Hand Muscle Wasting

[alisonb123]

Hi, Has anyone had Hypothenar wasting in both hands. I have been complaining of pins and needles for years and my GP just give me a B12 test that come back boderline. Now my muscles are wasting I have changed Surgery but still no concern and no action. I am concerned and feeling very frustrated.

Do you cycle? My sister had this when she was training for an ironman. Strongly holding something with a strong grip alters the nerves in the hand and muscle wasting was secondary to the nerve damage.
Do you do any manual activity or hobby. Try to convince your GP to send you to a neurologist as it could also be carpal tunnel.
You need to be a pain. Endlessly call the GP .

Thanks for your reply. No I don't cycle. I am fairly inactive due to fibromyalgia and a torn meniscus but do use my hands for general stuff. I do get pains in my elbows and shoulders as well. I explained to my GP that due to hand, elbow and shoulder pain I'm concerned how i'm going to cope with being non weight bearing if I have my meniscus repair. (I don't have any support that could help me) Very frustrating that GP doesn't seem to want to investigate. Their conclusion is that its the Fibromyalgia.

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Not wanting to worry you, but I would push for a neurology referral to rule out mnd...thenar wasting can be an early symptom. It may be something else entirely, but needs ruling out.

Is your B12 deficiency being treated? I'd assume that most of your issues are going to be down to that and if that's not sorted, you are going to really struggle to get better. Do you know what the actual level was?

MND is something that I have seen connected and I agree it needs to be ruled out. GP didn't even look at my hands.
B12 has been 175-234 ng/l for years alongside high MCV. Just get told it's in range.
I find it hard to stand up for myself with GPs, have tried in the past and got no where. Does help to get others opinions so I know I'm justified in my concerns.
So thanks for the replies.

High MCV and low B12 indicates macrocytic anaemia from b12 deficiency. That could well be the cause of all the symptoms, I'd really recommend you join the pernicious anaemia/B12 deficiency UK support group on Facebook. They have loads of information on there about symptoms, treatment, pushing for treatment if you aren't receiving any!
can you go and see another doctor for a second opinion?