WARNING: MY DESCRIPTIONS OF PAIN BELOW ARE GRAPHIC AND MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME. I DON'T KNOW IF I'M VIOLATING FORUM RULES BY POSTING THIS. IF SO, I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE TO THE MODERATORS.
First, I should say that I have not been diagnosed with MS at this time. I am in the early stages of having tests done. As I try to describe for the doctors my pain symptoms I have been wondering if the types of pain that I am experiencing are in fact typical of MS.
For those on this message board who experience pain as part of their symptoms...I would really appreciate your feedback.
A little history first...If it does turn out that I have MS then this is probably my 3rd flare-up. My first two episodes (early 2013, early 2014) may have been intense & very painful versions of the MS hug. I am experiencing different symptoms this time around, starting in Aug 2014 and steadily worsening with no letup since then. My current symptoms are (in the order of appearance): itchiness, numbness, muscle tightness/spasms, pins & needles, burning, vertigo and pain.
Here are the types of pain as I experience them. (The descriptions may be "over the top" - but these are the thoughts that are running through my mind when the pain comes on and won't let me sleep.)
Many, many, many sharp pin pricks - (more painful than the pins & needles sensation which is more annoying than painful). Comes and goes.
Stabbing Needles - this is a wierd one. Combines a sharp stabbing sensation (like a large hyperdermic needle) with a burning sensation - as if I've been injected with acid. The pain & burning occur simultaneously in the same area. Sometimes it feels like the needle has hit a bone...that sharp and deep a pain. When this pain comes on, it feels like I'm being stabbed repeatedly up and down my arms. This can last for hours and happens every day now.
Burning - neither hot nor cold, maybe like acid. This is my all-the-time pain feeling in my arms which is pretty much my baseline pain level these days. (the other types pain of pain come and go throughout the day or at least vary in intensity)
Bee Sting - this is a brand new one, just appeared in my feet. This is the first time I've felt pain in my feet (was itchiness, burning and pins & needles up til now). Sharp, sudden and then fades in about 5 minutes.
Broken Bones - deep ache with jagged edges of pain. Feels like someone took a hammer to my hands. Combination of a bruised feeling plus a jagged sharp pain. This pain showed up a couple weeks ago and is almost constant in my left hand, about 25% of the time in my right hand. My wrists feel like someone drove a nail through the joint and my shoulder feels like it was dislocated recently (aches constantly).
Knife cut - feels like someone took a knife to my forearm and sliced through the muscle and tendons. (sharpest type of pain, can last 30 minutes without a lessening in intensity)
Taser / Electric Shock - also a sharp pain...but feels like a bolt of electricity is literally running down my arms...comes out of nowhere and lasts 15 seconds max.
If you've read through this post, I hope my descriptions were not too disturbing. If you've had similar types of pain I'd like to know if you are willing to share your experiences.
Thank you.
First, I should say that I have not been diagnosed with MS at this time. I am in the early stages of having tests done. As I try to describe for the doctors my pain symptoms I have been wondering if the types of pain that I am experiencing are in fact typical of MS.
For those on this message board who experience pain as part of their symptoms...I would really appreciate your feedback.
A little history first...If it does turn out that I have MS then this is probably my 3rd flare-up. My first two episodes (early 2013, early 2014) may have been intense & very painful versions of the MS hug. I am experiencing different symptoms this time around, starting in Aug 2014 and steadily worsening with no letup since then. My current symptoms are (in the order of appearance): itchiness, numbness, muscle tightness/spasms, pins & needles, burning, vertigo and pain.
Here are the types of pain as I experience them. (The descriptions may be "over the top" - but these are the thoughts that are running through my mind when the pain comes on and won't let me sleep.)
Many, many, many sharp pin pricks - (more painful than the pins & needles sensation which is more annoying than painful). Comes and goes.
Stabbing Needles - this is a wierd one. Combines a sharp stabbing sensation (like a large hyperdermic needle) with a burning sensation - as if I've been injected with acid. The pain & burning occur simultaneously in the same area. Sometimes it feels like the needle has hit a bone...that sharp and deep a pain. When this pain comes on, it feels like I'm being stabbed repeatedly up and down my arms. This can last for hours and happens every day now.
Burning - neither hot nor cold, maybe like acid. This is my all-the-time pain feeling in my arms which is pretty much my baseline pain level these days. (the other types pain of pain come and go throughout the day or at least vary in intensity)
Bee Sting - this is a brand new one, just appeared in my feet. This is the first time I've felt pain in my feet (was itchiness, burning and pins & needles up til now). Sharp, sudden and then fades in about 5 minutes.
Broken Bones - deep ache with jagged edges of pain. Feels like someone took a hammer to my hands. Combination of a bruised feeling plus a jagged sharp pain. This pain showed up a couple weeks ago and is almost constant in my left hand, about 25% of the time in my right hand. My wrists feel like someone drove a nail through the joint and my shoulder feels like it was dislocated recently (aches constantly).
Knife cut - feels like someone took a knife to my forearm and sliced through the muscle and tendons. (sharpest type of pain, can last 30 minutes without a lessening in intensity)
Taser / Electric Shock - also a sharp pain...but feels like a bolt of electricity is literally running down my arms...comes out of nowhere and lasts 15 seconds max.
If you've read through this post, I hope my descriptions were not too disturbing. If you've had similar types of pain I'd like to know if you are willing to share your experiences.
Thank you.
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