OpenHealth Q&A

Overwhelming Crawling Sensation Throughout My Body

I’m a 27-year-old assigned female at birth, standing at 167 cm and weighing 104 kg (a reduction from 114 kg over the last two years). I previously smoked for about eight years but have now been smoke-free for two years, having consumed a quarter of a pack daily and vaped for the following two years. My medical history includes: - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Interstitial Cystitis - Fibromyalgia - Autism, ADHD, and Tourette syndrome - PTSD - Urinary incontinence Current medications: - Escitalopram 15 mg daily - Tolterodine 4 mg daily - Gabapentin 700 mg three times per day - Lergigan 15 mg as required - 1 vitamin D tablet during winter months - 1 mg of folate daily (latest lab result: 2 nmol/L as of 16 December; no recent tests after starting this medication) - Movicol: 2 sachets once daily On November 13, I underwent an IUD replacement procedure, switching from a copper IUD to a hormonal one, performed under anesthesia. My medications included Remifentanil, Propofol, Betamethasone, Droperidol, Ondansetron, and Ringer’s acetate. When I awoke, I felt drowsier than after previous surgeries. I struggled to stay alert in the taxi ride back home, collapsing into bed as soon as I got in. However, something didn’t feel right. I began experiencing an overwhelming crawling sensation throughout my body. To cope, I paced back and forth for two hours, which was challenging since I’m a wheelchair user due to pain and fatigue. This crawling was incessant, and five hours later, I finally managed to drift off to sleep. The next morning, the sensation had intensified, and my pulse was 101 when lying down—a stark contrast to my usual heart rate in the 60s. By evening, the crawling escalated into intense pain alongside lingering sensations, prompting my husband to call for an ambulance. Although they confirmed I was stable, my elevated pulse was noted, and I was told to seek hospital care myself if needed. With my husband assisting, I barely made it to the bathroom; climbing the stairs was out of the question, so we decided to remain at home. This was the early hours of the 15th, two days post-procedure, and I started to shake uncontrollably—no chills or fainting involved—and began vomiting whatever little I had consumed. After fasting for the procedure on the 13th, all I managed was a small sandwich and juice post-op. With worsening symptoms and persistent shaking, another ambulance was summoned to take me to the emergency room. When we arrived around 6:30 AM on the 15th, lab tests were conducted. Since I could not keep food down, I was given rectal paracetamol around 11 AM. By 2 PM, I was discharged with Zofran; it took an astonishing 45 minutes for me to move from my room to the waiting area with my husband’s support. I almost fainted while attempting to use the restroom and begged to be readmitted, but my pleas were ignored. Feeling weak, dehydrated, nauseated, and with pain and crawling sensations pervading my body, my husband wheeled me to the gynecology ER nearby. They administered more paracetamol post-triage and placed me in the waiting area for six hours. After seeing the doctor, I underwent a pelvic exam confirming the IUD was positioned correctly. Though she couldn't offer much relief, I was advised to stay a little longer and received IV fluids and pain medication (thought to be naproxen). I managed to consume a small bite of banana and a few sips of juice and water. By midnight, I was allowed to go home with advice to return if my symptoms worsened. I only managed to sleep for five hours, while my norm typically spans 10 to 12 hours. By 4 PM, I was in extreme pain, shaking, and vomiting uncontrollably. My husband called for another ambulance, and at 9 PM, I found myself back at the gynecology ER. They provided Zofran and standard pain relief, which minimally alleviated my discomfort. Yet, after a few hours, I was sent home again. Terrified by the prospect of being left alone, I requested to be transferred to the psychiatric ER. I arrived around 3 AM on the 17th. During the intake process, I managed to drink about 500 ml over two hours. I had stopped all my medications abruptly since I couldn’t keep anything down from the 14th to the 17th. My mental health evaluation resulted in admission, which I expected, understanding that physical help was limited, though my ongoing therapy over the years had kept me from suicidal thoughts—in that moment, I felt desperate and sought assistance. In the early hours, I managed to consume a solitary spoonful of yogurt. Going slowly allowed me to hold onto much of the liquid, but I was still only retaining about one liter per day. That evening, I managed to eat an additional seven spoonfuls of yogurt. At one point, I began to hear piano music that wasn’t there. Hallucinations weren’t unfamiliar to me, and my trauma therapist attributed them to PTSD. In the early hours on the 18th, I successfully consumed an entire banana, went to sleep at 4 AM, and woke by 7 AM, managing my medications by 8 AM. During a meeting with the doctors, I was informed I’d be retained until at least Friday, even though it was currently Tuesday. I only managed to eat a single sandwich throughout the day, and I experienced fleeting thoughts that a specific patient was watching me, yet those thoughts dissipated within hours. Although I felt slightly better, the crawling sensation persisted. I began to compile a list of ideas that might improve my mental health in the hope it would contribute to my physical wellbeing. I made my bed and cleared away the accumulating dishes, and requested items for a shower—my first since Thursday. During dinner, I finally managed to eat a full plate of food, although part of it was rejected soon after. The following Wednesday was largely uneventful aside from an autistic meltdown stemming from missing the first snowfall with my husband. By Thursday, I was gripped by severe stomach pain, only to recognize that I hadn’t had a bowel movement since the 13th, and now it was the 20th. After undergoing an ultrasound, I was reassured there were no major concerns. I informed medical staff about my Movicol prescription due to my GP’s suspicion of a blockage. They provided me with four sachets to take twice daily until discharge, and within just four hours, I had a successful bowel movement. Upon discharge, I was stable on my regular medications, able to tolerate at least one meal a day, and I received a referral for follow-up care. Although I continue to grapple with that intense crawling sensation, I can do little else but focus on surviving over the subsequent weeks. I’ve met with my previous PTSD therapist twice before departing again. For the past several months, I’ve been experiencing a persistent low-to-moderate crawling feeling throughout my body. I’m actively seeking ways to calm my nervous system while attempting to carry on with daily life. Three weeks ago, a panic attack triggered by external stressors thrust that crawling sensation back into prominence, accompanied by bouts of vomiting. Fortunately, my symptoms subsided to their typical level a week later. Now, around eight hours have passed, and the crawling sensation has returned, this time at a moderate to severe level, with diarrhea and nausea. While I’ve not yet vomited, the sensation looms. Currently, I’m trying to eat some Huel and tortilla chips slowly, as they seem to be the only things I can tolerate. What offers slight relief includes: - Sitting in a cross-legged position - Warmth - Engaging distractions The thought of falling asleep terrifies me. After a brief two-hour nap, I awoke to find the symptoms heightened. Additionally, I’d like to mention that the crawling sensation primarily intensifies in my legs (possibly more so around my ankles), my tailbone, and up my spine, but it pervades my entire body. I also notice a significant increase in the frequency of bowel movements, alongside nausea and vomiting during the more severe episodes of the crawling sensations.

