KWR: freaking out about possible nerve damage. *Update pg2*

So PSA- invest in a spray adapter to avoid nerve damage!

Wow that is really scary. Thanks for the PSA. I hope you have improvement way sooner rather than later.

You are kidding. So scary! Thanks for the heads up and I hope you recover soon !

Never get medical information online.

Wow, that's crazy! Hope you get better soon!

@Elizabeth while that's definitely a good rule of thumb, when I called my PCP their next available a appointment is in November. No joke. And I think examining my finger for nerve damage is outside the realm of an urgent care center. So while I wait for my Nov appointment, it was definitely reassuring to see that other people have recovered from similar symptoms, so I'm not perpetually in freak- out mode for the next 3 months.

Consider going to see your doc or an outpatient occupational or physical therapist to address the issue sooner than later - you may be able to get some more helpful information than Dr. Google (although I think we all love that doc too at times)

This is common with people that play video games for extended periods too. Eventually it'll come back, I've had a numb feeling for almost a week before but it would get better slightly each day. If you're really concerned, please go see your doctor and not Dr. Google.

Yeah, I've set up an appt for their earliest opening (November) and hopefully they'll refer me to an OT/PT/other specialist if necessary.

ETA for clarity

Oh, thanks- for some reason I wasn't aware that Urgent Care could write scripts to specialists? I'll do that ASAP!

I compressed a nerve on my inner elbow a few months ago from carrying a heavy bag (word to the wise, do not carry your bags like this!). I think it took about 3 weeks for full sensation to come back? I should also mention, with the specific nerve that I pinched, I lost sensation all the way down my forearm and half of my hand. When I went to the doctor, she mentioned that unless a nerve is severed, sensation almost always returns.

@Kate, thank you. Yeah, thankfully I've just had teaching days so far this week, not performances. And when I've been doing lessons and practicing, the muscle memory and proprioception are still there so I can get my finger in the right place... it's just weird to have no sensation in my fingertip and not be able to actually feel the strings and keys. I'm definitely heading in to urgent care tomorrow morning to see if I should get a referral to an imaging place.

I'm also debating the appropriateness of messaging an old friend who just earned her doctorate in physical therapy... nah I probably shouldn't do it.

I lost the sensation in my toes after hiking in my wedding shoes for 12 hours. Took about a week but it came back.

This happened to me after finals week last semester. My thumb was literally numb/felt "asleep" after all the writing I did. It took like a month to feel normal again! So weird.

Wow, I hope you're okay!!

Never get your medical information online. I would not play around with your nerves especially if you're a musician. I would see a doctor right away. They can recommend anti-inflammatories or therapy based on the injury. Nerve damage, once severe, will never heal. I would make sure it doesn't get there! Just go to your family doctor and explain the issue. I doubt it is severe, but personally I wouldn't chance it. I'm glad you're okay though!

Edit: Just saw your comment and I would message your friend who is the physical therapist! Just in case

See if you can go to a massage therapist for this! Mine helped with my sciatica. I visit her every few months or so, painful but she rolls on me just right that it helps get my nerve separated and back to its place!

Update:

Thanks to @Enchanted setting me straight about what walk-in clinics actually can and can't do, I got my finger looked at this morning instead of waiting months to see my regular doctor. The doctor who examined my poor finger basically said that it should heal on its own, and that I shouldn't be concerned after less than a week of numbness, come back if it persists after a month. I asked about a referral to an imaging center, and he said that he could write me a script if I really wanted to get it done, but I could also wait and see what things look like a month from now.

Yes I really want it done! I'm not taking chances with my nervous system. So I have the referral, and set up an appointment for a high resolution ultrasound on Tuesday. Better to know of a potential problem now, rather than trust that it'll fix itself in a month.

Thanks for the support I've gotten here - and if you need to spray paint and DIY for your wedding, use the grip nozzle!

Glad you got sound advice. I did something similar about 2 months ago (I think from hauling my bag on a flight - I promise I pack light!). Seem to have crushed the nerve on my middle finger. Went for MRI and to orthopedic surgeon. Ultimately, there was nothing they could do for me. Dr thought I might have a tumor sitting on the nerve but MRI showed nothing. Now it has almost completely healed on its own. It's scary. Mine was also painful if I put any stress or pressure on it.

Hope your hand heals on its own as well. Good luck.