MS Hug
- I have always referred to this symptom as the 'MS Heimlich', as 'hug' is just too 'gentle' a term to describe a spasm that is so intense, at times, that it squeezes the breath out of me. Neurontin and rest helps me but normally I just wait and hope for the symptom to abate. MS, for me, is always telling myself, "it will pass".
- —Guest murphy
MS hope!!!!!!!!!!
- I just started taking a product, purchased at Sprouts, called Myelin Sheath Support and it is working! I have very few symptoms now and I have only been taking it a week. I am taking it all day long. Like two tablets every two or so hours. Can't hurt. I take no shots. I am needle phobic so I have to hope this works.
- —Guest Kimberly
dealing with the hug
- a good slug of Jack Daniels and a pillow to squeeze the life out of.
- —kattface
MS Hug
- For two years I lived in pain on a constant basis. Mainly on my left side. Eventually there was a bulge at my left abdomen side. I was unable to sleep because the pain woke me every twenty minutes. I lost 40 lbs and was depressed and a quick tempered partner to my wife. I went to a pain center and had a doctor who will prescribed any and all drugs. I tried everything from morphine on down. The morphine relieved my pain but in the process I lost my mind. Every thought I had would be followed instantaneously by ten contradictory thoughts. I was paranoid and delusionary. The MS was a better choice than losing my mind. I have a new reverence for mental illness. In time what works for me are two things. At night I take half a ambien (12.5 half), elavil (amitriptyline) 50mg cut in half, and Lyrica 200 mg. This puts me to sleep for at least 6 hrs. Second I would suggest something counterintuitive. Exhaust your self. If it is nerves that causes the pain then swim, walk, golf,stretch. Just do i
- —Guest Jack
Hug that hurts
- I have had it forever. Before I was diagnosed I went to several doctors no one could figure it out. Then diagnosed in 2007. Nothing really helps me,its always there. Just below my breasts and down to about my pelvic bones It goes completely around, front to back. Recently I have had it around my neck too. Told neurologist, its a new symptom. Was I having a relapse? He didn't think so.Still have it around neck. Whats next? pretty soon I will feel like I'm wearing a giant girdle around my whole body? Nothing helps! One day at a time.
- —SueWaters1
MS Hug Relief
- I find when the hug hits me I do a simple breathing exercise. Hold one nostril with your finger and inhale through the opposite nostril, then switch your finger to the nostril you just inhaled through and press on that nostril as you exhale through the free nostril. Do this slowly for at least ten times and hopefully it will work for you as it does for me.
- —Guest Highway
More on the Hug
- On the contrary of what my neurologist said, my pharmacist responded that after taking in the Opiate (low dosed 20 mgs per day) the vomitting will wear off. You can't get hooked on such a low dose. But... I'm not taking it daily, and I don't want to either! He also says that a higher dose, like 40 mgs, doesn't have this side effect at all. As for me, I'm just happy to not have the girdle band feeling all the time, that it spared me for 20 days now, and that I don't have the Opiate all the time. I'm glad there's something out that gives me relief. Have a hugfree time all, and be known that YOU'RE NOT ALONE with all your pain!
- —Guest Gina
The Hug
- There's a good (very depressing at times) book titled 'Stop hugging me MS'. All I can say is that I can handle the MS, the injections, the symptoms, and the side effects, but... not the Hug. It is the worst pain I've ever experienced in my whole lifetime, including giving birth! I don't wish it to my worst enemy. And really nothing helps with me. I was up to 2400 mgs of Ibuprofen and it didn't soothe a thing. So my neurologist started prescribing Opiates. You're really in Lalaland after taking them, if you know what I mean. They work like a charm for me, except the nice little side effect of heaviest vomitting!!! Usually I gotta quit eating around 2 pm in order to make sure nothing will be thrown up in the evening hours. The last Hug of mine lasted 6 weeks, where I had to throw up every 2nd till 3rd day. I lost 12 pounds of weight. :( My neurologist told me that all the Opiates have this side effect.
- —Guest Gina
Cindy
- There is a company named Ardyss that sell support under garments for men and women. They are designed to make you look slimmer in your clothes, and that's why I bought it in the first place. Since then, I was diagnosed with MS and experienced the hug. To my surprise, I found that when I wore the support garment, I didn't notice the hug, I guess because it puts the same pressure all the way down your rib cage and waist. It helps me so much, I have even slept in it. The constant pressure helps me.
- —Guest Cindy
Time for pill...
- Sure fire reminder that it is time to take another Baclofen.
- —Guest grumpy40
Living with MS Hugs
- I find that if you tense up the Hug will seem more intense. When I realize I have the Hug, I relax immediately. I took a relaxation training class in college that was useful. I use that relaxation training & apply it to the Hug. It's like a demon that you have to live with but don't let him dominate you. Unless your Hug is unbearable, kick back in a recliner (if you can), grab your favorite munchy or drink & let your mind relax.
- —Guest Winston
ms hug?!
- I was told that I'm having ms hug and never even heard of it. I'm so scared & just want it to go away
- —Guest Dena
Hug! (what an insult!)
- I no longer feel alone! I have had 3 cervical spine surgeries and one gallbladder removed. I still have the HORRIBLE HUG (I used to love hugs) ... it's chronic with me ... no bra ... goes from bad to worse ... none of the meds they give me work (except percocet, etc.). finally found a pain mgmt. dr. that mentioned "MS", instead of fibro. All my pain is in my torso area ... sounds more like MS ... prayers for everyone! Feel like I have a lot in common with everyone (Guest Janice, too!) ... Praise The Lord ... I don't think any of my doctors have a clue ... but The Lord does!
- —Guest TervLover
I get relief
- I've had the MS hug since I was diagnoised 8-8-08. My neurologist knew what it was the moment I described the squeezing around my torso. I use some or all of the following techniques to deal with it: heating pads, muscle relaxers, deep breathing and the best of all is lots of upper body stretching. The MS yoga class I take had really reduced a lot of the pain.
- —Guest cathykelly
Obscene term
- During years of suffering from what I termed a "pain girdle," I was unaware of this obscene term, "MS Hug." Hugs are comforting and pleasant, unlike the excruciating experience we endure when this sympton chooses to visit. Sometimes accompanied by a sharp stabbing pain under the breast, then a torture that encircles the ribcage, lasting until the exacerbation is over. The only relief I find is applied pressure and changing positions. Standing works better than lying down.
- —Guest Lydia
