Rocket35 Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) I found out last night why my trigger finger gets numb when shooting in cool- cold weather. Good news is there is medication for this, bad news is it can lead to amputation!! *INFO* Edited December 19, 2007 by Rocket35 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Payne Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I've had this since birth. Being from Minnesota puts me in the same sub zero cold winters as you. Can be a booger at times. Chopper mitts with heat packs inside start getting used when it gets below 32 degrees. Having Frost Bite numerous times also adds to the problem. The pain involved with thawing the fingers out can be intense at times . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bountyhunter Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 Bummer, man. My wife has the same thing, too much caffeine aggrivates it. I have Dupatryn's Syndrom which curls fingers into a pretzel. It has already ruined the ring finger on my shooting hand and is now taking the thumb. My good hand is turning into a claw. I'll trade you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket35 Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 Yeah I have had frostbite as a kid also. Growing up on the farm- you had to do chores, whether you lost your gloves or not! I also smoke and drink lots of caffine. I am doomed! I am gonna see the doc next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I don't know if any of the following will help --- but it's a quick summary from my Med-Surg nursing text. Nothing in the following should be construed as medical advice -- I'm clearly not qualified to dispense any such advice. The exact cause of Raynaud's remains unknown. There are a couple of types -- primary and secondary to something else. Popular theories hold that it may be caused by an exaggerated response to sympathetic nervous system stimulation; it may also affect people with occupational related trauma to the fingertips, such as that noted in typists, pianists, and those who use handheld vibrating equipment. Exposure to heavy metals (e.g. lead) may also be a contributing factor. Patient teaching should be directed toward prevention: Loose warm clothing should be worn as protection from the cold, including when the refrigerator or freezer is used or when cold objects are being handled. Temperature extremes should be avoided. The patient is encouraged to stop using all tobacco products, caffeine, and other drugs with vasoconstrictive effects (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine, ergotamine, pseudoephedrine). If symptoms are exacerbated by stress, coping skills need to be developed for anxiety-producing situations, e.g. biofeedback, relaxation training, and stress management have been effective for some patients. Immersing hands in warm water often decreases the vasospasm. Routine follow-up is important, because Raynaud's is sometimes one of the earliest signs of connective tissue or autoimmune diseases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SA Friday Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 Routine follow-up is important, because Raynaud's is sometimes one of the earliest signs of connective tissue or autoimmune diseases. yep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Cheely Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I also smoke and drink lots of caffine. STOP SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I found out last night why my trigger finger gets numb when shooting in cool- cold weather. Good news is there is medication for this, bad news is it can lead to amputation!! *INFO* That sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket35 Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 I also smoke and drink lots of caffine. STOP SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!! Damn- just when I was having fun chain smoking and chugging coffee! Seriously though- this sounds more serious than I thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SA Friday Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 Dude, anything that can lead to gangerine (sp) is probably something to take serious. Not to mention the possible ramifications if this is an autoimmune or connective tissue disorder (both survivable, but they suck). Stop smoking, go decaf, see your Dr routinely and if other weird symptoms crop up, and stay in the game with us. On the good side, it isn't a death sentence. It's an issue of changing some aspects of your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket35 Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 Here is another twist- I am diabetic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 Here is another twist- I am diabetic... Newly diagnosed or have been one for a long time? Feel free to pm me, if you'd like to chat more privately..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket35 Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 PM sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now