”electric shock type of pain - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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”electric shock type of pain

Muriellilley profile image
31 Replies

hi there everybody bear with me as this my first post🙈

I was diagnosed 5 years ago with fibromyalgia- I have struggled to come to terms with my diagnosis but recently realised that I may have to accept it- my question is one of my worst symptoms is what I can only describe as pain rather like how I would imagine being hit with a taser!in can occur almost any point on my body and is excruciating 😣 it is intermittent and can sometimes last for hours which stops me sleeping ( something I don’t do very well either)has any of you lovely people experienced this?can’t find it listed as a symptom 😢

Thank you in advance 🥰🙏xx

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Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley
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31 Replies
Welshcatlady profile image
Welshcatlady

I have recently been experiencing this sort of pain in different areas, the last was yesterday for a short time in my little toe on my left foot, and a few days before that it was in the bone of my big toe on the same foot which lasted for hours, I thought at first it was my shoe rubbing the bone, but when I took my shoe off the pain was still there, and it was not gout, I've had that a few times in my other foot, I could not walk on it because it was so painful, but next morning it had gone. I'm not sure it is Fibro related and am going to mention it to my GP next time I see her. (I have to make an appointment with her for an unrelated issue).

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to Welshcatlady

thank you so much for your response- you could be right about it being unrelated but I’ve had this since my diagnosis so I’m really hoping it’s all part of it- getting information from gp is pretty impossible I’m afraid so it’s great to have somewhere to off load👍thank you x

Hazel_Angelstar profile image
Hazel_AngelstarAdministratorFMA UK Staff

Hi and a warm welcome to the forums. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

People can experience several different types of pain with fibromyalgia - including what you describe as electric shock pains. I get these from time to time, usually in a random place and thankfully for me it doesn't normally last too long xxx

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to Hazel_Angelstar

thank you so much for your warm welcome 🤗 it’s so great to be able to share with likeminded people 👍🙏I’m glad I’m not going mad!! Xxxx

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer

Hello and just want too say Welcome, a great forum with lots of info and helpful advice, oh the joys of Fibro pain 😂I always say feel like been hit but a truck , my pain is very sore and achy but differently worse in Winter and like today a very slow Saturday as I did not pace enough Friday. Something I am always saying here pace yourself through your day , horrid when it effects our sleep for sure ☹️, I always try and have a long soak with my Epsom’s salts in the bath too relax my body and wheat bag. @ hot water bottles brilliant too.

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to Yassytina

thank you- I will try that👍so good to have somewhere to chat others who are struggling too- I must admit I push through as I’m still in denial but I think I may have to give myself a good talking to 🙈xx

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer in reply to Muriellilley

I do that , sounds silly but if I miss a soak I really feel it the next day, my cupboard is full of nice smelling Epsom’s salt bags , Dove have a new one out it smells great, I tend too grab some but when I see them on offer , say like boots, Lloyds pharmacy . X

Janeshelley profile image
Janeshelley in reply to Yassytina

I certainly agree with you about soaking in a bath with Epsom Salts! Absolutely essential for Fibro people. I usually add a few drops of essential oil, lavender and geranium are firm favourites. As I am getting older (nearly 73, but feel 53 when I am well, but 103 when Fibro flair-up kicks in) and having more and more trouble getting in and out of my bath, I am wondering how on earth I will ever be able to afford one of those walk-in baths. Any suggestions please.

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer in reply to Janeshelley

Yes the, horrid days Fibro makes you feel so much older ☹️I am quite naughty as I hold on too my radiator too climb out , getting in abit easier, yes they look wonderful don’t they and like you much rather have a bath than a shower. I must admit to making sure hubby is about when I have a bath now, have you any rails to hold on to inside the bath ? My new bath has not. Il have a look on website too see if there is anything that helps with bathing xx

rosewine profile image
rosewine

Yes I also have thus unfortunately. I tend to get it in my back, ankles and feet. It feels as though someone has stuck me with a thin knife or other times like an electric shock. Find the fact that there is no warning with it which can be quite dangerous if it is in my ankles or feet and I am walking. Just lately they seem to have started in my hands. You have my sympathy.

