Undiagnosed Strange Medical Condition - Pain Concern

Pain Concern

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Undiagnosed Strange Medical Condition

satoshihooi profile image
17 Replies

I have strange sensations on my hands and feets like burning, buzzing, electrical current, and crawling. It is not concentrated on the same spot as they move around and changes its' form. The level of intensity of the sensations varies as well. One moment, I can have level 7/10 electrical current on my fourth and pinky finger then later level 4/10 burning on my palm. However, the main area where it happens is on my left hand and right foot. Due to this, my daily activities can only function at about 70% as I'm in discomfort most of the time. When it's flaring badly, it makes me stressed and anxious as well.

I have consulted a neurologist and neurosurgeon who instructed many tests like MRI (brain, lumbar, cervical, abdomen), nerve conduction test, full blood test and ultrasound but it all came back normal. They could not find anything and conclude it's psychological though I really doubt it and sent me to see a psychiatrist. Anyway, I went ahead to consult the psychiatrist and was given some psychosomatic medications. My condition however still did not improve.

The feelings started in April'19. Somehow it subside by its own in August'19. In between there are some spikes but it's just very mild before another episode in March'20. Again after few months it subsides on its own.

Right now it's like the 3rd episode. It keeps coming back so I think the root cause is not identified and cured. I'm kind of clueless at the moment on what to do next.

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satoshihooi
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17 Replies
Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Are you on any medications that might be causing this? Or a food, or exposure to a chemical substance- at home or workplace?Cast your mind back to the time it started- April '19 - what was new in your life?

These would be all places to start investigation.

Good luck.

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi in reply to Madlegs1

I'm not on any medications. As for my surroundings and environment, it's been the same since 2019. Nothing new. I didn't change job or home. 😕

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to satoshihooi

It can be something as simple as a new toothpaste, or shampoo or cleaning product. If the condition came on quite suddenly, then it is almost certainly due to a change in your environment, in some manner or form.

Something very insignificant !??

Good luck.

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi in reply to Madlegs1

I'll investigate my environment further.

Trenholm profile image
Trenholm

I was thinking peripheral neuropathy because that’s what I have and maybe carpal tunnel in your wrists but maybe these have been ruled out?

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi in reply to Trenholm

The neurologist ruled out both carpal tunnel and peripheral neuropathy because I don't have extreme pain on my wrist and numbness (loss of sensation) and major burning on my hands and feets. Another reason is my MRIs came back normal.

My gut feeling says it could be small fibre neuropathy.

Krawlins profile image
Krawlins

Hi there, if you’ve not had it checked already then see if they’ll test your blood for your Vit B12 levels, the buzzing and tingling might possibly be caused by a deficiency, it’s one of the symptoms.

Best Wishes, take care

Kay

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi in reply to Krawlins

Hey, I'll definitely go check it out. However Vit.B12 will also cause anemia, fatigue, weakness and a host of other symptoms but I don't get it.

Krawlins profile image
Krawlins in reply to satoshihooi

That is very true. I hope you get to the bottom of it soon

Kay

Imagine1 profile image
Imagine1

I have the same feelings as you in my hands and fingers, I have had an MRI scan and other tests and the specialist that I saw said it looks as though I have nerve damage in my right hand, leading to my last two fingers also Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which can happen in any part of your body mine is in my wrist, hand and fingers due to working. I hope this helps, let me know how you get on and good luck.

MrsN1976 profile image
MrsN1976

I had something like that several years ago. They never found a cause after lots of tests. I was put on gabapentin for a time then weaned off and the weird sensations were gone.

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi in reply to MrsN1976

Good news that gabapentin works for you.

Toui profile image
Toui

Hi - please check out arachnoiditishope.com. It may not be this, but your symptoms are similar to mine and it took at least 12 months after surgery to get this diagnosis. If you have ever had a lumbar puncture or a myelogram or have canal stenosis, this could be linked. I get flare ups now every 2 weeks.

Good luck and take care

satoshihooi profile image
satoshihooi

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out.

katelee profile image
katelee

Has anyone mentioned complex regional pain syndrome? The type of pain sounds similar but it tends to be on the limbs rather than hands and feet. Although it can move around. It might be worth looking up the symptoms to see if any fit. . It sounds like a type of nerve pain. It's really frustrating to have so many tests and no real answers. I hope you find an answer soon and can get some relief from the pain.

Klutzy profile image
Klutzy

I'm sorry you were given the readily used excuse of it must be in your head and that you are still in pain. It's so frustrating how doctors do that. Have you been tested for Chronic Lyme or Fibromyalgia?

I was diagnosed with neuropathy, and I get the burning pain mainly in my face, but sometimes in my hands or legs, but not in my feet. i also get the pins and needles and electric shocks, too. I know how much it can hurt.

If you look up supplements to help with nerve pain, you can find some good ones that really help. I take about 4 different ones, and the burning has lessened as well as the numbness. I'd list them here, but not sure if I'm allowed to do that. They're what the neurologist advised me to take.

Poppy_Ann profile image
Poppy_Ann

Hi Satoshihooi (nice name)

I have had this for most of my life I had no idea what the cause was to me it was just like when my ears produce hi levels of tinnitus (something else I have no idea what causes it)

But instead of it being in my ears it can be anywhere in my body most of the time it is on my right I think it is like a mild form of pins and needles which I get in most of my limbs, in the past it use to bother me but for the last few years I think it is a good sign as it means the pain from my back or joints must be low below a level of 2 or 3 out of 10 and as most days the level is above 6-7 which means I cannot get myself dressed so to be able to feel the discomfort from the tingling means it is a good day.

Hope you find a way to get rid of it, Regards Poppy Ann.

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