are there signs for a ms hug? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Donnalynne · 04-14-2005, 07:17 AM

Hi all, I've read a wee bit about this ms hug thing but i'm still not to keyed up on it. Is it somthing that most msers would eventually have or just some and do you get any tell tale signs before it happens. The reason i'm asking is because I have had a few weird things happen around my chest and just not sure if i'm jumping the gun or not.
I've had these really sharp, jaggy sort of pains and today it started in the middle of my chest and shot up through my throat and seemed to stop at the roof of my mouth.
I am usually quite level headed about most things but must admit, since finding out I had ms in Jan 05, I've become more aware of my body. Before my dx I usually ignored everything as I was so used to there always being somthing wrong with me.
I hope some of you can answer my query and I know that every one of us are unique in our own special way, but really like to know what to expect or even watch for be for my brain goes into over drive and I become a self qualified doctor. Thank you all for taking the time to read my moan, love to all. Donnalynne

Ruth1 · 04-14-2005, 08:21 AM

Hi Donnalynne,

I have not been dx with MS yet but they are investigating it. I sometimes gets chest pains...it usually feels like a pressure on my chest. It goes from the middles of my chest and down under my breast. Feels like someone heavy is sitting or standing on me and taking a breath in can sometimes hurt a little. Afte checking out my heart with a cardiologist and everything coming back fine I asked him if it could be the MS hug. He said from what I described it doesn't sound like it. Then I spoke with another person who has MS and she said she gets the same feeling and it is the MS hug. She said it feels different for everyone, can sometimes feel like a rubberband around your chest...(not sure if mine felt like that) but the hug or feeling doesn't have to go all the way around.
Sorry I couldn't offer any more info....just thought I would add to your thoughts as I would like to know if people had feelings like I did (do)

LaDeeDa · 04-19-2005, 10:03 AM

Hi Donnalynne,

I've had MS for many years but only recently experienced the 'hug'. Some hug! Maybe if I was a boa constrictor I'd call it a hug!

I was awakened from sleep with a feeling of being squeezed around my back and chest, above the breasts. I couldn't breathe and felt very panicky. I was gasping and gulping, but finally able to catch my breath and breathe more normally, and then drifted back to sleep. Within a few hours I awoke again with the same sensations. This time I really freaked out and once I regained normal breathing I was afraid to go back to sleep. My chest felt sore but I was fine otherwise. I was leery of sleeping for about three nights but eventually got back into a normal sleep pattern again. I have not experienced the hug since then, but if I get it again perhaps I'll be less panicky, thus hopefully minimizing it.

Dessell · 04-20-2005, 06:12 PM

Hello all,
I never knew I had the hug thingy for years,lol,but mine is in the middle of my back and it feels like something pushing under my ribs,takes your breath away,have'nt had it for awhile and can't remember how long it lasts,lol,,guess my memory is gone too!
Have a great day

Dessell