The weirdest thing: a week ago today I spent an hour or so spray painting some patio furniture down at my mom’s house. I went through about 2 1/2 cans of spray paint. By the time I was done, the tip of my index finger was numb right where I was pressing down on the button of the paint can.
I was kind of surprised when it didn’t go away in a few minutes, and more surprised when it was still numb the next day. So now I’m really surprised since my fingertip is still numb a week later. After a couple of days the numb area got a little smaller, but after that the numbness has remained the same.
Update 8/15: It’s now been 11 days since I wrote this post and my finger’s still just as numb as it was then.
I’m not the only person this has happened to: see Numbness in Finger Tips. The doctor there guessed that it was caused by the compression of a small nerve in the finger. It sounds like the time I fell asleep on a plane with my elbow in an awkward position and, anesthetized by several beers, slept like that for about 3 hours. When I woke up my whole hand was completely numb. After a couple of days it went down to just the ring and pinkie fingers and the side of my hand, and they stayed numb for about a week. After about a week I started getting feeling back but it took about a month for it to go away completely.
Update 9/17: It’s now been about 7 weeks. My fingertip isn’t exactly numb anymore, but it still doesn’t feel quite right. It took about 5 or 6 weeks for the feeling to come back at least partially, and it still isn’t all the way back.
It turns out that this is even more common than I thought before. So common that there are products designed to keep it from happening, such as the Can-Gun. I also came across a Yahoo Answer about spray painting and finger numbness. I would have told them what caused it but it was already closed to new answers by the time I found it.
Update 5/22/08: Now it has been 9 months since the original incident. The very tip of my finger, right below the nail, still has a very small numb spot. Ever so slightly tingly, but otherwise it is dead to the touch, no feeling at all. I guess that’s not coming back if it hasn’t by now. I’ve gotten used to it and don’t notice it unless I get an email that there has been another comment on this post or I see an ad for spray paint.
Update 9/16/08: Roughly 14 months now since all this started. Things are basically where they were back in May. The tingling has gone away completely but the dead spot at the tip of my finger is still there. It doesn’t interfere with my life and I don’t think about it except when I get an email that there has been another comment on this post. There’s a spot on the very tip of my index finger by the nail (oddly enough about the size of the business end of a spray paint can) that is completely without feeling. If I touch it with another finger it feels kind of like a callus except that it’s not a callus — to look at it it doesn’t look any different than the rest of my finger. It’s just completely numb. I have given up on having the feeling ever come back in that little spot.
I “dogpiled” finger numbness and spray paint because it has been more than a month since I have had feeling in my index finger since spray painting. I thought I might be a nut, but I know it’s not in my head!! thanks for the blog–
Wow this is a real thing? I thought I was going crazy! It feels awful.
Ahhh I just had the same thing happen to me. I spray painted art on my friends wall last night and today my index finger is completely numb. Clearly some nerve damage. I’ve been massaging it since last night to try to revive the nerve endings. After reading your post I’m not sure if it’s going to be that simple or that fast!!
Just a little note though, when I was 16 I went skiing once with my boots too tight. My feet/toes were numb. I was convinced that I had suffered frostbite or something because I didn’t know that my boots were too tight. A year had passed and I still experienced numbness. A couple years had passed…not much of a change. Well I’m 22 now and have no numbness whatsoever. The numbness in the fingertip WILL go away eventually, just not that fast. There’s hope!!!
Thanks for this post by the way and the way you’ve updated it. My finger and I appreciate it!
Me, too. I only used two cans before it happened, with more to go. Bought one of those spray attachments and that was great to finish my project, which turned out well. However, it wasn’t worth this. And to think it may never go away. It has been two weeks, and I still get shots of pain occassionally if I hit it wrong, or grab something that presses on the right spot. Oh, well, my outdoor light fixtures now look great….
I’m going through this right now. And just when I thought it was better, it’s all tingly and annoying. I don’t think it’s ever going to heal.
I am glad to know that I am not alone. I emptied about 6 cans of spray paint in about an hour and a half. I have been numb for a week now and really worried. A previous injury has left my face numb for the last 20 years. I haven’t had much hope for my finger. Typing is really difficult with a numb finger.
Glad to know I am not the only person going through this! I went through 2 cans of spray paint on Friday and now it’s Tuesday night… my fingertip is very numb.
I have been kind of panicked about this, but I see maybe there is hope. I am a data manager and I type A LOT, and I am a pianist… so I am not a happy camper right now!
Thanks for posting this!
I’m having the same problem it’s like a pins and needles feeling when I touch something with the tip of my finger. It’s been numb now for about 5 days – let us know if your feeling evere comes back – not happy about it and it’s a very annoying sensation. They should obviously make these things different – I thought I was the only weirdo who did this using a can of paint, at least I have company now.
Thanks for the post. I was painting some patio furniture and by the time I pressed down on about 4 cans of primer, and the finished paint, the tip of my finger was numb. I wasn’t worried as I figured it was pressure and would be gone by the next day. That was a month ago !!!! it is not as bad, but still does not have the same feeling as the other fingers. Very strange and SO glad to know it just wasn’t me doing stupid things. I figure it will correct itself with plenty of time, besides what’s the alternative?
I did find pinching my finger and forcing more blood into the tip seems to help as well as having a hot bath and staying in there a while with my hands under the hot water.
Hope it does get better, feels weird to type now
Thanks for all who posted the same
Well, I myself am going on 30 days now and STILL have a numb fingertip.
The sensation is so weird and annoying. I guess I am slowly getting used to it, but it’s still on my mind everyday.
Here’s to all of our fingers, I hope they all heal.
I will check back later to see if anyone has had any feeling return!
Well for me it’s almost 2 months, it feels a little better but still not back to normal. From what I have read it should come back, but nerve sensitivity is slow going.
Just tingles and the very tip is numb.
I will check back again from time to time also. Good luck to all and keep the feedback coming.
BJ
One week after using 4 cans of spray paint, I still have a numb, tingly, slightly painful index finger. Many tasks are affected. The worst is scrolling a mouse button. Was glad to find this post.
What I can’t believe is that there is no warning of potential nerve damage caused by pressing the spray button! That should be printed on the can!
I read the other warnings on the can, about toxic fumes, and potential lead exposure during surface prep. I used the information and took every precaution. I would have bought a Can-Gun or done something if I had had any warning of nerve damage! Yes my finger ached after I’d been spraying a while, but it didn’t enter my mind that nerve damage was occuring. I thought the problem would stop as soon as I stopped spraying.
What I’ve read makes me think I’ll eventually have some improvement. But what I’ve read also makes me concerned that my finger won’t return 100% to normal.
Are we destined to become a terminal illness victims’ group?
Last week I marked a golf course for a tournament. I spent a couple of hours putting down hazard lines and pin placement dots. Later that evening my index fingertip felt numb. That was 3 days ago and today it feels the same.
