To take this to out of hours?

[Stopthisshemozzle]

I have woken up with a numb right shoulder and have lost dexterity in my right hand. I can't open a bobble with it, it's too weak.
My hand has been funny for a week or so, but now the whole arm is a bit of a dead weight. I can move it round, not sure I could drive with it though.
My doctors are always 3/4 weeks until appointments and I don't think I could wait that long.
Am I being dramatic seeking out of hours help?

Not at all. In fact, without wanting to scare you, it could potentially be a small stroke so I'd be going to a&e if it was me. Just in case.

YANBU. Get checked out.

YANBU

A stroke would be quite fast working though wouldn't it? The hand has been funny all week.

I'd call 111 rather than present at A+E

YY to 111 - this isn't an accident, and from what you describe, not an 'emergency' in A&E terms.

Thanks folks. Called 111 and a Dr is going to call back.
The lady asked all the stroke questions and didn't seem too worried, hence the call back.
I always feel bad using nhs services at the weekend.

How did you get on today OP ?

Ok thanks. It's most likely a trapped nerve in my shoulder causing my hand to weaken and the numbness.
She says it needs a physio, so I'll have to ask my GP (once I find one!) to refer me.
I am a bit worried as my job requires a lot of detailed practical work and my right hand hasn't been really been working today. I fear it may be a while before it's fixed.

Also worried about driving and can't write with it today either.

Am glad you got seen and it wasn't a stroke.

I have no practical advice so will just send instead.

That's a better way of looking at it, it could have been much worse news!
Thank you.

You could pay to see a sports therapist/physio. They could manipulate your shoulder. I don't think their fees are excessive; around £40 or therabouts for a session (actually probably less than this). If you can't write/drive or move your arm you need to get it sorted sooner rather than later. You'll be waiting months if not years for an appointment with the NHS.

I had this last year and it is utterly terrifying. Mine happened a little quicker though, in the space of one evening I went from tingly fingers to a completely numb arm. Went to the nurse, she advised A&E (up to that point I thought trapped nerve) after 3 hours in hospital it was determined to be a trapped nerve in the neck.

Try looking over your shoulder slowly, without turning your back. Mine was uneven, the muscle on the side of the numbness was a lot tighter. A few physio sessions over 3 weeks saw it right (I paid privately to expedite it). I hope it's as easily resolved for you.

In our area you can self refer to physio. Would be worth checking?

I shall look into sports physio. I'm hoping it won't be too bad to fix, if it's constant physio I will have to go NHS though which worries me! Can't afford to be off work.
I was embarrassed today as I had to update the white board in the staff room, my left hand was better than my right.