i had saw nipples for about the first 6-8 weeks too.. Then one day it just vanished. They take a while to toughen up. I have read somewhere that if there is no pain after 20 seconds of bub sucking then it's not attachment, but just general "getting use to it" Pain.
I used 'marcalan' cream to sooth sore nipples. It is the BEST stuff out! I never got cracked nipples because it helps keep the supple.
WRT to the shooting pains it does sound a bit like thrush... perhaps when you see your DR or CHN next get them to actually look at both you and your bubs. I hope it settles down for you, I konw what it's like for the pain and dread to be that bad you just want to chuck it in! Hung in there, chick! xx