We need to post this affliction on message boards of all kinds. Surely someone has found the answer.
Massage the inside of your finger about an inch below the tip. When I do that it feels like there’s a needle pricking the tip of my finger. Weird…..
I can here it now.
“Hello, my name is Fred…and I have “can o’ spraypaint syndrome.”
Whoops. Should have said chronic. Hopefully no one will die from CO’SPS.
I am going through the same thing right now. It is so hard to type because of the numbness in my finger that i was using to spray paint 1 month ago. I was wondering if anything could be done about this numbness in my finger.
Wow! I am so glad I found this post. I, also, sprayed a couple cans of paint and my fingertip went numb. It is still numb after a week. I am going through some problems with my back right now do to a protruding disk so I was sure that had something to do with it–nerve damage or something.
My finger doesn’t feel better but my mind does.
Oh yeh, I got my paint can trigger out to resume painting the next day. I think there should be a warning on the can as well. Class-action suit of spray paint numb finger syndrome peoples?
Well,
Now months later, the sensation seems to have come back after all that painting months ago. It came back with pins and needles which seemed like a sure sign that nerve activity was going on, I still feel a slight difference in sensation but not nearly as bad as it was, and not numb
If I were to put a % on it I would say it is back to normal about 95%. So hopefully the tingling sensation that is going on now, will only serve to show that repairs are going on and it will reach a 100%.
I will keep posting on the progress, about a month from now Good luck to all (Seems like a non permanent thing after all)
[...] post about numb fingers from using spray paint now has a link to a page that shows a spray paint can gun adapter, which is indeed a related [...]
I went through 4 cans of primer and 6 cans of spray paint painting an iron bed for my daughter yesterday and my fingertip is TOTALLY NUMB (30 hrs after completion). I am a writer and a photographer…I need my pointer finger!!! (I ordered Chinese food last night and could not sign my credit card receipt
Any medical explanation for this??? What qualifies as a class for class action??!!
Okay folks now 3 months after the initial numbness, after the spray day
I am pleased to now report the numbness has gone and my finger is back to normal (phew)
So for all of you who were kind enough to post your experiences on here, just know it will get better, but you can expect it to take at least 3 months.
Mine was so numb initially I could stick a pin in it, and not feel it. 2 months later it came back a little but then came back with pins and needles as the nerve was obviously repairing itself. Now after 3 months I am 100%.
I will check back here from time to time to see how everyone else made out.
Good Luck and NO MORE SPRAYING MULTIPLE CANS WITHOUT THE GIZZMO
Brian…..
I am so glad I found you guys on this post. I was spot-priming some body work on our truck the other day. Went through about 1 1/2 cans of the spraypaint and noticed my index finger numb. I didn’t realize I had over spray all over it – I didn’t even notice the paint or feel any pain while working. There was no mention on the can about wearing gloves or anything. I followed the other precautions on the can as I worked outside and wore a respirator. So I washed all the paint off immediately just to be safe. But it’s been 3 days now and the tip of my finger is still numb/tingly when it touches things. I find myself not using it when I type or wash my hair, etc., as it there was a cut there. The fact that this has happened to so many of us is upsetting. Why is there no warning about this potential hazard on the can?!! Shouldn’t there be other precautions mentioned – wearing gloves, giving your finger a break, something…. I’m not looking forward to potentially 3-9 months more of a dead-felling finger!
Something should be done about this, but where do you even start?!
Rachel, et al,
Lost the feeling yesterday after 2 cans only o paint. I don’t know if it will make you feel better or worse to know that I DID wear gloves, and I still am not appreciating the typing of the center of the keyboard. It’s just numb.
I’m Cyndi, and I’m a CO’SPS survivor.
Okay Brian I am right behind you. 3 months and I am happy to say I am no longer numb!
It looks like 2 or 3 months is the going rate folks, so hang in there! It will get better!
I’ve grown quite fond of our little group here… I’m going to keep stopping in! LOL!
CO’SPS survivor for sure!
Did you know when you google numb fingertip from spray paint this comes up first?
Good thing..because although I assumed what the cause was and that eventually it would go away, I figured a few hours later it would have been gone….yeah, wrong.
So, hours later it seems I am in good company with the rest of you. Thanks for sharing your stories and letting me know I am not crazy.
Good to write this…I was worried about work tomorrow, but I seem to be doing ok….got payroll to key, people to pay!!!
Thanks all!
So glad I found this site. I was fixing to go to the doctor because the tip of my index finger was numb after spray painting (2 cans) my outdoor funniture. However, I tried to put a clear coat on the furniture with the spray can and now I have very little strength in my lower right arm. I couldn’t even press the tip of the spray can down with my index finger and it hurt up to my elbow. Has anyone experienced arm pain besides the fingertip numbness? Thanks for any answers.
Again…
Thank you. I thought I was going crazy. I actually have a lot of other nerve problems right now causing me lots of pain in my feet. So, when painting caused me to lose sensation in my finger, I freaked. This blog made me realize that they are totally different problems, thankfully. I’m only on day 4…wish me luck… I’ve considered spray painting with my feet to make them numb too…ha-ha. Thanks Brian and Christina for letting us know you finally got better. How are the rest of you doing new…any other good news to report? I’d love to hear that more of you are getting better or have completely regained sensation.
Hi all just checking back, interesting to see how this little forum has grown. Seems like spray painting more than one can must be a hazard to many other fingers
Well as I previously posted mine is completely back to normal, after 3 months. It was initially so numb I could stick a pin it in, weeks after and it would not bother me.
I did have a small about of pain in the tip about a week ago, but that went within a matter of hours and so far so good it is really 100% back to normal
I put it down to pressure on the nerve causing localized damage, and nerve damage does take a long time to heal (if it can of course). I sprayed so many many cans, primer, paint etc, I would say my case would have been extreme, so even in that worse case scenario all is well.
So don’t give up hope, (just use another finger to scratch ya self with
It will get better. I will check back and see how others made out.
Happy 4th
Brian.
Wow, I am dealing with exactly the same thing=! Though I only used about 3/4 of a can. I have sprayed way more than this with nothing happening but now my index it super numb.
Thanks for the 3-4 month info. I can’t wait to get the use back out of my finger!
Yea, there are warning on labels for far less than NERVE DAMAGE! Why isn’t there. Someone has to know!!
Hi – I’m Jackie… a new sufferer of CO’SPS. I am happy to have found this site for support. The research I did earlier this morning said it could be the only symptom of a mild heart attack! YIKES! So glad to have found y’all!
My husband had bilateral quad tendon knee surgery in February and has his own forum that he visits every day to discuss his injury. Now I have my own forum, too.
I sprayed lawn furniture with black rustoleum yesterday, and ran out of paint after only 1 1/2 cans. I think that was God taking care of me, because I would have continued on had I not run out. I bought 3 more cans last night (all w/33% more paint free!)