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to rosewine

phew so sorry for your pain but relieved it’s not just me😢it’s horrible isn’t it- sometimes it’s so bad I could just cry 😢 unpredictable and excruciating- take care xx

Dizzytwo profile image
DizzytwoModerator

Hello, welcome to the group. I have had fibro for 40yrs. And one thing I know pain is pain no matter how we experience it.

Unfortunately thats the horrible face of fibro.

But we have to be very wary of putting everything down to Fibromyalgia.

If this is a new symptom for you or even a prolonged symptom. If it was me I would be inclined to speak to my GP. Please feel welcomed xx

Momo

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to Dizzytwo

thank you I will try and get advice- my gp is not very accessible though🙈x

R0llrolls10 profile image
R0llrolls10

I’m so sorry you have this too. Unfortunately it can definitely be part of the fibro picture. I have an amazing cbd cream that i’ve just discovered that helps take the edge off the pain. Also perhaps ask your GP to check b12 status next when have a blood test and that you aren’t taking too much b6 as this can cause nerve pain. I also find magnesium helps a bit. I think it maybe helps relaxes the muscles around where all the pain has been? Really good luck. It’s such a miserable symptom. You’re definitely not alone.

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to R0llrolls10

🙏thank you xx

leamat profile image
leamat

I experience this type of pain at times and have always understood it is part of fibromyalgia symptoms. I used to be a hairdresser and would almost drop my brush when the pain would strike. More recently I find it affects my eyes. The way I would describe it is like someone jabbed me with a pin, sometimes it is a little more prolonged just like when you are being given an injection. I have a strange but helpful remedy, if I pinch the skin next to the pain it seems to block it.

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to leamat

thank you - will give it a go xx

Wingz26 profile image
Wingz26 in reply to leamat

I thought it was just me, but I get the needle sharp pain in my eyes intermittently, I also get these awful stabbing pains in the side of my head , it feels as though I’m being stabbed with a knife, it’s excruciating. Is this another symptom of fibro? I will try your remedy and see if that helps. Thanks for the tip 👌🏻🥰

Macdoual profile image
Macdoual

Welcome, I was diagnosed 3 years ago but rheumatologist said I've had it since my daughter was born, she'll be 20 in April, my gp always put my pain and headaches etc down to my depression. Your description of electric shocks is exactly how I describe it, when it hits my legs I do get somewhat of a warning for a few minutes, almost like it's charging up. In other parts of my body no warning. I always say in my replies just remember your not alone, this crazy world of fibro takes time to accept but there is always someone on this forum who knows exactly what your experiencing. Take care and gentle hugs x

Hummingbird_42 profile image
Hummingbird_42

yes I get this. The only thing that helps is treatment from my massage therapist. She knows all about Fybro and does a combination of trigger point, myofascial release, acupuncture and whatever else she thinks I need and this has been a huge help. Painkillers do nothing really. I do take low doses of pregablin and amitriptyline but really it’s the treatment that helps the nerve pain. Hope you get some relief x

Whiteclouds profile image
Whiteclouds

yes I have this pain right now it’s been torturing me for days and only rarely does it stop I’m in agony it’s in my shoulders arms hands lower back hips and legs I’ve had very little sleep pain killers only work for a couple of hours and give me stomach pain. It’s a living hell my physio has told me to learn to live with it. I feel like I’m going out of my mind it’s so bad and no one can help me. I’m going to have to see the doctor because I can’t live like this any more it’s too painful walking from one room to another is unbearable. I hope you get some help and that you are not told there is nothing the doctor can do ..

KimiJay profile image
KimiJay in reply to Whiteclouds

So sorry to hear this Whiteclouds. Long before my diagnosis, I chose conventional Chiropractic years after sessions with a physio gave me more pain. I also see a traditionally Chinese trained acupuncturist because physios trained in it tend to treat only muscles and overlook the importance of balancing the meridiens. Both have made a huge difference to my life and have sensitivity about pain and knowledge about fibromyalgia. Occasionally I get an unpleasant reaction but that has been rare and has been part of healing. Both lady practitioners are old friends now having got to know me and my circumstances very well. Ask about for the best references you can find in your area. I know it involves being able to pay for treatment but anyone who wants to give you a birthday gift might contribute to the first one to see how you get on. I hope things change for you soon.

