Aibu to worry following what he considers minor electric shock?

[JustAnotherManicMomday]

Cut short, changing lampshade in sons room. We have phillips hue lights with remotes over switches so for those unaware switches always on even when bulbs turned off. Bulb taken out to change lampshade. Unscrewed bit to remove shade and very briefly touched live wire with tip of finger. Forgot the power is always bloody live. Luckily whilst on ladder had shoes on with rubber sole. This was about 4 hours ago.

Arm has felt different ever since. Was tingling like pins and needles, finger still feels that way but very minor pain if touch entry site which is tiny. Touching it sends a minor pain along arm. Can still use arm but has a kind of numb feeling to it. Can feel touch but doesn't feel the same. Left pointy finger was entry site and arm feels different to about inch below armpit level.

Dh thinks it will be fine as only for split second and no loss of consciousness. Should I be getting it checked out. Looked on nhs 111 based on symptoms says manage at home but at no point did it ask if caused by electric shock and im wary for that reason. Dont want to waste nhs time if not required as I know how busy they are this time of year but not exactly something I can take a trip to a chemist for.

Definitely call 111 for advice

I would call. Electricity is nothing to mess about with

Call them. They will know better than your DH. Unless he's medically trained?

Sounds like the kind of minor electric shock electricians get often

I've had similar ones. The feeling of minor existential panic is part of it. It'll pass

Medically trained no but his brother is an electrician and has had a worse shock according to him without issue. Hence his it will be fine approach.

You’re fine. It’s a minor electrical shock but you’ll feel totally back to normal in the morning. There is absolutely nothing that the hospital or any other medical care can or will do other than stick you on a heart monitor for ages and then send you home. If the skin in the contact area is sore treat it like any other burn.

the current is pretty low in household mains. It can cause serious injuries but not usually from a momentary shock like yours. If it had done anything significant you would have known about it far more than the sensations you’ve described as it would have had implications for your heart.

source: I’m a health and safety advisor specialised in electrical safety.

Did that with my oven light once. It really tests your reflexes. You should be fine. I did get a medical opnion just because I was alone and they said to call back if I needed but I was good pretty quickly.

@soupforbrains that was my logic just wary because can feel the tingling in leg now bit that's probably more anxiety. Scared the shit out me. Dh had to make a joke out of it that I shouldn't be trying to kill myself yet, his not insured me.

A lot of it will be psychological as you’ve been anxious and overthinking. Don’t stress and just get a good nights sleep. If you still have any tingling by Monday morning then seek medical advice.

I was electrocuted by the lawnmower lead coming out when I was 15. The skin and flesh was burned to the bone on my hand and I later needed to walk on crutches as the electricity damaged the ligaments in my leg. They were surprised I survived as I was home alone at the time and was knocked unconscious for god knows how long.

I got treated for burns for months and was given an ecg. No other treatment.

You are fine I am sure. Can you have a sweet tea for the shock? Pardon the pun.

Of course though, give 111 a call just for advice if you want the peace of mind.

You may have developed a superpower
🤔👉⚡Point at husband, see if you can zap him 😀

Ring for reassurance. Mains voltage applied very briefly tends to do no lasting damage, but it can kill you outright. It's usually one of the two.

Arm still feels numbing places tingle in hand and tight near top. Thinking trip to a and e is going to be the case today to be safe. Just doesn't feel the way it should.

I imagine if you went that you’re home by now but I would have strongly advised against jusy going to A&E. A cal to 111 wiuld have given you the necessary peace of mind I expect without spending hours in A&E in a weekend when they are over stretched and you are fine.

Called 111 and had a call back within 5 minutes of them telling me to expect one. Was sent to urgent care. Told I was extremely lucky as looks like no permanent damage. Going to be a few days for it to settle but if still the same Wednesday to go back.

I'm glad you called OP. Hopefully things will settle down over the next few days (and get rid of those bulbs!)

God I have banned my DP from electrics now. Even changing lightbulbs I now get an electrician out!

That man has electrified himself many a time. Hope yours is ok 🤞