I think I’ll let my husband finish the job…
Hi all! I originally posted on May 3rd, and am happy to report back that my finger is getting better. It’s been about 2 months since spray day, and I’d say my finger is about 90% back to normal. Still a little less able to feel sensation that my other pointer finger, but I’m so relived that it is not constantly annoying me throughout the day anymore. I now own one of those Can-Gun attachments.
We must warn others! Wait I take that back – the manufacturers must warn others!
So glad to know that there is a real medical name for our condition…CO’SPS. I agree that there should be a warning on the can-o-nerve-damage.
I too sprayed about 4 cans onto some patio furniture and sacrificed the feeling in my index finger. It is day 4 of no feeling. It doesn’t sound like I should expect a speedy recovery.
Hope everyone regains sensation soon!
I did my spraying July 10th. 5 cans. I used a “spray trigger” adapter and still got the numb finger. The trigger was thin so I must have damaged the nerves at the first knuckle joint. The next day I sprayed 2 more cans but put a small piece of fuel line hose on the trigger to hopefully prevent more damage.
I spray painted a piece of lawn furniture four days ago and my finger tip is still feeling a bit funny. I only spray painted for a short time! Typing irritates it even more. It’s very annoying, I can’t imagine having it be like this forever! Hopefully like some of the others it’ll go away, even if it takes 3 months! My husband says he’s had it happen to him before and it goes away. Lets cross our fingers!
This weekend… spray painting my metal kitchen table stand and chairs. 4 cans… and my finger is still numb or may I say ‘dead to me’ at this point.
Am thinking about contacting the spary paint company or a local injury lawyer. I wish somebody would do something like this so others don’t find thier way to this page. It is obviously harmful. I am just hoping this is not permanent damage.
I only used one can of spray paint on an old topper I just bought for my truck. It seemed like the nozzle was a little harder to press than I remembered from the past but I did not realize it was injuring me. Permanent damage or at least long term damage from using a product as instructed sure seems like something that should have had a warning. It looks like somebody new is finding this web page every 4 days or so on average. I sure hope my finger gets better. It is pretty hard to type with my index finger being numb. I touch type and use the tip of that finger to find the home key.
I used 5 cans of spray paint for some projects a week ago and my entire index finger was numb for a cpl days after. The 1/2 of my index fingertip closest to my pinkee is still completely numb/dead and it is definately concerning. I’ll be ordering that “can gun” you spoke about for future projects. I wanted to get another update to see if you have gotten all the feeling back and if you have learned about any other possible aids/solutions to the numbness.
Chris,
I can definitely say that I am 100% better now, and that only time can heal. I am sure that the numbness is inconvienient and annoying, but rest assured you should get better in 2-3 months.
Good luck!
Well I lost the feeling in my index finger on August 1st and while this site helps me feel not so alone or crazy. My husband thought i am crazy! I am not thrilled about hearing it could take months or maybe never come back.
Well, it has been 1 month since my last post. I have 80% of the feeling back in my fingertip. I am glad to hear everyone is getting feeling back, too. It sounds like 2-3 months is needed for 100% recovery. I have since purchased the spray paint can trigger and have it on hand when needed. It was only a couple of dollars and was right on the paint aisle at Walmart. I wish I had noticed those things before!
I wish you all a Speedy Recovery!
Hi all,
I decided to check back and see how all were doing
Wow seems like a huge problem for others since I posted my original post way back. I am 100% back to normal (And won’t be spraying like that again) the magic time period is for sure 3 months.
I have to say that although I say 100% back to normal, occasionaly at the very tip it does feel ever so slightly “different” and really I can only tell by rubbing my nail over the tip of my finger, the senstaion is just a hair different and I am sure it too will pass. But really back to normal.
So all of you hang in there, keep the posts going and I will check back again. Good luck all. Brian……
While I can’t shed any additional light, I can echo others comments that I SURE AM GLAD I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE. When I mentioned it to my friends I got some strange looks. Let’s all get our finger tips back, and use the trigger in future.
CO’SPS victims vs krylon and other jerk ass comapnaies,… this Sucks Nuts,…. LoL I’ll be honest. I was googleing “finger damage from Graffiti” for about 2 hours until i came down from the arosal… Dont worry it was on a mountian nothing public. LoL So I’m not crazy after all and there is something wrong. And the guy at the store can lick my nuts he said i wouldnt need a damn gun thingy… 4 bucks would have solved my problems NO Preented them and all of ours…. So now me and my Cuz are now never going to use 8 cans back to back with now breaks and no gloves or better tips. WE ARE NOT ALONE!!!! stick together people there is hope for CO’SPS. Hey hows our class aciton lawsuite coing along? victimized on 9-5-2008
I am soooooooo glad I found this post!! I spray painted six chairs using two cans of spray paint and by the time I was finished, my index finger was totally numb! I woke up this morning with it just as numb…WTF?!?!?! I didn’t see a warning on the can and how the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks do these taggers spray and still feel their fingers?
I am amazed at how many people who have had the same experience that I had. It has just been two days since I used 3 cans of spray paint the conventional way… then bought a spray can trigger that made the job easier. By the time I was done I had emptied 8 cans of paint and my index finger completely numb. It is still numb with a strange sensation going up my arm. When it was still numb the next day, with a strange sensation in my whole hand, I began to wonder if I didn’t do permanent nerve damage. If I had any warning, I would have never risked permanent damage to my hand! Others need to be warned before it happens to them. A class action suit needs to be filed soon!! Why isn’t there a warning on the can!!
Wow, good to know Im not the only one, but 3 whole months of waiting? Yikes! I was expecting it to be gone within the hour, and now after 24 hours I was starting to worry. But now I feel somewhat better that I see its not permemnant. I wonder if they have any vitamins or anything you can take to help speed the process? It basically sucks, makes typing difficult, and writing, which, is a double whammy since Im a full time college student, my handwriting has basically diminished haha. Oh well. At least theres hope. Good luck to you all.
<333
P.S. I vote we sue and get some moneys =]
Yikes the site got all funky and modern since my original post a 100 years ago
Just a quick update all is well fully recovered 
Some people never learn 
No ill effects though.
So keep hanging in and find another finger to scratch with LOL.
I am pleased to say I feel fine and like a dummy what did I do the other day, pick up a can and started to spray before the penny dropped “WAIT” use the gizmo
Good luck all, keep the posts coming very interesting the magic 3 months for most though
Brian…
I can’t even believe it! The looks I have been getting from my friends when I talk about my numb tingling finger tip, have almost had me convinced that I am officially a nut case.
I went through 2 spray cans staining my night stand, and when I was done, well, you guessed it. Thank God I’m not crazy. Thank you for sharing your experience and saving me a doctor’s visit, not to mention my sanity and good standing with my friends.
