Tingling/Buzzing Sensations in Feet/Hands

[TheOraclezPunkM]

I am a long time hypochondriac, it's been the case for a long time. However, recently the feelings I get in my feet and hands have been really strange. Sometimes they feel like little tiny twitches that I can't see or tingling/buzzing feelings. These tend to sort of pulse or flutter, going off about every 2 or 3 seconds. These are coupled with all manner of other strange sensations in my fingers. I've also had frequent leg and arm twitching for a few years (that hasn't bothered me). Last night, for a few hours, I started having these stabbing pains in my calf, like being stung real hard by a bee in the one spot. This happened about every ten minutes and lasted a few seconds. The pain was bad, but even worse, it paralyzed me with fear. I feel so certain I must have some type of neuropathy and that it's all connected. I am absolutely terrified I will be crippled or living in extreme pain from this. Do other people on this board get these sharp pains? I realize neuropathy would be rare at my age of 28 but I just feel so certain that that is what this is.I have an appointment with GP tomorrow and I'm going to explain all of these things. I might ask to be put on Lexapro or something to help with my overwhelming anxiety. However, I still truly believe that there is something very wrong in my hands, feet, and legs. It's just not normal to get these strange sensations and now sharp pains. It just seems that even for people that truly have diseases like MS and neuropathy, they have a difficult time getting diagnosed. Should I ask to be referred to a neurologist? Does it seem like MRI or EMG are worth getting for this?

 

[DesertKnight]

I get these stinging sensations as well, mostly in legs and arms but every now and then in my side. For me they trigger not a twitch, but a jerk like my brain is telling my body to pull away from whatever is stinging me. Yesterday was particularly bad; I'd estimate it happened well over 200 times. This particular symptom I've had for 12 + years at least. Some days they are intense like yesterday, other days I have none. They range anywhere from a small sting to a painful stabbing sensation. The buzzing or vibrating sensation I have frequently. The last few days its been in my left hand for the most part. About a week ago it was only in my feet. As for what all my doctors say...well they aren't concerned because of the transient nature of my symptoms. Mine are directly effected by anxiety and stress, and to a lesser degree when I'm sick. My Fibromyalgia doc says its my nerves making much ado about nothing....telling my brain that a normal sensation is something more, like a sting or stab. Its like Chrissi describes in her posts about filters. My filters don't work right and so my brain is overloaded by endless messages from my nerves that aren't always accurate.

 

[BlueMan]

Don't panic. Even if you have peripheral neuropathy, it's very treatable and livable. MS and similar conditions are possible but unlikely, and typically don't start with what you're describing. Prepare well for your visit with your GP. Be specific about when the problem started, what is affected, and what you've been doing or has happened recently. Also be ready to answer general questions about your health history. Write this down before you go so you can remember your questions. Write down what your GP tells you. If possible, bring a family member or friend to the appointment to help you communicate efficiently. Your GP will decide if you should be referred to a neurologist or other specialist.I've had these kinds of experiences for almost 12 years, plus many others that are far more uncomfortable, and in my case at times debilitating. I've seen a number of specialists, had lots of tests, and they're still trying to figure it out, though they've found structural problems in my spine and autoimmune issues. I bring this up so you know that you can get through this, live your life, and deal with the symptoms one way or another. I'm sure others here will share their stories as well. And I suspect everyone will say "don't panic" and "it is treatable and livable."

 

[DesertKnight]

Yes...very managable Aoi, I agree. My biggest obstacle has been accepting my "new me" and learning to go on with life. I agree completely, write it all down ahead of time. One of the best things I ever did was get a copy of the illustration of the body, front and back, like they have on questionaires at the doctors office. I wrote exactly where my worst pain/tingling/burning sensations were and it makes a nice visual aide to help explain your symptoms. My pain management doctor told me he could see that most of my pain originates from the L5 nerve root just from that picture.

 

[TheOraclezPunkM]

Thank you for the responses. I have been trying very hard to get my anxiousness/worry down. If it is neuropathy, I hope it will be manageable as you say. My biggest fear is what the future holds. I also get occasional pains my left pinky toe and calf, which actually preceded all this finger stuff. I'm hoping it's unrelated and/or treatable. I had blood-work done and the only abnormalities seem to be high muscle enzymes and very low Vitamin D. Having a followup with doctor tomorrow. I wrote down all my issues for the initial visit as you suggested.I actually began Lexapro today and I'm hoping it will help with the mental component of all this. This board is a great resource and I'm just hoping what I have is BFS or some other benign issue that won't dramatically affect my life. Thank you.