Answers (1)

3/3/2026, 10:51:27 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the overwhelming sensations you're experiencing; it sounds distressing and complex, especially given your existing medical conditions. The crawling sensation, alongside nausea and other symptoms, can be attributed to various factors, including medication side effects, anxiety, or even your underlying conditions like fibromyalgia. It's crucial to address these sensations to improve your comfort and well-being.

Understanding the Crawling Sensation

1. Possible Causes: The crawling sensation you're describing may relate to several factors:
   • Medication Side Effects: Gabapentin, which you're taking for pain management, can sometimes cause paresthesia (tingling or crawling sensations). Discontinuation or changes in diet or hydration levels after surgery may amplify this.
   • Anxiety and Stress: Increased stress, especially given your recent medical experiences, can exacerbate physical sensations, including in conditions like fibromyalgia and PTSD.
   • Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Your history of vomiting and limited food intake could lead to dehydration or an imbalance in electrolytes, which might contribute to these sensations.

Next Steps for Management

1. Hydration and Nutrition:

   • Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink fluids regularly (water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions) to combat dehydration.
   • Small, Frequent Meals: Continue eating small, tolerable meals, like Huel and tortilla chips, and try to gradually increase the variety of food as tolerated. Foods rich in potassium (like bananas) and magnesium (like nuts and seeds) may be beneficial.

2. Medications and Monitoring:

   • Medication Review: Keep track of your symptoms and whether they correlate with any specific medications. This would be valuable information for your healthcare professionals. If you notice worsening symptoms associated with Gabapentin, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose or trying an alternative medication.
   • Monitor Symptoms: Since your sensation varies, tracking the severity and any associated factors such as stress levels or dietary changes will help you and your medical team understand patterns.

3. Calming Your Nervous System:

   • Relaxation Techniques: Integrate calming practices into your daily routine, such as deep breathing, progressively relaxing muscle groups, or gentle stretches. Mindfulness exercises can also be helpful in grounding yourself during moments of heightened anxiety.
   • Engaging Activities: Continue engaging distractions that bring you joy or calm, such as reading or gentle crafts, which may help divert your mind from distressing sensations.

4. Seek Support:

   • Outside Help: If overwhelming sensations persist or worsen, don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals, whether they be mental health experts or primary care providers who can evaluate your medication regimen and overall well-being.
   • Emergency Services: If sensations escalate to the point where they become unmanageable or if you experience severe nausea and vomiting again, seeking immediate assistance would be important.

Lastly, ensure you have a support system in place, whether it's friends, family, or healthcare providers you trust. Coping with both physical and emotional challenges can be overwhelming, and having someone by your side can offer major reassurance. I'm here if you have more questions or need further clarification. Your health and comfort are important, so take care of yourself first.