Sincerely,
Tina
I too am in the middle of the “spray paint” numbness on my right index finger. 4 cans of paint and 6 beautiful chairs later, I am wondering and worrying whether the feeling will ever go away. It has been 10 days for me.
Is the conclusion that the feeling will never come back? Is it a nerve problem in the finger, hand or shoulder…it could be any one of these because of the odd positions you get in getting to all angles of the things you are painting. It may be just “referring” to the finger tip.
Also, are we sure that there is not a chemical of some kind seeping out of the can? Or the inhilation issues that may be causing the numbness? Maybe we should be talking about what type of can/paint we are all using..there may be a common type.
What is everyone going to do…just watch and wait?
Checking back to see if there were any new updates. One month later and my finger is still numb. Hopefully everything will be back to normal at that magic 3 month mark! Until it is back to normal.. it is a huge concern! Good luck to everyone!
I used only two cans of spray paint yesterday and my finger is very numb. My husband thinks it’s not big deal but I was feeling a tad freaked out. I have used spray paint many times and never had this happen. It was not fun trying to sew up a Halloween costume when you can’t even feel the needles or fabric. I hope I get feeling again like some of you. This is just weird. (Oct. 2008)
Hello, my name is John and I have CO’SPS. 1 month after 3 cans of spray paint and I can’t feel my index finger tip. I’m just so happy to have found a support group. Woe are we. At least I can be thankful that I don’t have leprosy as my dad suggests and I don’t have to waste the co-payment for a visit to the doctor.
Just checking in on everyone! I must say that even though I’m 100% better after my ordeal – it still feels “weird” once in a while.. like Brian said, when I run my fingernail over it. It may be mind over matter for me though, who knows!?
I’m a little gun, errr, spray-paint-shy though…I’ll never look at a can of spray paint the same!
I’ll be baaaaccckkk!
Hey CO’SPS people…so glad to have found this page and all of the good info. I too was going insane until reading this. Hard to believe a simple activity can do this to you.
For me it was 4 days ago and 3 cans of spray paint on our shed. Actually I used the first can up, then took a break while I went back to Home Depo for a couple more cans. I remember my thumb hurting a little towards the end and having to use other fingers to hold down the button. I guess I should have listened to my body telling me to stop.
Anyway, it seems to me the length of recovery is roughly correlated with how many cans or how long you spray. I haven’t had much improvement in 4 days…just annoying more than anything–especially typing!!
One last bit of advice for people: last year I was hit in the eye with a softball bad and got a hyphema (blood filled up the eyeball). It was terrifying because I thought I would loose my vision. However, after several months I nearly-fully recovered. Moral of the story: this too, shall pass.
Hi – my name is Chris and I am a spray-paint-a-holic (just kidding!) I normally paint with brushes, but this particular project required the use of spray paint. Both myself & my daughter were spray painting 2 weeks ago and both of us have numb index fingertips!! When we touch our fingertips with something we can now feel it (thank god!) except for the spot right below the edge of our fingernail, but for the first week or so it was like having a dead appendage. I am SO RELIEVED to read that this eventually goes away, but I am SO PISSED OFF that there are no warnings on the spray cans about this possibility happening!! Why aren’t they designed better? Why don’t they ALL come with one of those gizmo’s that attach to the can? (which, of course, I didn’t find out about until AFTER the fact!) I know this sounds a little ambulance-chaser’ish, but after reading all of these posts I think I am going to call my doctor & get it on record that this happened just in case there is a class-action lawsuit in the future…..
Oh – I wanted to add that we only used 2 cans of paint total, and that we both wore gloves and took breaks while painting so it wasn’t continual. We stopped & shook the can quite frequently and tried giving our fingers a rest while painting, so it’s got to be the pressure exerted on the button itself that is the source of the problem (that, and poor design…)
Wow, haven’t visited here in awhile. I see CO’SPS is trouble for many.
I did the damage in May ‘08. In August, I thought my finger was just about back to normal. But it’s now bothering me again.
I’m happy for you who have returned to normal. I’m also surprised that no educated, clinical feedback has shown up on this site. I’ll keep checking.
See the thing is with my case, I didnt really use THAT much spray paint. I did three stencils on T-shirts and had to stop due to the sunlight. Noticed its not just the tip that is numb but rather 2/3 of my fingernail size. It has been about a week now since its happened and its just boggling. It is however nice to see that its not just me, but I find it funny that its from spray paint?
Last night at work I built some decorative Christmas Trees out of plywood, and went through about 4 cans of spray paint. My fingertip was numb immediately afterward, and it still is now a day later. The ironic part is that the spray paint looked like crap, so I covered it up with regular paint and a roller. Ugh, let the 3 months of healing begin…
I am so glad to have found this webpage. I wasn’t actually using a spray paint can, but rather a soldering iron to wire up a friend’s new car radio, but the effect is the same – two days now and the index finger on my right hand is numb,but a little bit of feeling like it it’s not dead but in a coma. I thought I had suffered permanent nerve damage but am so happy to find the feeling may return given time. I will hold off for a week on going to the doctor, but my dad says I should get it documented even if they just tell me it will take time – how can I become assassin if I can’t feel my trigger finger? Not that I want to, but it’s a whole profession cut off to me. I hope this gets better…
Add another to the list. I did a side entrance gate with 2.5 cans of Krylon. Numb finger-tip resulted, thought it was JUST ME. Glad to see there was a post out there with others in the same predicament, thanks Brian. I’m 3 weeks into this phenom and on-the-mend, but not by much.
I’m pretty good about reading directions on stuff. I didn’t see any warnings from Krylon on the potential of injury from their product. I didn’t have much paint on my finger so it wasn’t in the stream.
There is a refridgerant consideration from the propellent. This is the more likely cause than nerve damage from continued pressure. An obscure article on the web describes focal “frost bite” with use of areosol sprays. Makes sense. Wish I was warned. Know better now. Thanks again for initiating this blog.
A quick follow-up.
I called the 800 number for Krylon. Got a early 20ish sounding female who was more concerned with defending the product than listening to imput from users. She gave me every which way but Sunday to explain how I’m using the product wrong and that the can design COULDN’T POSSIBLY the cause of the finger tip numbness. She also knew that this was a known concern and suggested using the can adaptor. GREAT! I never used more than 1/4 can of spray paint at one time in my life. I was supposed to KNOW that there was a potential problem!?!?!?
After 20 minutes of back-and-forth (so much for customer service intake personnel) she assures me that my comments and concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate bodies (more like the black hole).
If you knew statistics, and, could take the number of replies to Brians blog and calculate the REAL insidence of injury. All of us had to actually WORK to find this web-site blog out of curiosity. How many others just live with it or head to the family doctor.
