Need help! Thumb is numb 2 days think I was stung?

I have had a related problem; a few months ago (actually in October) I was cleaning my tank and for the first time in 4 years of doing this I got stung by a bristleworm. I did what I thought I should do, I took some packing tape and carefully tried to pull some out, and also rinsed my finger with vinegar. It seemed iritated for awhile, and I kept hydrocortisone on it for probably a week afterwards, but itnever seemed to heal. After a couple of weeks it was ok,but it STILL "flares up" every once in awhile, where it gets red and hard and itchy. I haven't figured out what causes it to flare up, but something is definately still going on there. And I've had other stings that never did this.
 
And don't ask me how they get there... but I always seem to have one or two tiny bristleworms hiding in the cracks of my powerheads. Not say that's the definitive answer, only another possibility. Doc visit sounds best to me as well just to be safe. ;)
 
Not to be an alarmist, but IMHO any time anyone has any sort of reaction from their tank, or gets a wound in their tank, or has an open wound exposed to tank water, they should get medical attention immediately. Just do a google search for Mycobacterium marinum if you need convincing!
 
I can't stress enough for people to use gloves. My father and I have had more aquarium related injuries and illnesses then we can count. Maing thing is to make avoid infections and to heal any aquarium related wound asap. Going to see a doctor is a good idea, only thing is most doctors may not know what to do. If this continues I would go or call Strong infectious diseases unit. There is one doctor in particular you should try to go see, I will check for his contact information.
 
sg1838 said:
Shawna, don't take this the wrong way, but at 9:36am you post "Help, my thumb has been numb for 2 days", then 20 minutes later you state "I'm going to give it one more day". Your thumb has already been numb for 2 days. How much longer do you need to figure out something isn't right? And, if you're not going to do anything about it, then why post a message on here asking for help?

I'm not trying to be critical of you, but when I can't feel my body parts for 2 days, it's probably time to go to the doctor to see what the heck is wrong. I'm not sure what you were expecting for a response from us, buy my guess is sub-conscientiously you knew it was going to be "go see a doctor", but you were hoping for a logical response that didn't include going to see a doctor.

Maybe it's nothing, but I've never heard anyone that had anything seriously wrong with them say, "I sure am glad I waited a couple extra days to call my doctor."

Step away from the computer, and go pick up the phone and call your doc...
Click to expand...


Wow! Yeah it came across pretty harsh as I was reading your post but I understand as I would say the same to someone else (maybe in a nicer way though) or maybe I just took it the wrong way
Actually I was looking for someone to tell me if these corals I mentioned above would cause this type of reaction "FIRST" as a regular doctor would not know this off hand. I had already called my doctor and they thought it was a pinched nerve and wanted me to come in so I was going to put it off.

Anyhow I planned on posting when all said and done today because despite myself not wanting to go to the doctors "I did" They ran the normal tests they said its not a stroke,blood pressure is perfect,pulse perfect, ect.ect.
so they said if its not better in a week I have to go see a neurologist to have my hand checked for nerve damage.

Thanks for the advice :)
Take care.
 
superkat said:
wasn't thinking about the vibration. was thinking about a small electrical current that you may not feel because of contact. i had a faulty powerhead that emitted a small dose of electricity that felt like a current of water...didn't hurt...didn't think anything of it...hand was numb for days.

it doesn't substitute a doctor's check up, however.
Click to expand...

hmm not sure? wouldnt be the first faulty one I've had but felt no current. I have the same routine before water change and never had this happen.
 
superkat said:
shawna???? oh...she may be working....i think she's okay....
Click to expand...

lol yeah I was working,and on the phone with the doc,then went in to docs ect.
Im good "at least they think I am" but I'm still numb! Its annoying lol
I really think its tank related but they said if it was a toxin it would effect more than my thumb and part of my hand. ? Not sure on that but anyhow...thats the update.Thanks for the help :)
 
doryarlin955 said:
I have had a related problem; a few months ago (actually in October) I was cleaning my tank and for the first time in 4 years of doing this I got stung by a bristleworm. I did what I thought I should do, I took some packing tape and carefully tried to pull some out, and also rinsed my finger with vinegar. It seemed iritated for awhile, and I kept hydrocortisone on it for probably a week afterwards, but itnever seemed to heal. After a couple of weeks it was ok,but it STILL "flares up" every once in awhile, where it gets red and hard and itchy. I haven't figured out what causes it to flare up, but something is definately still going on there. And I've had other stings that never did this.
Click to expand...

