MS HUG ???

[fortywhat2]

Can someone please explain what "MS HUG" feels like?  I have rib pain, mostly on the left occasionally on the right that feels as if there is something too tight... causing pain!  My primary feels it's in my floating ribs... and did an MRI of thoracic spine that did show a protruding disc... referred me to PT... PT doesn't feel the pain is from the disc, maybe from an old injury (fell last august and caught corner of bathroom sink in my left rib cage) but evaluaition set off a lot of other pains so haven't gone back... wondering if it's MS and not an old injury or disc... any ideas? Thanks, Debbie

[fortywhat2]

Hey JJ,
Thanks... I am wondering if I should re-do the MRI on a T3  I know the place I've gone only has a 1.5 machine... my brain lesions showed up on that.  Oh I did too much last week so now not only is it ribs it's back, legs, abdominal arms... lol  Never know when to stop!  Thanks for your input I'll see what Neuro has to say :)
Debbie
~live as if all your dreams came true~

[supermum_ms]

Hey Debbie,

The 'HUG' has the worst name! We had a discussion earlier this year regarding the banding feeling in limbs and if it could also be called 'the MS hug', personally i think it may be the same feeling but predominantly when MSers think of the hug its thought to be associated with banding or squeezing from spasms/spasticity, anywhere in/on the trunk of your body.

Back in 08 i was dx with intercostal muscle spasms, all my intercostal muscles in the entire left side of my rib cage (front to back) were going into spasm and getting stuck. You could literally see the ribs compress, it was like a giant invisible hand was squeezing the $#!& out of me, lol i was screaming it was so painful.

I think it was last year that i started to crack, um you literally hear a loud crack sound whilst its happening now, it scares the begeebers out of people. There's been more than a few occations when dh has been giving me a real hug and his hand has been on my left ribs, and the muscle kick in protest. The first time it happened he literally jumped, he says its like a baby kicking and there aint no baby, its just one intercostal muscle telling him to be gentle. lol

The problem as i see it is not so much the individual muscle spasms or small groups of but when they get together and really beat you up by getting stuck in the contracted phase of the spasm. I think its when it doesn't release for hours on end and some times days on end, that it really hurts both physically and mentally. though that could be just another me thing lol

I find a few things make it easier, i use a heat pack but prefer the lightness of a heat bandage, sometimes i can't take the weight of a heat bag. A pain cream (not sure if it does anything) laying down to take the strain off and remove any restrictive clothing. Anything that goes around my chest will activate it, bra's, bikini's, fitted tops or jackets all seem to an issue so I avoid wearing these things unless I'm in public. lol

Cheers........JJ

btw i have more than a few clinical sx that point to spinal lesions but the 1 spinal MRI (1.5T) i had a couple of years ago, didn't show them, I still believe they are there though.  

[fortywhat2]

Hey Ren.
Just searched and read the info people put regarding the "hug" and most say the hugs is caused by spinal lesions... I had an thoracic MRI for lesions and they found none (YAY) so I'm beginning to think I do not fall into the "hug" symptoms.  I have not had a cervical MRI and my last Lumbar was post back surgery for herniated disc so I'm not sure they even used contrast it was 10 years ago.  I guess you're right... Neuro time.  I just hate adding more appts to my plate if you know what I mean... I kinda like to just slide along not bothering anyone :)  Kinda like my PPMS... sliding along :)
Debbie

[rendean]

Debbie,

Contacting your neuro with these new symptoms is a good idea so they can be documented in your chart.

Ren

[fortywhat2]

Hey Ren,
Thanks for the info... I will search now!  It's difficult to figure out... did you have worsening pain if you pressed on the area???  I guess it's time to get intouch w/neuro... I have an appt in Sept but maybe I should make one sooner and see if she can shed some light on this... I am also having increased numbness in my feet so maybe it's all tied together.  Thanks again I appreciate all input :)
Debbie

[fortywhat2]

Thanks for your input!  I appreciate any and all info :)
Debbie

[rendean]

Hi Debbie,

My version of the MS  hug was a tightening of the muscles that started at the front of my rib cage and wrapped around my torso to my spine. I thought it was either my gallbladder (again) or a kidney stone . It lasted for over 12 hours.

I know others on here have said that theirs goes all the way around their torso and takes their breath away. If you put "MS hug" in the 'search this community bar',found at the very top of the right side bar, there are many threads and descriptions of the MS Hug.

I hope you feel better soon,
Ren

[MissLauraI]

I am not sure if this will be a help or not since I am un-dx but this is what i can offer.

Several years ago (about 12) I had a crushing pain on my right side. I thought it was my gall bladder. It was so bad that I kept doubled over and grabbing my side as it was excruciating.

After 4 hours of waiting to be seen at a Kaiser emergency care facility, they did a CT and exam and determined nothing was wrong. After about 8 hours the pain subsided. My husband and I just thought maybe I had a gallstone and it passed (where too I don't know).

To date I will have a pressure feeling and sometimes pain in the same area on a regular on- and-off basis--Right side under ribs going around to my back. It can be so much pressure that I can't wear a bra or pants...anything that puts any additional pressure on the area.

This never coincides with eating a fatty meal (common with gall bladder attacks I am told).

Still not sure what it is, but now that MS may be my diagnosis, I have wondered if it is the "hug". It sounds similar to your experience as far as the pressure.