It’s really easy to place a simple warning on the can. Especially since they know the phenom exists. If the directions on a frozen Pizza box can instruct the buyer to 1. pre heat the oven, and 2. “take the pizza out of the box”!!!! then certainly a re-design, or, warning is in order here.
Well hi all just thought I would check back and see how everyone else made out, seems like a lot of people experienced the same thing, as I posted way back the magic period seems to be 3 months. I must say though that I posted my finger was 100% back to normal, but in the recent cold weather I feel an ever so slightly different feeling still in the tip, this I don’t notice in normal day to day living, but when my hands got very cold I did feel a difference. I am not worried and feel it to will pass with time. So for the most part I still say the magic 3 months
I still feel it was more to do with constant localized pressure versus a chemical / paint forced in under the skin by pressure, at least in my case. But guess what I did the other day??? Yes got a can of WD40 and started spraying before I realized (use the gadget) some dummies never learn
I would be VERY interested to know the least amount of spraying time by someone who experienced this. For example: I used many cans, some posts show just 1/4 can use. Also I find interesting is age anything to do with it? I have sprayed many many cans in the past so why now did it bother me? I am 44 and never had this problem before. Hmmmm maybe the pressure required to depress the nozzle has changed in the cans also? Anybody know?
Good luck all, I will check back
Brian
I used “rustoleum american accents” from Lowe’s , about a week ago and my index finger is still numb. How could this not be more talked about like on the news ect?? I want to sue anybody with me? I am angry!!!
Oh and I for got to mention my whole right hand and my wrist seems a bit slower to move around, or is a bit numb but its mainly my finger.
Update from my original CO’SPS “injury” back in 11/08:
3 Months is indeed the going rate to full (or almost full) recovery. Pretty crazy that it takes that long. Things get better after a month but you will still notice it for another month or two.
Makes me wonder how people who do this kind of thing for a living manage!
Used rustoleom rust reformer on some patio furniture. I used 4 cans, got paint on my finger, used nailpolish remover 1 hour later to get off the paint, and it is still numb 4 days later. My doctor told me to put my finger in warm water every 2-3 hours for 10 min. That makes it feel better – less pins and needles, but did not bring back normal feeling. I guess there is no warning on the can the same way there is no warning on keyboards about carpotunnel.
Sprayed about 3/4 can of spraypaint yesterday. Used same finger(index) for 1/2 hour to hour max. Tip is pretty much numb to the touch. Agree with all previous posts that a warning should be written on can. Sucks to find out from others that this will take 3 months to go away. I thought this would be a condition that would last a couple of days. Haven’t said anything new for others to learn from, but thought I should share as others have done in the past. Will update in a few weeks on the recovery.
Hi my name is BreAnna and I have “numb finger”…
I have been numb for exactly 2 days now and am so happy that I have found a place where people understand exactly what I’m going through…LOL
WOW WOW WOW I’m so shocked that this has happened I don’t want a numb finger!!! I am a mom of 3 and this is just one more stress added in the back of my mind.
I type funny now… it just feels funny… I hate it it’s like an itch you can’t scratch…LOL
But I’m glad that this is “normal” … or a “side effect” is there any legal action being brought forward?
Wow I feel like I must warn ALL my friends… Facebook update here I come!
Someone needs to start a support group! Thanks god I found you guys. I thought I was crazy. It has been months for me and my finger is no longer numb, but now just feels strange when I touch things- like there is nerve damage. It feels like pins and needles when I apply pressure to it, even as I type (how annoying!).
My question is… has anyone fully recovered…no symptoms whatsoever?
I too suffer from Numb Finger. I am glad I found all of you. I was enjoying my afternoon priming and spray painting an iron birdbath for the future husband’s, a nice birthday present in my opinion.
My wedding is coming up in late August and I just hope my pointer finger can enjoy the wedding as much as the rest of me that day. It’s been about a week now. I still have retarded finger. How is there so much graffiti in the world with an epidemic like numb finger? Those kids are hardcore!
Kelly
has your finger gotten any better?
Yesterday I spray painted my Iowa hawkeye Fridge I wanted it to paint it Black. I used 4 cans of spray paint. I haven’t spray painted anything in a loooong time. My index finger tip is numb and has been for a day. I thought it was going to go away it has not yet and it is freaking me out!!!!!!!!!! Last Time I try painting any appliances!!! DAMMMN!!! It is also my right index finger which is also my trigger finger for hunting and if i miss a bird my yellow lab is not going to be to happy with me
OH YEAH AND THE PAINT WAS KRYLON FOR APPLIANCES!!!!! DAMN THEM!!!!!!!!
Hi Everyone….
Gosh, I am glad I am not crazy or falling apart at the seams. I have had a numb finger from spray painting now for 6 days. I am so thankful to know that it will eventually go away. Thank you all for sharing and providing all of us with some bit of home for recovery. I suffer from other nerve related problems in my hand and arm and really thought this had escalated it to another level. Take care all!!
Opps….typo, …that was meant to be “hope for recovery”
Good to know that it is temporary, but geez 3 months for recovery is ridiculous! If you think about all the frivolous (common sense) warning labels on stuff these days it should be on the can!!! There are warning labels about coffee being hot for crying out loud (duh)! This is a problem that most people wouldn’t even think about until it is too late. The damage is done.
My story:
I helped my mom repaint her lanai frame (fancy florida word for a screened porch) this weekend. We used about 4 cans of Krylon primer and 6 cans of Krylon paint. I noticed my index finger was numb after 4 cans the first day. After finishing it the next day most of my left hand is numb. Even my middle and ring finger that never touched the nozzle are numb.
I also noticed that much more pressure was necessary on the paint can than the primer can. I have genuine concerns about further injury due to the loss of feeling.
This blog is great, but something needs to be done to warn others of this possibility of nerve damage. I think it will likely take a lawsuit to get a warning label on the can but I would fully support it. Anybody have any lawyer friends? I don’t want money, I just want an appropriate warning label to help prevent this from happening to others.
I wanted to give all my numb finger friends and update and a little hope. My finger incident occured on May 4, 2009. Used roughly 1 can of spraypaint to decorate a firehydrant in front of our house with my kids watching. Finger was numb right after job was completed. I would say the tip was very numb for the first three weeks of so. It would drive me nuts, never thought the feeling would come back. Beyond three week time period the tip slowly started to get better. Less numbness and tingling with every week that passed. It is now June 23, 2009 and I would say my finger is nearly back to the way it used to be. I hope the rest of u recover as quick as I did. Take care all and good luck!!!!
Hi All:
Before I proceed, if receiving a free CAN-GUN1 Aerosol Spray Can Tool, which ELIMINATES SPRAY FINGER NUMBNESS offends you, please skip this post!
Regarding radial’s post on Aug. 4th, 2007, and the subsequent 76, now 77 posts, about about ’spray paint numbness’, I’m Ken Becker and I’m the guy who invented the CAN-GUN1 (the successor to the Orig. CAN-GUN that radial initially referred to in the orig. post.)
