Describing symptoms - putting it in words

[Lulu54]

Doctors always want something more specific in our descriptions when they ask us to describe what is going on with our bodies.  Just saying *it hurts* or *It doesn't feel normal* is not enough - and that is understandable.

Likewise saying *I feel like I was run over by a truck* doesn't fit the bill, either.  These are all too general or vague for our doctors to get a true picture of what is going on.

I am wondering what phrases or combinations of words you use to relay these strange blips, twinges and pulsations we get with MS.

Some examples I can think of -----

buzzing = feels like a cell phone on vibrate

piercing pain = like an ice pick is stabbing me repeatedly

Do you have descriptors that can be added to a list for use?


Normally I'm not at a loss for words,
Lu

[Myst7]

   I tell doc fell like I have held on to an electric fence and days later still feel it. After reflex test  I still vibrate later into the night

[Lulu54]

I got luck and searched for 'how do you describe' and this was at the top of the list.  I hope this helps.

[debgen]

Great thread I have been on vacation for a week so I am reading it for the first time. It is the most comprehensive  description of Ms symptoms that I have ever read!
New addition:
Leg spasticity- feels like dragging a thick, stiff heavy log everywhere I go
Mixed brain signals-my leg doesn't  move when I try to move it, I feels like someone unplugged it from my body
Fatigue- so tired that I feel like I've swollowed an entire jar of sleeping pills
Muscle fatigue- when I literally have to sit down immediatlely or I wil fall over
Deb

[Lulu54]

bump for Sarah's question about names for symptoms.  These might not be names but are all good descriptors of the weird buzzes, zaps and pings we get.

[Lillibby]

Years ago I used to describe the weak feeling in my arms as "limp celery."  They don't feel that way now, so I guess I need to come up with something else.  Maybe celery that has turned into a brown sludge puddle in the bottom of the crisper.  

Bottoms of my feet feel like I am standing on either freezing cold bars or burning hot bars, I can't tell or they switch back and forth.

MS hug -- feels like heavy gauge wire wrapped tightly around and around my chest just above my bra strap.

Emptying my bladder -- my boyfriend commented he never knew anyone who takes so long to pee, because it takes so long to get started and then I have to sit there and dribble for a couple of minutes at the end before I can get it all out.  Since that time it also involves pushing on my bladder with my fist and bending over to help things along.

I don't have to pee while I am sitting down, but as soon as I stand up I need to find a toilet NOW.

parasthesias -- like electrical shocks are running up and down the outsides of my legs

falling -- I am walking along and suddenly I am on the ground.  I don't remember the actual fall.

cognitive -- People say things that do not make sense like, "It is time to put the dog on the clothesline."  (Actually said, "It's time to change the oil in the truck.")

[cainer]

well maybe we need a ms dictionary!! a thought..
brain fog- cant think of the right word-have to say a complete diff  sentance with a diff word!
fatigue-soo drained just need to go to bed-if you can get there-eyelids are even heavy
numbness- in random places, just a spot can go numb-wierd