From the article: Tips for Managing the "MS Hug"
Now it's your turn to share your strategies for feeling better when you are experiencing the dreaded "MS hug." Don't worry if the way that you find relief seems silly, ineffective or downright bizarre - you may know just the thing to help out someone else that is suffering and at the end of their rope with this symptom. After all, when the doctors shrug and well-meaning friends tell us that we "just need to relax" when we describe the pain and annoyance of the "MS hug," it is from one another that we can really get support, understanding, and maybe even a little help. Share Your Tip
every other day
- i was diagnosed with ms three years ago although i am sure i have had it for many years prior to that the ms hug started about three years ago as well and what i have noticed it comes to me every other day like clock work i call it my good days and my bad days and pretty plan my life around it. i have never really found any relief but now that i have found this web sight i am getting lots of great suggestions thank you everyone i wish you all well and i hope that someday they will find a cure for this disease. guest deb
- —Guest deb
MS HUG
- I have had MS for 16+ years. I have been lucky-one attack when I was diagnosed and then smaller manageable ones through the years, but now-POW! With my latest round of attacks, I have experienced the MS Hug! It has a mind of it's own and comes and goes when it likes. It usually stays around for what seems like an eternity when I am fatigued. While I do not like this unwelcome guest, it looks like it is here to stay. It is more like a band that is put around your mid section that tries to squeeze the breath out of you! And it likes to travel! Sometimes it is so bad, I think I am having a heart attack! But then, it decides to go and reappear at another location. (Sometimes very painful and other times mild and manageable.) With this latest attack I had switched meds and I wanted to blame it on that! My doctor let me know that what I was dealing with was part of the new MS symptoms I have acquired. (One of many this time!) All I have to say is: When can I give them back?
- —Guest Donna Kramer
Torso Squeeze
- I first had the feeling 37 years ago while pregnant with my twin boys. Had no idea what it was. Applying pressure to my ribs helped. Now 37 years later, my 10th year with M.S. , I realize my "hug" was showing it self years before I knew what was to come. Ice, laying down, stretching, taking tight close off, are all things that help me, along with a glass of white wine. I do find relief in massage, just rubbing the area and stretching it out. After reading the above blogs, I realize I need to pay more attention when the "hug" comes a calling. I use Robaxin when the tightness is just out of control.
- —Guest Jane
My tips
- I only eat small meals when I've got particularly bad rib pressure, use a hot water bottle or pad, sit reclined back in chair to take pressure off ribs and take ibuprofen - these are my best tips.
- —Guest Chrissi
MS Hug or Something Else?
- Though having had symptoms for 5 years, I was just diagnosed with MS about 6 months ago & am doing well with betaserone. I had a "hug" sensation a few months ago, squeezing the air out, but it was quick. For the last couple of months it feels like my ribs are badly bruised (under my breast), so I have tried new bras...basically not wearing bras at all doesn't seem to help. It does feel like a tight bandage is around me all of the time, but I have no issues breathing & do not think I am having a heart attack. Has anyone any experience with this type of rib pain and do you think it is related to MS or something else?
- —faithkaiser
chest compression
- I'm in the process of being tested for MS. Just the other day, in fact, I had this very unusual symptom...the feeling of an elephant stepping on my chest. It freaked me out so much I couldn't even monitor how long it lasted or what it did really. But it at least started with this chest compression feeling right above my breasts, right on my ribcage. Very frightening...and I was having what I call a 'full body hot flash'...just hot and sweating from head to toe...and then weak and wasted for about an hour afterwards.
- —Guest Kitty
What helps you deal with the "MS hug?"
- At first, I thought I was having a heart attack; as many people have shared as well. I also get the band around my head...at times it feels as if part of head has fallen asleep! i cope by recognizing what is happens-doing this lessens the fear and simple lay/sit, or move around in whatever way that offers relief. I have learned that patience and an optimistic attitude help :)
- —Spitfire_Annie
I'm dieing!
- My heart races, an elephant is sitting on my chest, I feel I have been socked in the back-I get nauseaus-vision blurs-can't breathe-vision fades-pain down right arm-electrical sensations-legs go numb. It is the most horrifying experience, and I feel so alone with it. I don't go to E.R. because to be told it's nothing would devastate me.