I’ve been told that our new CAN-GUN1 is: ‘The best thing since the aerosol can” and I’m offering the first 5 folks from the spray paint numbness thread who email me at ken@safeworld.com with their snail mail address (please, one request per address!), a ‘Free of Charge,’ brand, spankin’ new CAN-GUN1, for their very own! I only ask one thing in return: that you come back to this forum and honestly share your impressions of my new CAN-GUN1. That’s it! I share. You share back. Please, just honest feedback. Thanks!
Ken Becker, Inventor, Pres.
SafeWorld Int’l., Inc.
CAN-GUN1 Spray Can Tool with World’s First FullGrip Trigger takes the ‘pain’ out of painting!” (and out of all aerosol can spraying… Guaranteed!)
Hey, I have numb finger as of ten days now and would love to get your gadget. I need to do more and will not use a spray can without it. Please let me know how to give you my snail mail.
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne:
I am packaging your free CAN-GUN1 right now and will drop in the in the mail on my way home tonight. I will send it to the address you emailed me. Please give it a couple of days to get to you from So. Oregon.
I ask only one favor in return, please come back to this blog and post your honest feedback about my new CAN-GUN1! That’s it.
Thanks so much!
All the best for pain & numbness free spraying from any aerosol can with CAN-GUN1 – The One For All (Hands & Cans!) Spray Can Tool!
Ken Becker, CAN-GUN1 Inventor
President, SafeWorld Int’l., Inc.
I will leave a reply on the site. My only problem is my finger is numb already. I am hoping it goes away soon. So far it has not changed at all. It’s been ten days. Thanks for your generoisity. I am anxious to see what this Can-Gun1 looks like. And I am telling my friends about this.
Jeanne
Jeanne! Thanks! Your sample is on its way!
BTW, with CAN-GUN1 you can use your OTHER hand and fingers because it’s so easy to use!!!
Or, because you’ll be using for fingers, you can try using CAN-GUN1 in the hand whose finger is already numb since you still have 3 working digits. Either way, and in either hand, I think you will be delighted.
When you get it, Try it and let me know!
Thanks!
Ken
Well just checking back to see how everyone else faired with their fingers
Mine as i reported back a 100 years ago at the beginning of this forum, is back to normal and the 3 month window is the magic time it seems for most.
Sad to see this interesting forum has become a flea market for free stuff and marketing purposes, oh well.
Good luck to all
Brian.
Hi Brian:
Please, before you are so quick to judge my sincerity and the value of my product as yet mere drivel in a vast wasteland of flea market junk, check out the feedback on my new blog page at http://www.cangun1.com/blog of those who, due to my making a similar offer on another forum, took me up on receiving a free sample of my new, 30 year in the making, spray can tool. Regardless of your judgement of my motivation, after reading these posts, I believe you will no doubt concur two things:
1. Spray paint finger neuropathy “ain’t no laughing matter.”
2. There is a simple, low cost, green solution/remedy which alleviates this problem that not only have over 80 post here been a witness of but over 15,000 Google hits confirm, spray paint finger numbness is a real & serious affliction to those using an aerosol spray can.
FYI, you’re probably going to really hate me for what I’m about to tell you but… I just sent out 1700 free CAN-GUN1 to the lucky testers at Handyman How To and Street Thunder magazines in order to gauge their feedback. Some of their initial feedback is just rolling into my website’s blog page. One such post by Handyman member #07540401, said:
“Great spray can handle – best for painting – no mess easy to use – great for WD40 lubricant – thanks. Julio”
So, once again, I am a very small, U.S. based, family business, and I’ve poured my heart, soul, and experience into making the best, Pain-Free, darn spray can handle ON THE PLANET, and not sharing that info with the readers of this forum would be tantamount to “Silence is foo!”
Marketing or no, the pain free proof is in the puddin’: Numb fingers are no laughing matter, however, the remedy/solution, “Is at Hand!”
As whoever it is said it: ‘Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Now the spray can using public has a choice.
Enjoy.
Ken
It’s been quite an annoying week since I became a member of the spraypainter’s numb finger club. Can’t say I am happy to join you. Really wish I had some warning before I decided to redo my patio furniture. Can’t believe how many people are suffering and there is no help.
I got my Can-Gun1 in the mail yesterday and it looks pretty cool. Thank you, Ken. I will try it this weekend. It is hot here and I have to do it outside. I will finish the birdcage that gave me the numb finger in the first place. It has been three weeks since this started. Still numb. I don’t know what it would take to demand any spray paint mfg provide this or recommend use of this type of gadget be used when painting. It is very uncomfortable. I use my mousepad for everything and it is really annoying and bothering me.
Jeanne
Here’s my update:
I spray painted in May, the beginning of May to be exact, when my right index finger tip went numb. I came here reading hundreds of comments of people who’s numb finger last months, over a year, years, etc.
I come to you today to happily declare that my finger IS NO LONGER NUMB! That’s right! Only 2 months did I have a numb finger! I had it bad too, so don’t think I am any exception or different than the next girl. The only thing I can think to owe this amazingly fast healing to is to my diet. Healing nerve damage comes from the inside out, and I believe that my high raw vegan diet has helped my body heal in amazing ways.
Thank god, because I really didn’t want a numb finger for years.
-Megan
I’ll be damned if I let this thread die out, so here it is: My name is Mike and I have CO’SPS
I used gloves and a mask and noticed the numbness after about 1 can of paint. I then switched fingers. It’s still numb, 10 days later.
Thing is, spray can companies aren’t gonna admit they f*d up until they’re proven guilty in court. They currently sell “comfort grips” separately. But they won’t become standard on sprays, because that would be the same as the company admitting fault on their part.
So what’s gonna happen is the waiting game. They know they’ll be paying out money someday, because this is obviously a problem. But they won’t instigate a change. It’s up to the sufferers of CO’SPS to bring a class action law suit if they actually wanna see the change.
Maybe we should just gather a mob for a bumrush of Krylon headquarters…meh.
Oh, and if this saddens you, then think of the poor people in the 1900’s that were suddenly surprised to find out tobacco was responsible for cancer. Things can always be worse, so pick your nose with your other finger for a while. Toodles.
Whew! I am sure glad to know that I’m not the only person this has happened to! I spray painted a changing table earlier, and after using a can and a half my finger felt almost completely numb at the end. Actually, at first I thought the numb feeling was coming from the paint that was on my finger (the sensation was slightly akin to the feeling of having stuck the tip of it in super glue) but after I washed the paint off I still had the numbness. I was a little disappointed to hear that it takes so long to go away, but I am glad now that it actually WILL go away. It feels so weird haha…
The same thing happened to me after using adhesive spray mount 5 days ago for less than 15 minutes. The can warns about “chronic overexposure” and advises users to “wear gloves for prolonged or repeated contact.” I figured a one-time brief use wouldn’t be a problem.
