Is this MS Hug or something else?

[pianomom]

Hello, I have been having numbness, dizziness, random pain, unusual fatigue for about the last month. The numbness comes and goes and I've experienced it in several different places. I've been to a neuro and had a clean exam and MRI. I've about convinced myself that this is all from anxiety, but I don't understand this hug thing that's happening to me. Many times a day I get this tight banding around my mid-section (from my navel to mid-chest) that just squeezes me really hard and then lets up. Only about 30 sec. to 1 min. each time. I can have these almost one right after the other. If this isn't the MS hug, what else could it be? Also, I've read that the hug often comes from thoracic lesions. I only had a brain and cervical spine MRI. Could I possibly have the beginning of MS, just with lesion on the thoracic spine? Thanks for any input.

[from2344]

I have heard about a ms hug but thankfully haven't experienced this with my ms symptoms.

I have heard of this in people with fibromyalgia along with other symptoms your describing. In the beginning of my dx to ms my Dr. thought it could be fibromyalgia due to the facts that the symptoms can be so similar.

I would take a breath of fresh air in not having any lesions. They are what causes nerve damage and would cause muscles to contract and spasticity that causes a ms hug.

There is also 400 different diseases that can mimic ms.

If your not getting answers from your current Dr. I would consider getting another opinion.

Best of luck to you and I hope you find some answers

[Judah]

To Pianomom

My first night here! I have had the same symptoms as you're having....I'm just finishing up all sorts of tests from the cardiologist and neurologist.... the MS thing that I experienced was like yours but it happens months apart...but lasts about five minutes..I was told that it might be a heart thing or an MS symptom. A few years ago a MRI showed lesions in my brain so I've had a follow-up MRI with contrast and I guess they'll count how many new lesions I have. We're both looking for answers....good luck on your path!
Judah

[SNOOPY]

What is referred to as 'MS hug" is an abnormal sensation that consists of banding/girdling/tightness going around the body.

The "MS hug" is not unique to MS, it's just how those with MS refer to it. In fact, there is not a single symptom which is unique to this disease.

The proper term for abnormal sensations is paresthesias and dysesthesias. Abnormal sensations have numerous causes.

[mjan]

So sorry for all you are going through. Although I dislike the term, it sure sounds similar to the MS hug. IT used to be my worse symptom. It literally would squeeze so hard it would take my breath away!!

Got on RX Methocarbamol 750mg (a less drowsy muscule relaxer) along with Ibruprofin it helped some. Now I am on RX Diclofenac 12 hour release covers 24 hours along with Baclofen and that combo seems to keep that "Hug" away most of the time.

I also would use a lumbar wrap with Velcro straps around my rib cage just so I could breath and work. It helped those spasming muscles as it added such support.

Hope you find the answers you need and relief=SOON!!

Warmly, Jan

[pianomom]

thanks for the responses, all. Fortunately this hug or whatever it is, is not painful. At times, though, it does squeeze me super hard where I can barely breathe. What's up with this, though? the past 2 days, I have this band feeling around my upper left arm. Today, there's also been a similar feeling around my lower left arm and occasionally my thighs. The left arm feels like a loose blood pressure cuff. Again, not painful, just annoying.

My vision is really bothering me too. I feel like it's a strain to focus my eyes and sometimes it feels like my eyes are not working together.In general, my vision is just not sharp. I'm thinking a visit to the eye dr. should be next on my agenda.

[brothrgoose]

MS Hug???!!!

Hi All!
My MS experience thus far has been anything but normwl....not to say MS Ais!
I'm lucky enough to say I experience this "fujn" hug 24/7 now after developing over several weeks..

now, it is an anaconda nwrapped around my middle, squeezing me, and its on fire!
I take no pain pills as opiods seem to affect my walking. I have been maxed out shamelessly on nuerontin....whichbdid nothing butmmakemme STUPID!!* Lyrica, cymbalta...name what u want!
the only thing that works is to lay still, don't move/talk, and the pain monster goes ton"sleep".

So, do I lay quietly or sleep alot???! Ur darn right I do!!*

My MS Specialist that I see is more worried about my getting addicted than my quality ofmlif3.

im done with him!!!

Annie