- —Guest erika badore
hugs
- Ah so the "anxiety attacks I was supposed to be having are really MS? Thanks- I'm fed up with sticking my fingers into my eyes to slow the pulse, and/or deep breathing techniques. I am sure I am a bit stressed with it all having just emigrated, but it feels like a heart attack- pain and tightness round my chest and often knifing out through my back. I did have bad dyspepsia but am on nexium which has helped a bit.
- —Guest carrie
Desmodium for respiratory issues
- Desmodium Ascendens tincture or tea makes it much easier to clear the chest and throat of mucous. It makes coughs work better. It is also a pain reliever, smooth muscle relaxer, and used for asthma, congestive heart failure, back pain, arthritis, and hepatitis. Its main side effect is to heal the liver and improve liver function in a spectacular way. Lab values normalize even with a Hep C infection. I keep it in the house always. I get mine at wholeworldbotanicals.com.
- —triara1
Good then, I am not dying?
- My first "hugs" [Richter scale, about 6-8] sent me to the ER twice. Blood pressure would drop with the tightening, and monitor alarms blared. They'd diagnosed panic attacks, so nobody cared. After that t he numbness, pins and needles set in for the long haul. I've had milder "hugs" since. My "hug" [Richter scale of a 10] last month paralyzed me for 4 hours, couldn't move a muscle in the ER. CT scan showed no stroke. Must wait until September to see a highly regarded Neurologist [I've seen lesser ones before.] I now realize I get "hug" mostly in my sleep, because often wake up gasping for air. I've had several dreadful "hugs" today. I agree all you can do is remain calm, to wait it out. Tough to do though; sometimes, you wonder if you'll make it. Now I know what it is called, plus I'm not alone and crazy, thanks! -- Warmly, Sharon Anne
- —Guest Sharon Anne
MS hug = rubber band
- I've had this painful symptom around my waist (and also my head - migraines?) for almost 20 years; I've found that the only thing I can do is to try & relax while I wait for it to go away -- the warmth of a heating pad (around torso) helps, too.
- —Guest jb
OW!
- I am currently awaiting tests for MS, and don't have a diagnosis yet (although there is a genetic factor for me believing this, and parts of my arms and some of my fingers are currently numb in this *attack* along with a host of other symptoms). I have been having the above pain on and off for about 5 years. Along with the other MS symptoms. I have been to the ER department on numerous occasions thinking I was having a heart attack as it was so painful. I have always been told the following:- I have pulled a muscle I am stressed It's a panic attack It's all in my head! (seriously, I don't think I would create this pain!!) I have tried numerous tablets and had numerous tests. Sometimes its bearable, other "attacks" I find it hard to move and can't wear a bra or clothes because my ribs are so sore and it feels like my skin is crawling. The only thing that seems to help is diazepam, for a few short hours of taking the edge off. I really want to say thank you for these articles.Love 2 all
- —Guest Rhiosace
That Boa called "the hug"
- Forgive me for this but there isn't anything hugging about this relentless predator ! A predatory condition which symptoms can get so bad you swear you are dying or insane. I have been told it's everything but and now that I read these wonderfully helpful entries I can smile again I Know it's name now! Thank-you to everyone who took the time here to share what this hugging was. And; as a tip i found as others have that avoiding high carbs and increasing my daily complete B's helps...alot! I'm practically addicted to my "Rockstar" in the white can, as well as my veggie foods. Yes! It (the MS symptoms) finally forced me to be totally vegetarian and I'm better for it trust me! Again thanks to all those who helped me realize I'm really NOT all alone in this after all.
- —Guest Bobbee
A strange remedy but it works
- I have been getting the "hugs" every month for about 6 months now. I can tell when they are coming because I will get severe knee pain (in the joints) about 12 hours before the hugs start. I have been given up to 3 shots of Dilaudid in an hour in the ER and sent home with Demerol tablets which barely touched the pain. I thought I would have to live this way after trying every suggestion my neuro could think of. One day I received a box in the mail from my mom (who is the greatest!) and it had a box of Legs Cramps (OTC) in it. I thought that would be absurd if it worked but as you all know, you will try anything. Lo and behold it took the pain away almost 90%!!! Now I always have that on hand and carry it in my purse as well. For about $8 and sold at most drugstores or discount chains, it has become more necessary to me than any of my other meds. I hope it might help someone here.
- —Guest Susan
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