ms hug?

[roncart]

Hi, I have been reading old posts and I have come across a symptom called a bear hug. My question is this, Does it feel as though someone is sitting on your chest? I have had a feeling as though someone was sitting on my chest and when this happens sometimes I lose my voice. I have copd (chronic lung disease) and have always assumed that my bronchial tubes were just irritated when it happened but now I am not so sure that is what is going on... thanks, roncart

[Lulu54]

This is a great discussion to reinforce to everyone that just because we have multiple sclerosis, that doesn't mean other things can't go wrong ----------  heart, gallbladder, and other normal malfunctions of our body can be the culprit.

We have to always stay open to the possibilities.

wishing you all well,
Lulu

[PastorDan]

Oh, I remember those attacks!  The last one had me convinced I was on my way to heaven -- right away!  The pain was horrible!  Fortunately, it passed, and the offensive organ (that the surgeon said looked like a bean bag as he removed it) hasn't been missed one iota.

[shermay]

Hi there,

I thought I was having the MS Hug back in March, the pain was terrible like being squeezed by a Boa.  My Sister told me to go to the Doc's to have it checked out as it started from my heart area and gradually spread.

I couldn't move for the pain.  Went back and forth to the Doc's over a period of a week, he sent me for a scan and it was GB attacks.

The following Monday (1week later) had emergency operation to have it taken out!!

I was totally convinced that it was the Hug, just goes to show that  MS symtoms mask so many other symtoms.

Debs

[PastorDan]

Very happy to hear that you got it checked out.  Best wishes with the remainder of the quest.

[roncart]

Thank you all for your input. I have been to the er with the chest pressure and they did the workup to eliminate the heart. That wasn't the problem (thank God) it may still be the copd but when reading about the bear hug there was some resembalance in the way it feels. I will have to ask the neurologist at my next app in Aug. I am hoping to get my answers then also. This will be my 2nd. visit with him and I have to bring all my new mri films with me. I am hoping he will commit one way or another to some kind of diagnosis. as I have stated before my neurosurgeon came out and said after reviewing my mris and finishing his neuro exam that it is his professional opinion that I have ms but that he does not treat it. the radiologist who read my brain mri in his report said I have ms  When I went to see my gp the other day and was telling her about some numbness that I was having and also complaining about feeling cold all the time said to me was well that is what happens when you have an autoimmune disease and a thyroid problem too. I am assuming she meant ms as being the autoimmune problem because I have never been told by anyone that I have any other kind of autoimmune problems. I guess when I go in aug. I am going to have to pin the doctor down and insist on an answer. I will just come out and say what has been said to me by other doctors and see what happens. It won't be long now........Thanks again for all your help. roncart  

[deborah0904]

please, get this checked out.  You can't be too careful.

I have had to go to the ER for the MS Bear Hug because I was afraid it may be heart problems.  The tightness was horrible and it went around my front ribs and to my back.  I kept having to stretch in order to get a good breath.  I felt like I was breathing real shallow and I'm assuming that was because of the tightness in my diaphragm.  

Just make sure.  I was very miserable though.

[Lulu54]

PD is absolutely right - a cardio workup is definitely in order- I was assumiing that your pulmonologist has done that referral.  If not, ask to see a cardio.

Lulu

[PastorDan]

I've also heard heart attack described as feeling like someone sitting on your chest.  I do hope you get this checked out.

[Lulu54]

Roncart,
The concensus here about the Hug is it is uncomfortable and can feel like a pressure band around your ribs - not necessarily encircling your entire torsoThere appears to be varying levels or degrees of pain as well.  I just had accupuncture to relieve my Hug symtoms and it worked - a week later I am still pain free.

with the hug, there was very little movement in my rib cage when I inhale - the ribs should expand some with the breath.  My accupuncturist said it felt like I was wearing armor around my ribs.  

It could be possible for this feeling to be the same as what you are experiencing, but I kind of doubt it.  I think the copd may more likely be involved.  

be well,
Lulu