it.Although your situation is just a fingertip to my situation,you better see a doctor right away to address your situation so that you could be given the right medication.The longer you just leave it like that makes your situation worst,so why not go for a check-up.
3 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Nov 12
hi elic ifts its a bronw recluse spider vbite the sooner she gets help the better as the venom disssloves hand flesah and causes blood poisoning.she has to find someone she c an get to at once ev en a Emercency room as its really important
feverand chills and p ains bad symptoms
.
.3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47313)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Nov 12
Uh, I don't want to alarm you, but it might be blood poisoning, especially as you state in a response below that you have chills and fever, and feel "peculiar". I hope by the time you read this you have gotten proper treatment, which, unfortunately, may require a hospital stay.
Please don't die on us!
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47313)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Nov 12
She could have developed the septicemia from the cut on the other hand.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47313)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Nov 12
I checked out the brown recluse, and I don't think it's shown up in the UK, just southern US.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Nov 12
hi yes she must get to a doctor . sounds like a brown recluse spider bite
and if so she must get medical help now.the poison from that spider can dissolve
the tissue so it needs to be seen as soon as possible and the way she described its start it could be a spider bite. anyway sounds like blood poisoning and she needs antibiotics too.
and she needs antibiotics too.2 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
7 Nov 12
Hmmm....Since my cancer diagnosis I tend to go as soon as I feel I'll. previously I'd put it off until I absolutely had to go or the Boss demanded that I go and would frog march me to the Dr. Now, if you hold my hand maybe I will catch your rash. Then I can get a same day appointment with the Dr and get it fixed for us both!
2 people like this
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
7 Nov 12
I think if I could get a doctor to pop round to the house and see me inbetween the things I'm trying to do, I'd be far more likely to see him or her! I did go to the emergency clinic this afternoon though after I spend the entire morning feeling very sorry for myself. I feel no better for having seen a doctor (although I think I have to actually start TAKING the antibiotics before they will work ...), but I'm sporting a very impressive bandage which effectively rules me out of any washing up so it was a trip well worth it.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Nov 12
hi greenmoo oh my gosh milking with that hand that has gotta be almost a no no
ca n you get a fellow farmer or neighbor to do this for you? also I am a procrastinator fare thee well. right nowt I have to get blood work'done and have been putting it off and a new dr. appt also I have put off. 'but I have to do these things. also an infection in a hand if untreated will lead to blood poisoning and you will be really sick.watch to see that a red streak does not go up your arm even a few inches.if it does get to the nearest Emergency room as thats a sign of blood poisoning and you have to have antibiotics to stop that .
infection.,..Could you possibly have got a spider bite?the brown recluse spider bite is poisonous and its acid can destroy tissue in the hand. get to the
nearest doctor now as whatever it is seems to be spreadingl. you need to
get medical help now.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47313)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Nov 12
Well, she posted about three hours ago that she had got someone to take her to the emergency clinic, which is almost an hour away from her. With luck, she should be receiving treatment now, even as we speak.
Fingers crossed.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47313)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Nov 12
Glad you're not dying. Enjoy your 'disabled' state while you can. 
@Orson_Kart (6776)
• United Kingdom
7 Nov 12
Glad to see you went and got it looked at. Same thing happened to me years ago and I was told at the time that I would have had to have my arm amputated before the discovery of penicillin. Made me appreciate the wonders of modern science. 
Dunno about 'milking the goat' but you sure did milk the sympathy here....
Dunno about 'milking the goat' but you sure did milk the sympathy here....1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
7 Nov 12
I'm glad you did go to the doctor. I would have gone the minute it started to spread. Although you've been treated, I would recommend you also take extra Vitamin D3 and Magnesium to help fight that infection. I will be praying for you. Please keep us posted as best you can.
1 person likes this
@edvc77 (2140)
• Philippines
7 Nov 12
That is really painful. I have scoliosis and when it is cold, my back really aches. And all I could do is lie straight on the floor because it has no medicines for it. And sometimes I do cry and just endure the pain. Actually, I pray hard when my backaches.
