Glans issue — was prescribed Protopic but not improving

I hope you find some relief for your hand/nerve/arm pain! That’s difficult to work around. I was experiencing similar issues earlier this year and have been having regular sessions with a massage therapist who has really helped me. All of my symptoms are gone. There was nerve impingement which has been relieved with the massaging of the muscles and tissue around them. That might be something for you to try!
Wishing you well with your other problem and that you’re able to get a refill on the tacrolimus ointment.
I’ve been using it routinely and it’s really helped. Good luck to you.

i hope mine is a similar case and nothing too serious. i'm glad that your massage therapist has helped you -- i am worried to go into a typical massage session and the masseur might make it worse though, not fully understanding my case. i hope i can find a good one.

im a little worried that it could be the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, as my upper joints (shoulder, elbow) always feel a bit creaky now... also when i twist my head, it has a creaky sensation. sometimes i cant even turn my head to the left side fully/normally. my arms n shoulders also just lost muscle mass just like that... but i am glad that i am now able to write, although i still feel constant pressure pressing down my nailbed or tinglyness in few fingers in both hands

at the moment, im not sure what kind of therapist i can consult. but ill be seeing the hand/reconstruction specialist next monday after a two months' wait... she will be sending me for a cervical x-ray (is that only the neck?). im not sure if i could also request to get my elbow/shoulders x-rayed?

i wish i can go back to my normal self, so i can feel more confident looking for a stable job too to take care of my parents... life really takes its turn sometimes

@kuro, Often conditions such as the creaking in the neck when we move, tingling in fingers, hands, pain in wrists or having hands go numb when you sleep or when writing can stem from the neck/shoulder area. There is also something called thoracic outlet syndrome which can create similar symptoms. So it’s really good you’re having this checked out first to help make the right decision for treatment.
Here’s a little article about the thoracic outlet syndrome.
https://www.healthline.com/health/thoracic-outlet-syndrome#symptoms

When our neck and shoulders get tight from stress, repetitive movements, head bent down studying or work related, or from an injury, it can create a host of symptoms. As I mentioned, this is a chronic condition of mine that can make it difficult for me to sew, paint, write. It got so bad this spring that I worried I had a serious problem developing. I could type but not hold a pen long enough to write my name! I had an MRI of my spine and all was well. So I was referred to a massage therapist. Someone who has experience in myofascial release. https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/myofascial-release

A few sessions and all of my symptoms have disappeared. I have resumed my normal activities and can hold a paintbrush all afternoon now. So I truly hope you find some relief soon because I know how disruptive this is for you. I realize you’re under quite a great deal of stress with job hunting and caring for your parents. You are a very thoughtful and loving soul. I wish you all the best.
I’m here for you anytime. ☺️
Are your parents ill or just needing some extra help?

Dearest Lori,

You are an angel sent to me. I don't know where you are in this world but I'm so blessed and thankful for these. It does really sound like thoracic.. and I'll be sure to check in with the specialist to see what her advice is and maybe she can route me to a more apt specialist/treatment.

Like you, I couldn't write for a while, it hurts so much that I have to wear a brace with a support to keep my hand straight. But I suspect the onset (other than stress on my shoulders, from wrong workout postures, long sitting hours, and maybe a lil excess abdominal fats), I vented my stress by hitting my palms really hard...

And yes, I do face a great deal of stress having been retrenched 3 yrs back at the start of the pandemic, and things haven't been going my way despite trying my best, while the world has already moved on from COVID.

My parents are fine, thanks for asking -- but it's just that as the only child, and in a place where the cost of food n expenses are fast-rising, all of the sudden, without a stable job at almost 40, without an identity and with my confidence waned, i felt really small in this place -- what is my contribution not as their son but also as a member of society? I've also started shunning away from my friends n ex-colleagues, trying to lay low and just work on myself first.

I've started journalling these days, after the onset of my nerve issue, as a promise to myself to think more positively, for which i am really trying. i find that it's therapeutic and it helps.

Again, I don't know who you are, but sincerely deep down from my heart, thank you so so much. I hope that you stay healthy and contented always, for you are a great beautiful soul too.

Hello @kuro, There are a number of factors which can cause the symptoms you’re having with your hands, neck, shoulder many of them are related to posture. Muscles can tighten and put pressure our nerves. There are some massages you can do at home which can help relieve some of trigger points to relieve the tightness. But of course, finding the root cause is important. So it’s really good that you’ll be seeing a specialist to point you in the right direction for assistance.

In the meantime, if you haven’t tried them already, there are some simple techniques you can do at home to release muscle tension using a tennis ball. I do this quite often with either a tennis ball or LaCrosse ball (it’s more firm). I found a video that shows how to use the ball to relieve tension. Here’s the link on Youtube. (Ignore the opening ad. You can skip it after a few seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_CzGXiv2QI

I really can’t help but feel a lot of these symptoms are being brought on by the incredible amount of stress you’re under. You’re right, Covid changed everything and impacted people’s lives on so many levels, from jobs, family dynamics, relationships with friends, to how we now function in our daily lives. I’m so sorry you were impacted so heavily during that time and it carried over.

Turning 40 can be such a transitional stage. It’s often a time of reflection and self introspection. My daughter and son-in-law are going through that right now. They both tuned 40 this summer. Did they achieve what they thought their lives would be like 20 years ago? What would/should they have done differently? I think you’re going through a little of that right now too. Sadly, men are often defined by their careers and it becomes their identity. It shouldn’t have to be that way. And I believe it’s even more-so in some cultures than others. I can surely understand with the loss of your job and that identity, it has you feeling little lost.

I’m sad to see that you’re also pulling way from your friends. Depression and low self esteem can make you think you’re not worthy or respectable. This isn’t true!! From what I’m reading you’re a caring, thoughtful, responsible and really decent human being. You’re just having a little setback. So I encourage you to keep your connection with the outside world. Think of it this way, those friends, besides the needed camaraderie, can also be great networking tools to a new career.

I also see that you have great coping skills. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, you’re taking steps to get yourself back on track. We’re all entitled to a little self pity but the key is to not let the negative thoughts consume us.

You were wondering where I live. I’m from the US and live in one of the upper Midwest states, Wisconsin. I’ve had my share of life changing events and now at the ripe old age of 69 I’ve accumulated enough of those experiences to know we can overcome great obstacles by staying positive and making changes to better ourselves. I’m also good at reading people and feel in my heart that you’re going to make it through this period in your life! It’s perfectly ok to reinvent yourself. ☺️ Peace! ☮️