Should I see a doctor

[UA08]

A few months ago, around November, I began feeling numbness and tingling in my back (accompanied by back pain), and then eventually (over the course of a week or two) it progressed from my back, to my back, shoulders, and then back of my head. It seemed to be sparked by a change in temperature, maybe, I can't be sure. I know many times when it happened I was in short sleeves, perfectly cool, and it would warm around the spot where it started, and the pins and needles would begin. Scared the living daylights out of me. It would come and go. After about 3 weeks, it stopped. I never noticed any more pain or tingling, though I expected it and waited for it everytime I got warm.

Then, I noticed 2-3 weeks ago that I have urinary incontinence. I've always seemed to struggle with a "hesitation" when urinating. Everytime I use the restroom for more than just a minor emptying of the urine, it dribbles no matter how many times I "shake" or "dab" with TP. (Sorry if that is not the most appropriate way to put it) It became a nuisance, and then worried me. I can't use the bathroom on campus in khakis, let alone anything else, and not look like I pee'd all over myself for a few minutes/while afterwards. I also can feel more urine leaking out, or feeling as if it is leaking out for about 30 minutes after wards. I can't do anything to stop it. It's annoying.

Lastly, I have noticed a lot of my muscles have been "twitching" in my limbs. I don't know if this is called a spasm, because there usually is no pain. They just move involuntarily. A LOT more than I think they should. Most it occurs in my legs. Two nights ago I was attempting to fall asleep and my pinky and 2 fingers next to it twitched for about 10 seconds. It was odd.

So, do I have symptoms that would warrant seeing a doctor? My mother's mom died of MS in the 70's, and my aunt was diagnosed two months ago. I am hesitant to see a doctor, who will likely have no answers other than blood work, and send me to get an MRI from a neurologist. I don't want my mom to know I am having issues. I can see it scaring her.

Also -- what do YOUR pins and needle sensations feel like, and how long do they last. I can feel little pin pricks all over my legs and arms and torso at random times. Other than the heat instigated ones from above, they usually just *****, and go away. How are yours? Thanks!

[UA08]

I will! I will be getting an appointment next week with my PCP. My sister is a nurse practitioner and her husband is a PA, and they both told me it's time to make an appointment.

As far as twitching/spasming, can anyone tell me what it's supposed to feel like? I never noticed it for years before -- only occasionally -- but it just seems like now it is overwhelmingly prevalent. I don't know if it's normal for my muscles to twitch/spasm like they are or if I am just now noticing it because it was brought to my attention that I need to get checked out. I'm just confused, because for my entire 21 years I've really been naive to a lot of things with my body. I thought they were just normal. I went almost 12 years without glasses thinking my vision was normal, before I found out I had 20/100 vision.

[MomofTwo83]

My pins and needles feel like I was out in the snow with no protection on for a little bit and have frost bite or something like that.  The pins and needles don't hurt me, but are more annoying than anything and just really weird.  

I have problems in the restroom area too.  It seems like no matter how hard I try I can never empty my bladder all the way.  Going #1 takes me forever...doesn't start for about 30 seconds and then I have to wait after I stop cause I know I will start again in about 30 seconds to a minute.  I haven't talked to a doctor about it, but plan on it after I get these MRI results.  I just plain forgot to tell my neurologist and PCP about it.

I would definitely go to the doctors and talk about both of these issues.  There are a number of things that can cause the tingling and pins and needles so don't worry yourself too much right now.  Also the urine problem can be caused by an infection and easily treated...so definitely get that checked out asap...you don't want that turning into anything more serious.

Good luck and keep us updated!!

[Sparkysarah]

I would suggest that you should go to see your doctor without delay. You do not need to tell your mother and worry her as your appointment will be confidential and it is your prerogative to keep this private.  I sense that yoau are worried about your own health and you are the only personwho can take responsibity for this. If your doctor does refer yo to either a urologist or a neurologist and you have an MRI this could help eliminate potential reaons for the symptoms you are experiencing or provide a piece of the puzzle that faces you in terms of finding the full picture.

Let us know how you get on and what you decide

Best wishes

Sarah

[Sumanadevii]

Without a doubt you need to see a urologist.  It could be an infection and needs to be treated.

As far as the neurological things happening, it could be a pinched nerve or it could be something a bit more serious.  If you are worried about it, I would call and make an appointment with a neuro.