Serious! Who knows about nerve damage?

[tiggertan]

HI, I stupidy managed to slice my hand open about a week and a half ago. Index finger to the edge of my palm. Seen 4 different doctors who all tell me different. Basically, It has got no better and often feels wet, freezing cold and burning hot with a kind of numbness and pins and needles, never mind the pain, if it's touched. I'm worried I have damaged a nerve. If you know your stuff, I would really appreciate your help. X.

[sqad617]

Not quite sure of the exact position of your laceration, but nerves to the hand come from the neck, down the arm and by the time they have entered the palm of the hand and into the fingers, they are very small. When lacerations occur, nerves are cut, that is why it is painful. However, small nerves soon grow together and heal. It may take time for the symptoms to settle, maybe up to 4months and the numbness may NEVER recover.

[foodluva]

The hot and cold sensations and pins and needles are classic signs of neuropathic pain - probably due to nerve damage. Could take many months to disappear but there are drugs - like Gabapentin - which can be specifically prescribed for this type of pain. See the doc again.

[tiggertan]

Thank you both. I go back to the Doc's on Monday. What a plonker!