In the wars here!

[zoefromsussex]

Hi all,
I posted a while ago about ear pains and added to the post a few days ago ref that I've got a few issues going on right now...again!

Anyway, its been a tearful few days with sensory sx mainly in my legs (feels like I'm being dragged into rhe ground by gravity and is if my legs won't be able to hold me up but in fact they're fine...I can hop, jump, do the tiptoe walk etc) I've been dizzy, had a headache, all sorts really and the ear has started up with an annoying buzzing!

I popped to the gp this morning and he did the 'tuning stick' test, where he tested to see if I could hear/feel the vibration and he said there is no sign of infection and he's making an urgent referral for a hearing test.

So, presumably I'm in a relapse but what I'd really like some advice on is: in the past hour I have been getting the most PAINFUL sensation in my rib area which then switches to my upper back. I've had this a few times before but it always went away so I didn't dwell on it but this is stop/start constantly and it hurts! It's like I'd imagine a heart attack pain to be but I'm certain it's nothing to do with my heart.

Could this be the ms hug by any chance? If it is then why is it suddenly starting now? I wouldn't imagine a relapse hitting my ear to also cause the chest/back pain? The sensory leg stuff and vision issues which are flaring up are both old news so I'm not as surprised by that.

I also saw the continence nurse on fri and am being referred to a urologist for kidney function tests because my water dip test shows red/white cells plus protein but I have no infection.

Do you think this is a relapse? I'm still walking about, doing the school run, gentle exercise etc.
Zoe

[zoefromsussex]

With your 'hug' does it come and go? I was woken up twice during the week but it last a little while then disappeared but last night it was for about half an hour (felt longer!) but it was stop/start. I'd try and breathe through the pain then it would start up again and then my back joined in!

The thing I don't get is I know a few people locally who were dx around the same time as me but they don't get a constant stream of weird sx!!! The neuro doesn't seem to think my scans are that terrible either. I wouldn't describe myself as a drama queen and I'm not a wuss with pain either but as I have in the past when symptoms have started up, I'm starting to doubt myself.

I guess I'm really gonna have to go back on a dmd but I'm dreading it! Copaxone made me feel so strange with a racing heart and Rebif just made me feel plain ill & fluctuated my sensory sx. It's as if I've become ultra sensitive to nedication or something! I'll probably only be able choose another CRAB drug though.

My neuro mentioned Tysabri but after my last mri he said it was best to hold off as there hadn't been much change but I'm unsure about that because there were lesions on my spine this time and it had never been scanned before so how can he know whether they were there before?! This neuro is actually very, very good but he's off on sick leave so once again I'll be seeing a new neuro next month!

I really do appreciate the advice all you lovely people give. Doctor's can be amazing but sometimes you just need to hear it from people who understand!

Thanks, Zoe

[Guitar_grrrl]

Ahh, the hug we all hate!  This pest is a regular with me!  All I can do is relax and breathe until the spasm lets go.  I hope things get better with you, soon.

[cubbiesfan918]

I'm so sorry you are having a rough time. You are so sweet and never mentioned any of your troubles when we were chatting! I hope you feel better soon!

[Lulu54]

That rib pain and back pain can very much be the infamous MS hug.  Those intercostal muscles are the ones that help to keep us together  and are what is mainly affected by the hug.  But I  don't know the hug stops and starts like you have described, but it could.  I am rambling here because I really want to say don't assume it isn't associated with your heart  - young women have heart problems, too.  If this continues you really must have it looked at  to be sure.  

I'm sorry you have that feeling of being dragged down - I know that feeling all too well.  I hope you feel better - Laura