Does MS amplify pain?: So I foolishly... - My MSAA Community

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Does MS amplify pain?

StacyHayward profile image
15 Replies

So I foolishly stepped on a wasp Friday morning. I had to pull the wasp off the bottom of my foot, the soft insole part. (Yep, should have worn shoes!)

My question is could MS make my reaction worse? I had no itching and only a little swelling, but the pain was incredible! My foot felt like it was on fire! And simultaneously like I was being jabbed by needles!

Six hours later I was still sobbing and went to the instant care. I got a shot of benedryl and a shot of morphine. Plus a prescription pain killer. (Of course the pain pills made me dizzy and caused vomiting). The only thing that really helped was elevating it and keeping it permanently on ice.

Sunday I could limp around but yesterday it really hurt again. Now it’s early Tuesday and I’m still having residual pain. So could the sting have aggravated my nerves???

Or is it possible to be allergic to the sting without it causing anaphylactic symptoms? I know, we’re not doctors. The doctor I saw was truly puzzled. Just curious if anyone has noticed weird reactions to stings since being diagnosed.

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StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward
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15 Replies
ahrogers profile image
ahrogers

I know when I stub a toe the pain is much worse than before. Crazy that my feet are pretty numb but bumping them causes crazy pain. I hope yours improves soon!

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to ahrogers

Pain is so weird with MS!!

goatgal profile image
goatgal

My reaction to all insect bites is stronger than it has ever been in the last 7 decades. When I was in my 20s and on I would react to the first dozen mosquito/sand fly bites then be fine for the rest of the season. I went barefoot as a child and through my 20s, so I often stepped on bees. The site would turn red, hurt for a while, swell - then slowly return to normal. Now, the area of the sting forms a hard red long lasting lump that increases in size. The last two, on my lower forearms, turned the whole forearm red with red streaks going up to the shoulder, and made me faint headed for hours. The rest of the reaction lasted for about 10 days, I had some pain but not as severe as yours.

Though I had weird MS short lived symptoms beginning in my 30s, I wasn't diagnosed until 70. Shortly before diagnosis, I began having extreme reactions to bee/wasp venom (so much so I now fear yellow jackets and hornets); my severe reaction is now an item on my medical charts, and has me keep epi pen prescriptions filled. I don't know if it's MS related but it sure is somehow related to my immune system.

I haven't had to use an epi pen, thank god, but I've practiced with the self injector just in case because it's yellow jacket season here and the hornets are also active. If I were to have an anaphylatic reaction it would take the EMT service at least 20 minutes to get here, and the closest ER is an hour away, so better safe than sorry. Fortunately the epi pens are covered by my insurance because OMG they are expensive. The pens are good for 2 years before they lose their effectiveness and must be replaced. I hope you don't start down that road because the slight fear of buzzing insects can spoil outdoor activities.

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to goatgal

Thanks for your reply. It puts things into perspective. I kept trying to research it and can’t find anything. Like I said my doctor was baffled!

I have a yard full of flowers, fruit trees and a garden so I get bees like crazy but they haven’t bothered me. Guess I’ll be more careful!

goatgal profile image
goatgal in reply to StacyHayward

I'm assuming, in my case specifically, that my reactions stem from a combination of age (81) and an overactive immune system always on the alert. I too am a gardener, so there's a lot of opportunity for insect activity. Nevertheless, I persist!

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9

Oooo, ooo, ow! The arch of your foot! What a tender spot! I hope it feels better soon!

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to mrsmike9

Finally about better! So I fell and mildly hurt my wrist to make up for it today! 😀

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9 in reply to StacyHayward

Oh, no! You cannot self distruct under our watch!

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to mrsmike9

It’s funny. It barely hurt all day. I did two dehydrators of peaches and a triple batch of tomato basil soup. Now I’m at work and can barely move it. Guess I’ll stop at instant care after work.

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9 in reply to StacyHayward

VERY glad you're getting it looked at! Let us know what they say.

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to mrsmike9

It’s sprained. They put in an immobilizing brace. I’ll wear it a week and re X-ray. But it’s doing good.

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9 in reply to StacyHayward

So glad!

BlanketTime1 profile image
BlanketTime1

from limboland, i know i have messed up nerves. like others here, if i hit a usually numb area i can either not feel it and notice the bruise later, or it somehow awakens my nerves and all hell breaks loose in my body.

i've had a couple of bouts of transverse myelitis (in the middle of one now) and i know the nerves in my lower body are affected by it. it sucks, but it seems a systemic disease means my body 'overreacts' to things other people can easily cope with.

i hope you feel better soon.🤗

pamgarner profile image
pamgarner

kind of, i am allegic to benedryl,and that wasp string me on my eye,had to go to a "Doc in the box" and they gave me 5 days of steroids,i live in the south and had all kind of home recipes given to me,the one I tried was tobacco making a paste an smearing on it,did not work.

Ali_B62 profile image
Ali_B62

You poor thing, it sounds terrible! In such a sensitive spot. Hope you are finding things to take your mind off the pain, and yes, I am sure there are milder forms of allergy than anaphylaxis. Thinking of you, ouch!😘

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