Hand swelling. Venting post.

First of all, I am up at 2am writing this because the pins-and-needles sensation in my hands are keeping me from falling me back asleep after my midnight bathroom run. Ugh. I have a 9:30am hair appointment followed by an 11am OB appt today, too. Won't be well-rested for either appointment.

I just wanted to show you what kind of weird things are happening with my hands. Some people get generalized puffiness that makes them look like they're wearing Mickey Mouse gloves. But then there's me, who has pockets of swelling between her metacarpals. Here's a photo of my unsplinted hand from a few minutes ago:

Notice how the swelling between my knuckles protrude farther than the knuckles themselves. Looks like I got in a fight and threw only backhanded slaps. You can imagine how all this fluid accumulation compresses my tissues and nerves, leaving me with a constant tingle in my fingers and an aching funny-bone sensation in my elbows. I try to sleep with my hands elevated, but then all the blood runs from them as well as the fluid, which makes the pins and needles sensation worse. Ice does cool down the pain, but I can't hold onto a cold compress all day.

Ack, I'm whining now. Anyway, just wanted you to get a glimpse of what's happening with my hands. Thankfully, I am still able to function at work and with daily activities. It's sleep that brings the pain. How bitterly ironic.

I'll update again after my appointment today. Here's hoping I don't fall asleep at my hair appointment. BTW, my hairdresser hasn't delivered yet, either. I'll have somebody to whine with this morning, at least!