I’ve been debating in my mind since about 5:30 pm this evening as to whether or not I wanted to post this. But, I think that telling my story may help me and/or anyone else out there that’s also struggling with CTS.
First, I should say that CTS is not fatal so, sorry, you’re stuck with me for a little longer. *a collective groan escapes the audience.*
I’m assuming you’ve heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (which I’m now realizing can also be shortened to CTS). Well, the CTS I’m talking about is its ugly cousing — cubital tunnel syndrome.
For the past 2 days, I have had zero feeling in my right pinky. None. I’ve set it on fire, ran it over with my car, bit on the finger nail, gingerly rubbed it on my shirt, and gently blew on it. Nothing.
From a quick WebMd search I did as I was researching what kinds of cancer cause numb pinkies, I’ve gathered that CTS is what I’ve had since Sunday*. You know what causes CTS? Fucking everything.
Sleeping with your hand under the pillow? Typing? Resting on an armrest while working or driving? All of that can pinch this weird nerve in your arm and just make your hands go numb. So, basically, if you’re alive and older than 10, every second of your day is spent risking CTS.
Think of how often your elbow is bent. Now, every time you do that, 20% of your hand loses any sensation. I mean, it can still move and I only type with my middle fingers anyway so the only hassle is that it feels kinda weird to walk while holding coffee or to reach into my pocket.
So, if you’re struggling with CTS, just know you aren’t alone. I mean, don’t come crying to me about it, but you aren’t alone.
*super not a doctor, but Google’s never lied to me before.
Anything But E 