Hand-arm vibration syndrome HAVS - vibration white finger - Forum

I've been noticing my fingers/hands swelling up as soon as i touch cold drinks /things basically - turning white for a while and blotchy and no circulation.

I didnt think anything of it the first few times , then showed my mate 'who said mine havent done it ? u should go to the doctor .......I thought he was over reacting ,but the more ive thought im agreeing and nearly booked appointment (but too busy ). now i have just googled it and im pretty sure its 'white'finger ..... funny as trainer for my chainsaw course just asked me about it...............................pretty shit as I use strimmer,vacuum,hedgetrimmers,chainsaw a lot !!!!!!- advice is see doctor/ anti-vibration gloves....put under warm water /warm gloves and more...(dont use above tools) HELP

I have booked doctors (week tomorrow) ! . He also phoned me and had a chat said its more interesting the more i told him. mentioned carpel -tunnel ?? hes booked a blood test and put notes to my doctor.
my stihl machinary is all up to date - its all stihl ,good models and 1yr old approx......thankfully.
im going to look at back-packs now for strimmer and blower, this may help

I have spoke to a doctor and they have booked me in for an appointment next thursday !
he advised a blood test and said to take a digital photo to take in, also mentioned carpel-tunnel ??

i have got latest stihl machinary (all) 280cbqi chainsaw so anti-vibrations are up to date.

im going to look at backpacks blower/strimmer now which may help and av gloves.
also maybe a week off petrol tools till diagnosis/appointment.......................thank-you all for your helpful reply's, hopefully its progressive so maybe ill heal and be aware..........(+put health insurance on quotes) !

Pro Gard said:

The anti vibration gloves are definately worthwhile.

Consider updateing your machienary, modern saws, hedge trimmers, strimmers etc have farr lower vibes than older machines. My Stihl 441for instance has amazingly low vibes for a large chainsaw.

Replies

Bigyin July 7, 2009 at 9:03am

Friend of mine (a chimney sweep) has it. Don't know the cause in his case but it can be extremely painful so I'd advise taking precautions to prevent it getting worse.
For what it's worth.
Roger
Jackson's Landscape Design July 7, 2009 at 9:09am

A personal health issue, I know which I'd choose first, then lets my clients know and make arrangments to continue the service until fit to do so myself.
Donny Bryan July 7, 2009 at 10:08am

No-brainer - book the appointment!
Graeme @ BGS July 7, 2009 at 10:42am

Ditto all the replies Robin - You must get it checked out ASAP.
Ofer El-hashahar July 7, 2009 at 5:55pm

I had a year that worked about 70 hours a week with all maintenance vibrators-(strimmer, hedge cutter andblow air) my hands were all the times shaking- just like my grandfather (just I was 28 and he was 87, 96 these days bless him) . thanks god it was back to normal after 2 years- my writing was awful.

I can not remember it getting white- but it was a while ago.

BGS LTD said:
Ditto all the replies Robin - You must get it checked out ASAP.
Lawncare-4u.co.uk July 7, 2009 at 8:06pm

I have booked doctors (week tomorrow) ! . He also phoned me and had a chat said its more interesting the more i told him. mentioned carpel -tunnel ?? hes booked a blood test and put notes to my doctor.
my stihl machinary is all up to date - its all stihl ,good models and 1yr old approx......thankfully.
im going to look at back-packs now for strimmer and blower, this may help

I have spoke to a doctor and they have booked me in for an appointment next thursday !
he advised a blood test and said to take a digital photo to take in, also mentioned carpel-tunnel ??

i have got latest stihl machinary (all) 280cbqi chainsaw so anti-vibrations are up to date.

im going to look at backpacks blower/strimmer now which may help and av gloves.
also maybe a week off petrol tools till diagnosis/appointment.......................thank-you all for your helpful reply's, hopefully its progressive so maybe ill heal and be aware..........(+put health insurance on quotes) !

Pro Gard said:
The anti vibration gloves are definately worthwhile.

Consider updateing your machienary, modern saws, hedge trimmers, strimmers etc have farr lower vibes than older machines. My Stihl 441for instance has amazingly low vibes for a large chainsaw.
Steven Callaghan July 8, 2009 at 1:35pm

Robin,

I was involved with a famous power tool brand in the late 70's when the subject of White Finger first came up - the condition got the name due to the nerves in the finger actually atrophying and turning a whitey / translucent colour so your symptoms, whilst possibly indicating a problem that needs to be resolved, do not sound like you have the full blown condition as yet.

Of course, a great deal more is known now about it these days so your the medical profession will no doubt be able to sort you out but you clearly would be wise to use anti-vibe gloves and ensure you have the latest models of all the power tools that you use regularly with the best damping / anti-vibe handles.

Best of luck,
Steven
PRO

Phil Voice July 8, 2009 at 5:12pm

Have a word with Lara Warner - I understand that Gavin suffers with this problem.
PRO

Phil Voice July 8, 2009 at 5:16pm

Here is a previous discussion on Carpel Tunnel Syndrome that might be of interest.
Graeme @ BGS July 8, 2009 at 6:10pm

Philip Voice said:
Have a word with Lara Warner - I understand that Gavin suffers with this problem.

Didn't their close down ? Very sorry in advance if I have got this wrong.