I just joined, and this is my first post. However, I’m not new to FM. I’ve been coping with it for about 3 years. Over time I’ve been able to identify triggers and methods of coping. During a recent flair up I started experiencing a pins and needles feeling all over. Now I’m experiencing this all the time. I’ve not found anyway to cope with this when it’s at it’s worst. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this? Has anyone found something that alleviates it other than medication? I have had some bad reactions to meds in the past so I’m trying to stay way from them. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Desiree
Since I have some horrible reaction to medications, I use mostly essential oils. Since your pins and needles could be caused by several different things it would be hard to tell you what might help. If you can find a good place to get the oils, my first guess would be Rose of Sharon (cistus). It soothes the sympathetic nervous system.
Thanks! I am not too familiar with essential oils. I just read some info on rose of sharon. From what I just read it sounds like it would help. It seems that it’s used for a bunch of things so if it doesn’t alleviate the pins and needles feeling it might help with something else I’ve got going on. I will definitely go pick some up and give it a try!
Hi, Desiree. Welcome to our community. I am sorry you are having this troubling symptom. Have you discussed it with your doctor yet?Although, I understand you wish to stay away from meds, it is still a good idea to do so before deciding to treat on your own, so your doctor can rule out anything else in case it is something other than Fibro.
Hugs,
Laurie
Haven’t been able to see my doctor yet. I couldn’t get an appointment until next month. It seems that every time i have a flare up with a new symptom it’s over by the time I get in to the doctor. By then since I’m not feeling as bad he seems to brush it off as just another FM symptom and tells me that he can prescribe a med for it. Lately I have been feeling as though he is not taking me seriously in regard to the severity of my pain and discomfort since I am refusing medication. I’ve asked to see another doctor in the practice but can’t transfer because he’s not talking new patients right now. (I am not sure if I should be seeing a rheumatologist for this instead? Right now I’m in the care of a neurologist.)
Many people see both, but it’s typically a rheumatologist that treats Fibromyalgia. If you don’t feel your doctor is listening and the other doctor isn’t taking new patients, perhaps you can try another practice? Best wishes and keep us updated, Desiree.
Hugs.
Hello Desiree,
Welcome! Like you, and many others on here, I have these weird symptoms that come and go. For instance I was totally convinced I had carpal tunnel a few months ago, checked out by specialist and it wasn't. Then a few weeks later it disappeared! Best advice is always to visit doc first, and if he is not helpful change docs ( easier said tha done I know). but so worth it. Also I think many people do see a rheumatologoist, maybe you could ask for a referral. Good luck.
Take care, Anne
Hi Desiree,
Where exactly are your pins-and-needles feeling? Can you be specific? Is it in your feet or down your leg? Do you have diabetes?
If you refuse to take any medication, then what exactly do you expect a doctor to do for you? Every medication is different and just because you had a bad reaction to one doesn’t mean you will to another. What fibromyalgia meds have you tried to date? Have you already tried physical therapy?
<3
Starr
I have found warm baths with Epsom salts to be soothing. Not much else has helped.
I have had this from the start of my Fibromyalgia, which was 17 years ago. I call it “electrical shocks”. With it my hair on my arms stands up and I get little ripples in my skin. If I get the slightest bit startled it will also happen but sometimes it happens for no reason. You might try putting a cool wash cloth on it. If you find that works you might want to purchase a cooling towel. They are sold in the Sporting Dept. they stay cooler longer.
Hope this helps.
I would suggest seeing a rheumy... if you have Fibro they can help you best... keep your Neuro... have you asked for coupons for the lyrica... discount cards ect... try calling the company and see what they can do... Never be afraid to tell your Dr. that you need some help with the cost sometimes they bring out those amazing discount cards. If I ma not mistaken they have some info somewhere on this site about discount meds.
Huggs, Belinda
Hi Desiree and welcome! Ibsain's suggestion is sound -see a rheumotologist if at all possible.
As far as insurance goes, if finances don't permit the use of Lyrica, they have a site that offers you assistance: http://www.pfizerrxpathways.com/?step=1. Also, CVS offers this:
https://www.lyrica.com/Lyrica_Co-pay_Download. I find that Lyrica helps the most with the pins and needles, as well as the chest pain from costochondritus. Hope this helps you.
Hugs,
Petunia