Tingling

[jayemmemm]

In the last two weeks, I have noticed a high-frequency, low-intensity tingling in my skin on waking.

It is not painful and I become less aware of it during the day but I don't think it ever stops

I'm taking 5mg pred ATM and although due to continue DSNS taper to 4.6 mg pred I shall stay at 5 until I have an answer. Recent blood tests were 'tell the patient all normal'. I monitor my blood pressure regularly and results are consistently lower than 130/80

Can anyone throw a light on this symptom? I realise it may be totally unconnected with my PMR.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Some people do report a burning.tingling sensation with PMR - but I have never worked out what it could be.

Personally, I would want concrete figures and not THEIR assessment of "normal"!

[jayemmemm in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro: see my reply to SnazzyD below. Now that I have found how to access the actual FBC readings I shall quiz my new GP closely about those readings which fall outside the normal range yet are reported as 'normal'. It appears that the tingling will remain a mystery for the moment.

[SnazzyD]

Is it all over? As for the bloods, what did they test for? They are only useful if they are relevant to your symptoms and for that the GP needs to request them.

[jayemmemm in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for your interest, SnazzyD.

FBC was done in Feb 24 because I told the GP I was suffering from total fatigue and bi-lateral wrist and shoulder pains at 5.5 pred. The results were reported as normal but I can now see them on my NHS account and although most results are in the normal range there are some above and some below yet still commented on as normal. How significant that might be I cannot tell.

The tingling is all over my body

[SnazzyD in reply to jayemmemm]

I guess you can wait and see, but for how long I can’t say. Or go to the GP and see if they will do any other specific tests with this tingling being the focus of their enquiry.

[PipandDots]

I’ve experienced this tingling, fizzing, buzzing feeling for most of my PMR journey. My GP tested for B12 suspecting a deficiency but the test was normal. I’ve been off Pred for 8 weeks now and still have it some days. GP says it may be the Pred has damaged the nerves and may take a while to repair. Who knows??

[jayemmemm in reply to PipandDots]

Thanks for that. I take B12 sublingually when I remember The last test showed me at the top end of the normal range.

[bookish in reply to jayemmemm]

Hi, sublingual or oral or sprays of B12 will raise blood level (serum) for most people - this does not mean that it is getting into the cells or able to do its job. My own serum was above measurable due to very high dose supplementation over many years (long family history of problems - B12 metabolism is strongly genetic) but I am getting clear benefit from injections after a recent trial, which I was no longer getting from the oral. Once we get past age 50 we cannot absorb enough from food and the older we get the more likely to be deficient and to need injections. But, you say that there are other 'not normal' results, and this could be due to something else - blood sugar, liver, folate (strongly connected to the B12, don't supplement folate/folic alone as it cannot work without cellular B12), thyroid.....good luck getting to the bottom of it.

[jayemmemm in reply to bookish]

Thanks for your informed comments. My new GP seems to be much more interested in my condition so I'm hoping for more claification of recent tests and some others I will be having.

[bookish in reply to PipandDots]

You can have a B12 deficiency at any serum level, and cannot rule it out from just that. Your doctor has access to more tests that could be done, but there is no test to rule it out for certain. Even if the Pred has damaged the nerves, you need the right B vitamins (for you) to help with nerve healing - B12, folate, B6, B2. In doubt, they should do the additional tests and treat you to prevent damage becoming permanent. (Injections, not oral). Cheers

[AtopicGuy]

The commonest cause of tingling is diabetes, followed by the side effects of various medications.

[KASHMIRI1]

Hi! I have what you describe in my lower limbs. It started in my feet and is now a bit higher and more intense. Like you have it all the time and I think my brain cancels it out especially when I am doing anything. I am waiting for a steroid injection in my spinal for spinal stenosis of two vertebrae and am hoping this will help with the tingling.