really worried tingling feelings

[maxgp]

I'm a 37 year old healthy male and I've been feeling pins and needle sensations in both my lower legs and feet and both my hands and forearms for the last 14 days.  It all started when I was using an orbital power sander for about 2 days straight, refinishing some kitchen cabinets.  I was standing barefooted on a cement slab on one of the days, and barefooted standing on a ladder for the second day.  The tingling started on the evening of the second day and although it has lessened to some degree it still persists.  I went to my gp on the 4th day, and explained what I was feeling, he said it was most likely from the sanding and that my nervous system was irritated and over reacting.  He told me it could last for a couple of weeks.  I went back to my gp again yesterday and told him it is still happening, he says he still thinks it is from the sanding, but he is referring me to a neurologist for an examination.  The ran a blood test to check for diabetes, vitamin levels, thyroid function and it has all come back normal.  I have an appointment with a neurologist on Dec 13th to do further testing.  I've been worring myself sick by looking up symptoms on the internet.  I haven't had any other symptoms, but the possibility of MS is really worring me me.  I don't have any history of it in my family and I was born, raised and still live in Hawaii, where you don't see it that much.  Has anyone out there experienced something like this?

[maxgp]

Thank you so much for your help and your advice.  All of you are so kind and thoughtfull.  You are right I just need to keep pressing forward and not let the "what if's" consume me.  I've got a lovely wife who is 7 mos.pregnant who nees my support and compassion along and two wonderful boys that need my attention now.  Not to mention a business that needs my complete devotion.  I've got a lot riding on my shoulders and I need to make sure they are held high.  I'll stop researching the internet, live my life and see what happens.  Its really comforting to know that I have good people like you to help me keep in in perspective.

Warmest mahalo from Hawaii

[essdipity]

I so much understand your need to know and to be in control, especially since you're a father of an expanding family and a young and otherwise vigorous man. That this is something outside your ken and abilities is truly scary.

I would suggest, though, that until your neuro appointment you stop researching on the web. It will just drive you nuts and make you feel even more stressed. Instead, why not just come here and vent whenever you'd like to? The folks here are super nice and non-judgmental, and don't  mind hearing things over and over. It's human nature we're dealing with and we're all human.

Take care, Max, and aloha.

ess

[mokibear]

I too am undiagnosed and agree with what Penn has already said. If at this point, tingling is all that you are experiencing it may very well be something basic. Having said that, I do understand that "freaking out" feeling.

I have always said I can handle anything, fight anything so long as I know what I am up against. It is the unknown that drives me crazy. All I can suggest to you is don't panic yet as there may be a very simple explanation to your problem. Wait till your appointment and see what they say. I know it is easier said than done, but to keep your sanity you must.

I'm glad you came on here as maybe this will help ease your mind. Please let us know what you find out.

Moki

[pennst8r]

I've been having symptoms for a year. I just look at it as something I HAVE to do. I have a job and a family and I just cannot let them slide. Every now and then I have a short pity party, then I'm ok. Take time to enjoy your family; keep them your focus not your symptoms. I'm sure they already are, but don't let your symptoms distract you, is what I mean. I LOVE my job, so when I'm there that's my focus. Sometimes when I have really bad spasms or balance, getting through the whole day is my focus.

Take time for you too, and for you and your wife as a couple. Try to keep doing as many things as you can - need a sense of normalcy. Waiting is really hard, so is being shuffled from doc to doc. If you dwell on it too much, it will drive to another type of doc, lol!

I'm sure some of the others on the forum can give better advice thatn I, so hopefully they will chime in too. You can always come here for support - doesn't matter what your diagnosis turns out to be. All are welcome (as long as you're nice:)

Hang in there.

Penn

[maxgp]

Thanks so much for your reply Penn.  I do not have any other symptoms.  Ive just never experienced this and it is freaking me out.  I've always been a healthy guy, a police officer for years and on the Swat team.  I gave all that up to be a family man, started my own business, got married had 2 kids and a 3rd on the way.  This year has been tough on me, I've been hospitalized 3 times for a developed heart arrythmia that I'm on medication for and also a hiatus hernia that creates an acid reflux,  I've been so on edge medically this year I'm terrified of any new sensations that I experience. Thanks for listenting to me.  I've trained most of my adult life, (Millitary, Law enforcement) to assess a threat and react accordingly under stressfull conditions, but all these health issues are new type of threat to me, one that I'm not trained for and  it's becoming hard to cope with, especially the waiting and not knowing.  
I appreciate your comments, Penn and I really hope you find an answer to your symptoms as well.  If you have any tips on how to stay solid while waiting for Dx, I would love to hear them.
All the best from Hawaii
MAX  

[pennst8r]

Welcome! Do you have anyother symptoms? If not, The tingling could be from a pinched nerve from the standing and motion of the sanding. It certainly cannot hurt to see a neuro and get checked out. I don't think I'd worry too much re MS unless there are other factors you forgot to mention, since there is a potential explanation that is logical.

I do have significant tingling, but several other symptoms as well and no real explanation for them. I am not diagnosed - have literally dozens of things ruled out, but no Dx yet. I am certainly not an expert, but from what I have read and experienced through my 2 sisters who both have MS, I wouldn't be too worried.

Take care and let us know what you find out. Be well.

Penn