My right pointer finger is numb, and neighboring areas in my right hand are less responsive than before.
Hope all our fingers recover quickly!
OK, I’ve joined your party. Spray painted three weeks ago, and have the apparently typical annoying nerve pinching pain in my pointer finger. When I was painting I noticed that the can’s ‘button’ I was pushing was harder to push than usual—and it almost immediately left a deep purple ‘bruise’ that I thought, “I’ll just finish this job and it’ll be fine”. Well, that night I couldn’t sleep it hurt so bad. Not only is it numb—but when I do certain things it catches me off guard with a wincing pain that feels like it’s getting an electrical charge….nerve damage for sure. Going to see if there’s any physical therapy I can do to get the show on the road toward recovery. There are worse ailments out there—but this one is soooo stupid and preventable that it irritates me to no end.
another victim here. A can of rustoleum and the tip of my index finger has been numb all week. This is clearly a design defect that has hurt many people. They warn about being hurt in so many other ways on the can, they should have warned about this.
As far as importance of this body part in the grand scheme of things, I think it is unquestionably important. The density of nerve endings in the tip of index finger is amongst the highest in the body. If my finger remains like this I will be taking action.
Has anybody investigated the possibility of a class-action suit?
-Robert
Hey all. I used 4 gallons of painting primer (B-I-N) for a small studio co-op and began noticing the left side of my body go numb. I had the windows wide open as well as 2 fans to circulate air but no mask. The pins-and-needles sensation left after I went for some fresh air but the numbness to my left thumb has yet to dissipate. After some research it appears that inhaling the primer caused some mild nerve damage. Why to my left side of my body and not the right, I have no clue. I’m 32 so I doubt it was a mild heart attack, but anything is possible. Could the fumes agitate a pre-existing condition I don’t know about?
I called the local poison control center and they said the local pain couldn’t pertain to any chemical inhalant, but clearly the rep was wrong since so many have been suffering from breathing in Rustoleum fumes, etc.
Just wanted to share my experience. I hope this numbness dissipates. I’ll wait 3 months if I have to but I pray to God this just goes away!!!
I just used Rustoleum yesterday on some furniture, and my finger was numb. I thought in a few hours it would be back to normal, well its the next morning, and its still numb. I have been massaging it, hoping it will help. It feels so weird. And I just want it to go away. I keep fearing that I have nerve damage and it will never come back.
Well I will be back to let you all know how its healing.
My finger is soo numb!!
I was also using Rustoleum, I used 1 1/2 cans of it. I’m not sure if it’s numb because I had my finger compressed on the button or if it was the actual spray that was constantly coming in contact with my finger. Maybe it was a combination?
I guess I’m on the long road to recovery now
CO’SPS survivors 4L
Sorry if the following bit of helpful information offends anybody, but as the owner of a small family-owned, U.S. company, I just invented an aerosol spray can tool that eliminates the numbness, pain & fatigue that is usually associated with aerosol spray can usuage.
Aerosol Spray Can Users!!! Check out my blog page at: http://www.cangun1.com/blog
and see what others have been reporting about our new Pain-Free way to use an aerosol can!!!
My new invention, CAN-GUN1, Aerosol Spray Can Tool, which has been nearly 30 years in the making, with the world’s first FullGrip Trigger – USES ALL FOUR FINGERS, &takes 1/128th the amount of pressure per square inch to push down, the spray tip of a standard aerosol can. You don’t have to suffer anymore. Guaranteed!
CAN-GUN1 is now available nationwide thru all Ace Hardware Stores, under the Ace item # 1390657. Please feel free to contact me via email at: ken@safeworld.com
for any further info.
Thanks, and happy, PAIN-FREE, spraying!
Ken
My finger was numb for over two months after using a spray can primer. I found this site and was relieved that I don’t have some odd nerve condition! I just put the finishing paint coat on the same project using the CANGUN1…what a GREAT tool!!! It makes spraying from any spray can completely painless and less messy. It is sooo easy to take on and off and stays on when installed. If you want to take care of the nerves in your fingers I would highly recommend getting the cangun!
Hi Andrea!
Thanks for posting your very positive experiences about my new invention, CAN-GUN1. Thanks too for posting a similar note on our CAN-GUN1 blogpage here:
I am comforted to hear of your successes with my new invention and appreciate your taking the time to share them with me and many others!
All the best for, dare I say it, Less Pressure, More Pleasure… CAN-GUN1.
Ken
I too used Rustoleum, just one can, yesterday, and my pointer finger is still numb. Is anyone investigating a class-action suit?
Dear Silence is Foo Posters!
Have I got news for you…
Okay, don’t take my word for it. Take the word of over 1000 CANGUN1 Spray Can Tool Testers who have tested our new, evolutionary CAN-GUN1 product and found…
CANGUN1 earned a 99% Approval Rating by Handyman Club Testers and has thereby been Awarded the coveted Handyman MEMBER TESTED And RECOMMEMDED SEAL OF APPROVAL.
What does a 99% Approval Rating mean for you?
It means that thousands of Spray Happy CANGUN1 customers are the first to find out what the world will soon know… that CANGUN1, with its world’s first FullGrip Trigger & 2X leverage with Patent Pending Exclusive Internal Design, ELIMINATES the Finger, Wrist Hand Fatigue & Numbness normally associated with extended use of a spray can, or so called competitive products at any price, while providing complete, fingertip, professional control of the can’s contents. Period!!!
CANGUN1 has now been proven to be the:
• Easiest to Use
• Highest Rated
• Most Reasonably Priced
Premium Spray Can Tool
On Earth!
Go to Ace Hardware, ask for Ace item # 1390657 CANGUN1. If they don’t have it in stock, ask your friendly Ace person to order CANGUN1 via Ace’s ‘Acenet’ system.
Thank You Handyman & Handyman Testers, one and all!
Look for the printed review of CANGUN1 in the Oct/Nov issue of Handyman Magazine which will be mailed out on approx. Sept. 21st, 2009.
All the best to your and your families during these days of challenge and interdependant resoucefulness!
Ken Becker, CANGUN1 Inventor & President
SafeWorld Int’l., Inc.
Just stop, you’re ruining this thread.
Your product is nothing new… I had 3 options at my small local hardware store for spray paint triggers…
Get over yourself
I am so fired up about this! I have been waiting for the feeling inmy fingertip to return for nearly a month. I am still holding on to hope for a full recovery by month 3. It is totally irresponsible for these companies not to give warning or change their product design. This thread alone demonstrates 2 years of the same complaints. We need a lawyer!
Just checking back from my way way post at the beginning of this, all is still well, sorry to see others are just yet getting the beginning of finding this group.
