Friday, January 20, 2006

Numb Fingertips

Have you ever fallen asleep on your own arms, and then hours later wake up to find that your arms have stopped functioning entirely? You roll over, but your arms don't move. You have to flop them around and look to make sure you still have them. Of course, within a minute or so, the blood flow returns and you miraculously regrow your arms.

This morning, I woke up with numb fingertips on one hand. Specifically, the thumb, pointer, and middle finger. My initial reaction was, "Whoa! That feels weird!" But I knew the feeling would return shortly.

But then it didn't. Now, two hours after I woke up, my fingertips are still numb. And, as a diabetic where neuropathy is certainly a major concern, it disturbs me a little. I'm giving it the day. There have been times when similar sensations have come, but disappear by the end of the day. For example, I frequently get this burning mixed with numb feeling just above my right knee, and it always starts while I'm sleeping. It kind of feels like a rugburn, but the skin isn't actually irritated. It is more internal. Anyhow, I've mentioned this to my doctor before, and he wasn't concerned. It happens probably once every few weeks.

I've never had this happen to my fingers though. I also wonder if it could be sign of dehydration, because due to some high blood sugars I had last night, I'm sure I woke up dehydrated. (If my ten trips to the bathroom last night were any indication.) I just opened up a water bottle here in case that's it.

I have trouble believing it is anything related to neuropathy. I mean, it doesn't happen that quickly. Does it? Overnight? Bam, you can't feel your fingertips.

We'll see. If I can't feel my fingertips by tomorrow, I'm calling the doc.