I suggest you must see a doctor and pray too.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
8 Nov 12
Oh! I'm so sorry to hear about your hand. Is is the hand you write with? I hope you feel better real soon. Me? I do not trust doctors. Add this mistrust with my feeling of doom and it is counterproductive for me to go the doctor. What I do instead these days is look up the symptoms on my laptop. But My advice is for you to see a doctor.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
8 Nov 12
Surf the net. There maybe a home remedy.I'm so glad it is less painful.
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
8 Nov 12
I tend to put things off also. Minor things. But if what you have happened to me, I would run to the doctor to make sure it is nothing serious. I think you would be better off going to the emergency. I hope it gets better and goes away.
@adnileb (5276)
• Philippines
8 Nov 12
Sorry to hear that.
Hope you can find a doctor as soon as possible. 
I had a problem with my left hand just a month ago. It was my ring finger.
My dog caused it, or maybe I will stop blaming my dog, so, I was the one to blame. 
Something in his collar pricked my finger and it was so painful. It was swollen, couldn't bend it and couldn't barely use my left hand. I was in terrible pain every time I sleep because it's sometimes being bumped accidentally. Until now, there's a little pain. But i can use my hand again.
There are lots of things that I couldn't do that time like eating with fork, washing my *toooot* and tying up my hair.
Hope all hoes well on your check-up.
I had a problem with my left hand just a month ago. It was my ring finger.
My dog caused it, or maybe I will stop blaming my dog, so, I was the one to blame.
Something in his collar pricked my finger and it was so painful. It was swollen, couldn't bend it and couldn't barely use my left hand. I was in terrible pain every time I sleep because it's sometimes being bumped accidentally. Until now, there's a little pain. But i can use my hand again.
There are lots of things that I couldn't do that time like eating with fork, washing my *toooot* and tying up my hair.
Hope all hoes well on your check-up.
@squallming (1775)
• Malaysia
11 Mar 13
Looks like the infection on your hand was getting more severe. Sometimes I do get some infection like the one you describe with red patches and some skin peeling off between my toes. Though the last time I had such condition was a few years back. I believe it has to be affected by our physical environment. Perhaps there is certain bacteria growing somewhere that you hand touched. Since this few years I am staying in my campus dormitory, I had no such issues no more.
I did not applied anything medication on it though, I just let it cure on its own. Anyway, I don't think this is a good idea. Best for you to go and meet a doctor. They will prescribe the right type of medication to be taken orally and to be spread around the infected areas.
@STOUTjodee (3573)
• United States
9 Nov 12
Glad you went to the doctor! Too bad the doctor didn't know what caused it but hopefully the antibiotic will help and you will start feeling better. You don't realize how much you use your hands until you injure/hurt them and you realize just how dependent you are on them. I suffer from onset to carpal tunnel and it can be very painful. Think it's getting worse since I'm trying to earn money using the computer. Keep us posted on how things are going for you!
Too bad the doctor didn't know what caused it but hopefully the antibiotic will help and you will start feeling better. You don't realize how much you use your hands until you injure/hurt them and you realize just how dependent you are on them. I suffer from onset to carpal tunnel and it can be very painful. Think it's getting worse since I'm trying to earn money using the computer. Keep us posted on how things are going for you!@GreenMoo (11834)
•
9 Nov 12
You're absolutely right. I've been really struggling with opening the coffee pot!
Keep an eye on the carpal tunnel thing. When I worked in an office all day and used my computer all night I had very nasty pains in my right index finger (my mouse finger) which had me on painkillers and antiinflamatories for months. When I cut the computer time (and at home I now use a laptop) it went away like magic.
@STOUTjodee (3573)
• United States
9 Nov 12
Yes, I think working on a computer started all mine, because I worked for a telemarketing company for two years. We used computers for everything there. Then I got away fom it and I worked for a company that we used sand blasters. One day at work I was sand blasting and the machine fell to the floor and I thought I was still holding on to it. Went to the doctor and it wasn't bad enough but I did physical therapy and it seemed to go away.