And YES well said Brook. Ken get over your damn self and stop ruining this damn useful post with your sales pitch for a frigging spray gun anyone can buy from Home Depot anyway. You didn’t invent a time machine for God’s sake.
The one I brought is made in China and works fine. Enough of the banter just respect others who are using this forum to ease their concerns and worries. We all know you INVENTED the greatest thing in the WORLSD and will give ANYONE who asks a freebee. So THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU. Now let other people air their concerns and stop turning it into a sales market. Becuase if it is that great why market on here.
I will discuss this no more.
And for all others who seriously want to share others experience, good luck. As for myself still doing well, thanks and good luck all.
Ooops damn typos sorry
I can’t believe this happened to me. I used one can of spray paint and alternated hands. My right pointer finger has been numb for the last week. There should definitely be a LARGE warning on the can. I wouldn’t have used it knowing I’d have no feeling in my finger after finishing.
My thoughts exactly
Well said Brook
Who cares if you invented a plastic spray gun. if it is SOOOO Popular why try to sell it on here or give it way. I was grateful to find this post, I sprayed 3 cans and my finger is numb, so good to know I am not alone. Thank you everyone and I will be back. And KEN GET A LIFE !
This is CRAZY! I used four cans of spray paint over the weekend and I can’t feel my index finger at all. I asked a doctor friend about it and he said not to worry, that the feeling would eventually come back, but I was thinking days not months! I am a writer with several deadlines this week and I can barely even type! And writing with a pen is completely out of the question… I am livid! I read the instructions twice and I saw no mention of potential finger trauma. Thank you for this blog. I was convinced I had some freakish and rare ailment.
I am following up. Its been 1.5 months since my spray paint numb finger incident. And I really have forgotten about it. Its still alittle numb, not as bad as it was. But its still numb to the touch. I guess I just got used to it. Hoping another 1.5 months cures it.
Hello,
So thankful to read I am not the only one with really annoying condition! I have been spraying furniture for a week or so and used the first 6 cans and my hand started to cramp. My husband bought me the trigger adapter thingy and I only used about a can and a half before my finger tip was numb. So go figure!?! Hope everyones fingers are better soon =)
I’m also suffering from CO’SPS. I used 4 cans of spray black laquer. Finger was quite sore and numb after finishing. I was surprised to find the tip was totally numb the next day.
It is now 4 days later and still numb. I decided to see if any other people had this same occurance and came across this website. I’m glad to see that there is hope to regaining feeling, but dissapointed that it will take so long. I’ve spray painted in the past and never had this issue.
I noticed that the nozzle on the paint i bought took alot of pressure to depress. This is probably what over did it and damaged the nerve in my finger tip.
I’m definately going to be more careful in the future when using spray paint.
Well, like the rest of you, I have also suffered the damaging effects of spray cans. I had 3 different cans, all Rust-oleum. Two of them were Painters Touch, they had a really nice big white nozzle, my finger fit in there perfectly with no pain.
The offender was the Rust-oleum black enamel. It had a standard nozzle. I hate it, it feels so weird when I type.
2-3 months and it will be completely healed.. in a few days you wont even be thinking about it. I know right now it seems really terrible but believe me… it’s not bad after too long.
It’s been almost 3 months and It was at least 3 weeks ago when I noticed it was back to normal, it it could’ve been back for some time before I noticed.
Anyway, good luck!!!
Brook,
CO’SPS survivor
hello all my name is Jonathan and this is my second time bing diagnosed with CO’SPS the first time was after a and 8 can job and it was gone later that day well this time it was after a 6 can job and this is day too with no feeling at all
My name is, Jonathan and i have CO’SPS
I can’t believe I found this thread.
who would have thought that a little can of paint could be so dangerous?
I’m just waking up to day 2 of numbness after using a half a can of rustoleum to paint the base of a table.
Not looking forward to three weeks of this.
xj
Well add another to the list. I used one can of Krylon paint in one sitting and three weeks later my index fingertip is still numb. Although it is better than it was, it is slow to get feeling back. Good to know three months is the majic time.!
All I can say is…’hallelujah’!!! Three hours and six Rustoleum spray paint cans later, I was kicking myself for being so motivated to get my home improvement project done that I kept spraying even though my finger started hurting. I just swapped fingers/hands a couple of times because I was bound and determined to finish the job! Now I’m definitely kicking myself five days later knowing, after reading this thread, that my pain will most likely last for three more months, if not longer!! People at work thought I was losing my mind as I tried explaining what pain and annoyance I was feeling so was thrilled when my boss ‘googled’ it and found this thread. I feel vindicated now and they’ve stopped laughing at me (sort of…). All the talk of “difficulty typing” is so true, not to mention just the sheer aggrevating feeling (or lack of feeling) that I now know won’t be going away any time soon. Ugghhh!! I did look on the can after the fact to see if there was any verbiage about the risk of nerve damage and there wasn’t, thank goodness, because I certainly would have felt even more ridiculous! Well, as silly as it sounds, and not that I want other people to be miserable, but I do find comfort in knowing I’m not the only one suffering from this crazy problem!! I could say “this is what I get for being efficient!” Maybe I need to go back to being lazy!!
I’m so glad I found this site. I spray painted for less than an hour and the tip of my finger is completely numb. I’m very relieved that it’s temporary.
Here’s to the next three months!
I’m surprised this is so common! My fingertip has been numb for about a week and I was starting to get worried.
I sprayed less than 2 cans of automotive paint, although one of the nozzles was particularly stiff. I wore a respirator, goggles, and nitrile gloves, but I never even considered that I would end up with nerve damage from the stupid spray nozzle.
The worst part is that the finish didn’t even come out good, and it needs to be sanded off and redone… adding insult to injury.
There should definitely be a warning on the label. Although I probably would have ignored it anyways
.
Just happened to me. Thank god for the internet. But. Shit.
This is crazy. I thought I was crazy. I kept telling my daughter. She told me to “google” it and I found you guys. This really sucks.
Wow, I’m glad I’m not the only one. I was trying to make a Joker costume for Halloween by using green and purple spray paint and my index finger is numb. I thought it was because I might have inhaled too many fumes from the paint or something. Hope it goes away….
[...] 24, 2009 Theory Posted by Grayson under Theory Leave a Comment This happened to me. It could happen to you. [...]
Does this comment remind you of the dead spot on your finger?
Kind Regards,
Gary
Update yet again I have won the fight against CO’SPS though It seems I will be very prone to having it again I have 13 cans screaming to be used well wisg me luck and to those out there still fighting dond give up!
My name is Jonathan and I’m a two time CO’SPS survivor!
Oy! Here’s a club I never heard of nor wanted to join, but after 2 cans pa spray paint, my index finger is NUMB! So glad to know I’m not nuts nor alone. Anyone out there know of a good class action suit lawyer who might want to take us on?