Understanding

[Cal3708]

Morning, I am new and I sent this link to my kids and hubby. I know they do not understand what I go through. I look fine but have so many hidden issues you cannot see. I am numb from buttocks down, I have severe fatigue. Sometimes my chest gets tight and I think it's a heart attack. Could that be the hug? Thank you and Merry Christmas to all!

[greaterexp]

Welcome to a great chat room. I'm sorry you have reason to join, but you'll find much support from folks who really do understand. MS is such a bizarre disease, and it's hard for those of us with the disease to understand it, but even harder for our friends and family.

I have felt the unwelcome "hug," but mine have not been as severe as yours seem to. What does your doctor have to say about it? It may be wise to have him/her check to rule out any other problem, or to at least reassure you that it's is "only" a hug.

I hope you get some relief soon.

Erin

[erash]

Cal3708 welcome! Someone within this group shared the "spoon theory"

Google it and consider sharing with your family. It may help them have a better understanding of your day to day challenges.

After a full cardiopulmonary normal work up, I concluded my chest tightness was the MS hug. Sounds like yours could be but better to rule out other causes if you've not done so. By the way mine lasted @ 2 months.

[Fancy1959]

Cal3708, it's Fancy1959 welcoming you to this wonderful chat room. Are you recently send help post encouraging our members to invite their caregivers to join our chat room. You did the absolute perfect thing getting your husband and children involved in our chat room. We recently got into a big discussion about how hard it is for caregivers, family, and friends to see into the spirit and soul of people with MS. Sure, we look fine on the outside but sometimes inside we are so fatigued, so depressed, and have such a poor sense of self that we want to curl up and quit.

Fortunately I've never had to deal with the MS hug so I can't reply on that. But I know others in the chat room have and I'm sure they'll reply back to you when they get a chance. I do wish to wish you and your family and friends Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let us all set our New Year resolution to finding a cure for MS and beating it in its tracks one patient at a time if it needs to be! Please remember that together we are stronger!