A stupid question about pain

[RedFlame]

I probably should know this but here goes:

During the day I have short periods where parts of my body suddenly feel a 'chill' feeling that quickly changes to an intense feeling like every nerve is standing at attention with millions of needles piercing my skin.  I don't know how to describe it accurately.  And then there are times where there will be just one strong needle feel like it is going through my skin hitting one nerve very very strongly.

I tend to deny physical pain and attribute 'weird' things to other things, or just plain craziness.  So I have ignored it.

Is this nerve pain or is it just an anxiety thing?  How should I describe it to my doctor?

For me it comes without warning but doesn't stay very long.  I am wondering if this will start some day and not stop.

Will it become permanent at some point?

Thank you!

[RedFlame]

I just received a referral to another neurologist in Ann Arbor.

I had a brief (very brief) visit with a different neuro about 2 months ago who blew me off by saying "well,  nothing reaches out and grabs me" -----very strange lady.

I love your descriptions! THey provide great visuals

[johnnymutt]

I do not have MS, but some form of Neuropathy. I do however know your pain, as I experience a lot of sensory problems; ex the sharp piercing pains, burning, all the "A list" stuff. I started logging what I was experiencing all day, every single day. I came to a conclusion real quick...... that I needed to tell my doc.

One question, are you seeing a GP or a Neuro? My Neuro knew right off what I was talking about, and didn't need to go into any further discussion. My GP on the other hand, was pretty well thrown off with my list.

A few of my own terminologies

Sharp six inch spike, repeatedly piercing the area

A dull spike, stuck in the area, with continuous throbbing pain

A tray of needles piercing the skin and vibrating

A muffled sharp pain that pulsates

Chain link stocking tight against the skin, slowly getting tighter (Ok, now I don't really know what a chain link stocking would feel like, or any stocking for that matter, lol. If I did, I certainly wouldn't be admitting it here, hehe)

Burning skin like after being hit with electricity really bad (I'm an electrician, that's exactly what that burning sensation feels like. An electrical burn is a strange sensation)

Ok, that's all I can think of for now, I really hope no one is looking down upon me now, or is frightened now, Lol!!

[RedFlame]

Thank you so much for answering me and helping feel more at ease.  It's difficult sometimes to know what is important and what isn't.  I can get really carried away with the 'what if's.....' and trying to understand everything.  

It's more important that I share what I am experiencing and let my doctor figure things out.  

Thanks again:-)

[jensequitur]

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers!

Here's mine... Sounds like paresthesia to me!  I get pinprick pains such as you describe - like somebody's poking me with a needle.  Sometimes the pain will make the limb jerk - but I think it's a myoclonic jerk, not just my arm moving around.

I also get a weird goose-bumpy sensation on my skin, with prickles of pain.  

I think the best thing is not to worry about how to describe it to your doctor - just tell him/her as best you know how.  Neurologists are used to hearing about 'weird sensations' that we can't describe very well.  If you start throwing words like paresthesia at him/her, it'll freak him/her out and make them think you're Googling your symptoms.  Doctors hate that.

And about it being permanent...  I don't think so.  Not like you mean.  My paresthesia have changed from numb to prickly to cold to just plain pain.  I think the damage is still there, but the nature of the damage has changed.