[Guest]

48 yr old female; obese: 4'11" 232 lbs
Carpal tunnel surgery 4/2/02 left hand
Husband has ALS and needs lots of help.
Yesterday, while taking husband to dr. he slipped out of wheelchair during sudden stop. I tried to help him up, strained my left hand. This a.m. woke up with numb middle, ring and little finger left hand and heavy, heavy feeling in my chest. I'm a worrier, so it's probably stress. Someone told me when there is tingling and numbness in your little finger and you are short of breath, it could indicate heart trouble. I do have hypertension taking Accupril and Toprol XL (although I ran out of Toprol last week and haven't taken time to refill yet.) Also cholesterol was over 300 last time it was checked. Should I contact primary physician or wait and see if hand is better soon? I don't go back to teaching kindergarten until May 13.

[Guest]

First of all, it is great that you are taking good care of your husband - it sound like you have your hands full. But you must also take care of yourself. You should not suddenly stop certain medications, especially certain blood pressure medications like beta blockers (Tporol), because you can get rebound high blood pressure.
Any chest pain or discomfort should be taken seriously, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.
See your doctor as soon as you can.
Best of Health!

[quote] 48 yr old female; obese: 4'11" 232 lbs
Carpal tunnel surgery 4/2/02 left hand
Husband has ALS and needs lots of help.
Yesterday, while taking husband to dr... [/quote]