Yeah stung one time myself but it was a really small one but still hurt,no after effects though.
 
GMaquarium said:
I can't stress enough for people to use gloves. My father and I have had more aquarium related injuries and illnesses then we can count. Maing thing is to make avoid infections and to heal any aquarium related wound asap. Going to see a doctor is a good idea, only thing is most doctors may not know what to do. If this continues I would go or call Strong infectious diseases unit. There is one doctor in particular you should try to go see, I will check for his contact information.
Click to expand...

Thanks G this was the reason for my post I figured my doc would not have a clue so I wanted to see if the corals I had "sting" and toxin involved,what reaction it would give a person ect ect.. so I have something to work with
when going to the doctors. :)
 
shawna1972 said:
I would say the same to someone else (maybe in a nicer way though)
Click to expand...

Sorry. :worried:

Next time I'll try to go a little easier on you. But, I wanted to make sure the message was LOUD and CLEAR (mission accomplished). Regardless, in the end you did the right thing IMHO.
 
ggdowski said:
This might sound a little like a Seinfeld episode..

But you might want to give this vet a call...
http://nyfishdoc.com/site/view/157205_AquaticVeterinaryServicesofWNY.pml

She probably has more experience with coral toxins than most docs.
She might be able to at least give you a clue to bring to a neurologist if you need it. Send me a pm if you need a neurologist. I have some really good contacts in Rochester. Keep us in the loop. -Greg
Click to expand...

Thanks Greg for the link/contact :)
Yeah I'm still unsure what's it from "tank related or nerve problem" so I'm kind of clueless at this point. But I will give them a shout anyhow,Cant hurt at this point.
Thanks
 
BTW. That vet is very highly regarded.
All of you reading this thread should bookmark that link.
That vet was recommended by a close friend of mine who is one of the Seneca Park Zoo vets.
 
sg1838 said:
Sorry. :worried:

Next time I'll try to go a little easier on you. But, I wanted to make sure the message was LOUD and CLEAR (mission accomplished). Regardless, in the end you did the right thing IMHO.[/QUOTE

Again^^^^^ don't know why I'm taking offense to your posts maybe your wording :confused: or maybe I'm having an off day but for sake of argument (thank you
for replying and for helping out) (really). Think I just need to get offline for a while and get some sleep it's been a long day.
Take care.
Click to expand...
 
you are welcome, shawna...lots of people caring about each other here...and everyone should have a "jason". because sometimes we don't get that "loud and clear" from people...i for one know i need it sometimes!

Hang in there sweetie...
 
Hi all.. been awhile... surprised to see this thread. At first it reminded me of the " Numb Thumb Club" which was a reward club for activision games on the old atari 2600 in the 80's where you would get badges in the mail from having mailed pictures of your high score to activision. So much for the obscure reference... This doesn't sound like a rewarding experience at all though. I hope your thumb comes around soon.

About the loud and clear, it seems to me that the guy was just trying to use "tough love" to get you to do the right thing... call it a kick in the butt or a woof woof - bark worse than bite. He had your well being at heart and wanted to motivate you.

... John OL a.k.a. elvn :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

E
Need some help with two clowns swimming unusually as I’m doing a fish cycle.
2
Replies
24
Views
2K
kfisc
kfisc
M
Frogspawn Issue Help.
Replies
10
Views
902
MNtadpole
M
S
Sick Clown - Need Help
Replies
3
Views
907
HumbleFish
HumbleFish
ReefGirlSara
Clownfish help please - is this internal parasite?
Replies
1
Views
1K
leebca
L
T
Need Help Identifying Gem Tang Behavior/Sickness
2
Replies
20
Views
3K
McReefer Nista
McReefer Nista
Back
Top