Question about "The Hug"....

Hi everyone,

I haven't been around for a while. I've been off in my own world trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with me. I started a blog, as a means of helping me keep track of my symptoms, since I am terrible at actually writing down my symptoms when they start, and then I don't know when any particular symptom started, or really how long it lasted.

So anyway....I have a question (could be more, we'll have to see when this is all written!) about the MS Hug.

Lately I've had this symptom, it seems to basically always be there to some degree, sometimes MUCH less "severe" than others, where it feels like my bottom couple of ribs are being compressed inward.

With this usually comes chest pressure higher up my chest as well, so my whole chest feels squeezed, but the bottom couple of ribs are the worst. Sometimes it's outright painful, and I end up wrapping 1 arm around my ribcage, and keeping it there.

I could also describe the sensation as though a nice wide belt was being used to dangle me in the air (since it only really bothers me at the front and sides).

I went to the ER the other night with another sort of chest pain (blah, welcome to my freaking life), but while I was there they did the usual cardiac work-up including EKG, heart monitor, chest x-ray and blood work, everything came back good, so I'm pretty confident it's not related to my heart. When I complained to my old doc about this pain, he put me on Nexium, of course it did nothing (he's a moron).

Also, the last time it happened ("happened" meaning it was severe enough for me to not just put up with it) I took a Flexeril, and that seemed to help some for a couple of hours.

Could this be "the Hug"?

I am undiagnosed, both of the neuro's I have seen have "ruled out" MS due to a clear MRI (without contrast, head and c-spine), and normal neurological function on exam. But every other doctor on the planet asks if I have been tested for, or if I have MS when talking about my symptoms.

OK, so I am done, look forward to any input I can get.

Christine

[doni54]

Hi Christine,

I can't answer your question with a definite yes, but it does sound like what most people refer to as the "hug"

I have this, and at times it is so painful it takes my breath.  Mine is also in my ribs, but sometimes encompasses my entire midriff.  Most of the pain tho stays in that one spot on my ribs.

It is good that you are journaling your symptoms, I do this also.  If I don't do this at least once a week I forget.  

When will you see another dr?

I wish you luck and am sorry that you are getting all these new symptoms.  I hope that you can get a dx soon.

doni
undx

[jensequitur]

I've never had the 'real' MS hug, although I've had many cramps around the rib area, and in my esophagus.  I've heard people describe it as a pressure or banding feeling around the ribs, as if a elastic band has been strapped around them.  So it sounds like the classic MS hug to me!

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Well, this might be better answered from our veteran MSers, but I'll describe mine.  I had spasms, terrible ones that took my breath away.  They were in my back, and came around the front and across the front of my chest.  

I told my neuro about them and he said it was the MS hug.  I said, but they really feel like muscle spasms.  He said, ok, I'll give you that. I'm thinking my neuro just figured I was as stubborn as a bull and was pasifying(sp?) me, as at the time, I was still fairly convinced that I didn't have MS but accepting the dx to passify him...ha/ha...

So, hoping some of our vets will pop in here and describe their experiences so we can get to the bottom of this MS hug!

((painless hugs)))
Shelly