HELP!!! Painful ganglion cyst, no insurance, how do I get relief?

I have a recurring ganglion cyst on my right wrist and lost my insurance while I was waiting to get into a specialist to schedule surgery. It has come and gone for several years and is not pretty but it has never been this painful. It just started to reappear a week ago, is nowhere as large as it has gotten in the past, but it really hurts. Any suggestions for relief? And no I will not smack it with a book, I do not want to break any of the tiny little bones in my hand. Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately there really isn't total relief without surgery. However! I have found that using a splint that is like a glove and covers the palm of hand and above your wrist, first at night and then daytime as needed helps. If the lump is over a bone just an ace wrist wrap should really help. For long term benefit, warm your hand and wrist up really well and then squeeze a handsized sponge ball 4 to 6 times a day.

local free health clinic,check web yellow pages

Since you don't have insurance I would appeal to the local health department and see what they can do as far as getting you in to surgery. Or you could go to a hospital (the ER) and tell them you need surgery but no insurance. Maybe they can set you up on payment plans.

Good luck and God Bless!

ask a nurse or your pharmacy hell know..Call one right away.

It needs to be drained and/or surgically removed. There isn't really another way to get rid of a ganglion cyst. Call your specialist and see if you can work out some sort of payment plan. I work for a clinic and we do that for patients all the time. Good luck!

I had one of those in my hand.

You need to see a Dr. ASAP, because I was told by the Dr. that removed mine [and I had that exact type cyst] that it could turn into cancer.

That's funny! My teacher in school always said to smack it with a book, but I thought he was joking. Well, try a warm compress for 20 minutes or so. THis may help dissipate the fluid. The problem with ganglions is that they tend to come back. Do you work on a computer alot during the day? You may want to use a wrist brace. Also try seeing a massage therapist to relieve the swelling if there is any. Acupuncture could help as well. And no they won't stick a needle in the ganglion.

Most doctors and all hospitals will work with you on a payment plan. If you can pay up front on a credit card you can request a discount as they will not incur any overhead filing tons of paperwork with an insurance company or waiting 90 days for a negotiated payment. I have received no less than 20% off my all medical bills doing this.