Spanner46 profile image
Spanner46

I get it too, it's excruciating and grips my whole leg whereby i just cannot move, will suddenly release to grip again. I too, can only think this is what a taser could feel like. Mine last for hours then i just can't. get up for hours after. I have Fibro but also FND.

KimiJay profile image
KimiJay

Sounds horrible. You may have tried this already but I'm thinking a traditional Chinese acupuncturist could track down the meridiens which are low in energy and one or two sources that may be contributing to your horrible electric shocks. Something in your system certainly sounds like it needs calming and soothing.

Acupuncture uses different wrist pulses to suss out the imbalances in energy in your body. It would be your choice if you wanted to try the very thin needles they use to rewire you (for want of a better term).

I get painful thigh muscle spasms for which the doc gives me quinine, but have been having dry needling for those which has also helped. I also take magnesium. I hope it all changes for you soon and that you get more sleep.

Al10 profile image
Al10

Electric shock type pain indicates this is nerves firing off. Most fibros get some of this I think but lasting for hours? I'm not sure? I mean I can get a pain suddenly affecting my foot and like you say its like an electric pulse. And then for a few days it will keep repeating in that place. I don't know why. It can take your breath how uncomfortable yet there is always, nothing to see. So annoying when you are in bed trying to sleep!

If you are getting it a lot, and you don't want to instantly dive down the GP +meds route to kill the pain, I'd investigate your diet and any tummy issues. Are you getting all your nutrients? Esp B vitamins? Poor absorption of nutrients can over time leave us short in the B department esp B12. Also Vegans can run short over time. In the short term, a healthy body usually has good stores of this vitamin to tide us over the odd times when we eat badly or are too sick to eat.

Always best to address deficiencies through diet first if poss, but a good supplement can help but obviously do your research, check safe dosages and monitor how you feel.

Gigi_96 profile image
Gigi_96

Hi Muriellilley 👋

That's so crap! I've not been diagnosed but have this as my main symptom! Like getting tasered or I say like having hot acid injected into my veins in my wrists!

You're not alone, and I'm seeing others having this issue to! I found deep freeze gel helped a bit for me last time I don't know if the coolness took my mind off the pain but even so I found some relief!

1whitestar profile image
1whitestar

Hi this is what I first had with fibromyalgia , to me it was like a doll being pin pricked all over anywhere but painful. I was put on duloxtine and this for me got rid of that. I hope this helps.

Adohr profile image
Adohr

Hi

So sorry you gave to deal with this

Pain ,fatigue & sleep disturbances are 3 main symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

If you in a flare a full blown fibromyalgia situation you will need to be on a preventative of techniques and medications that will control the appearance of flares.

Main thing is reduce stress

Check it out in the internet and I hope it will lead you to a plan

Good luck

throbbingpain profile image
throbbingpain

Hi Muriellilley

So sorry to hear that you have been enduring these excrutiating shock pains too.It's really scary when it happens & overwhelming .

I have them also and it just feels like someone is moving a shock stick up and down my legs.When I informed my rheumy she just gave me a patronising sigh & that was it ! So I asked should I increase my pregablin ( Lyrica ) to which she replied well yes you could do that - I mean very helpful indeed, NOT !!!

So I have increased my pregablin & now wear support / compression tights every day ( not in bed though ) I try to elevate my legs as & when & also spray hot & cold spray at the same time on the affected areas. It seems to have worked for the most part ; not had a severe shock for months now & just get tingling in my top right thigh - I can live with that !

These techniques have so far worked for me ; it's trial & error I suppose .I sincerely hope you can speak to someone about this debilitating problem & find some much needed relief .

Muriellilley profile image
Muriellilley in reply to throbbingpain

thank you 🙏you too x

butlertammy profile image
butlertammy

this was my first fibro symptom and 3 years on it’s still my main symptom. At first it was just my feet, and it lasts for days or weeks. I even went to a podiatrist thinking it was a foot problem… nope… I now have to wear shoes a size too large and struggle to wear socks because anything that “hugs” my feet feels like agony. After a year it’s slowly crept up both my legs, and it keeps me up at night. It’s like I’m hanging onto a live current and I can feel a tingling buzz. Outside of wrapping my legs in a heat blanket I’ve found nothing that works. ☹️

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