[seeker1950]

I missed the anxiety chat this evening. Lately, I've noticed that I can be in a store (like Walmart!) and looking at something to buy, and have pins shooting into my hands, sometimes also into my feet.

I recognize anxiety, have dealt with it all my life, but only noticed this pins thing lately. Once, when my friend and I were going into Big Lots (of all places), she humorously pointed out to me a man whose pants were too low; he was fat and unkempt, and had a huge butt crack visible over his jeans. And THAT gave me shooting pins and needles into my hands. I told her and she laughed (I did too!), but it seems to be happening more often.

I have had lifelong issues with depression and anxiety. For a while I took
Xanax, but it was SO addictive.

Anyway, I just want feedback to see if anyone else has experienced this kind of thing. Otherwise, I'm fine, taking an antidepressant that works, so not depressed (though that was an issue also before I was prescribed).

Patty

[Aunt Donna]

You should mention it to your doctor. It could be nerve damage like carpal tunnel syndrome.

I just recently had an issue with my feet. I felt like they were asleep thus the pins and needles feeling when trying to walk. I didn't go to the doctor until one of my feet turned purple on the side with the big toe. I have been diagnosed with gout and am on medication for it. My uric acid has to be monitored. The thing with this disease is by time you notice it physically on the outside of your body, it has done damage to the inside.

I encourage you to consult your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.

[kaliope]

i get pins and needles ALL the time. it drives me mad. mostly in my feet. used to think it was a sign of impending mania (is when it first started and my pdoc agreed it could be caused by the mania) but it happens so frequently i realized it is only anxiety which is high when i am manic.

[arcangel]

I've had similar sensations that I suspect were related to anxiety. I have neuropathy though so I can't always tell for sure exactly what each sensation is caused by.
You can definitely see some interesting sights at Walmart

[ECHOES]

Pins and needles in my forearms and hands have been anxiety symptoms for me too. My anxiety is much better now, but I used to have that happen a lot - at work mostly, but at home and other places too.

I think it is related to the adrenaline rush/flush that the anxiety/panic attack can create.

[Caretaker Leo]

seeker, please consider seeing your doctor and talking about these symptoms. It could be a sign of an undiagnosed physical illness.

[ECHOES]

Originally Posted by Caretaker Leo

seeker, please consider seeing your doctor and talking about these symptoms. It could be a sign of an undiagnosed physical illness.

I agree with Caretaker Leo. First rule out physical issues. I meant to suggest that also, so thank you Caretaker Leo!

I was just reading about statin medication and this is one of the possible side effects of statins. That is just one thing, and I think there are many, but your doctor can help you rule out and rule in.