MS Hug

[cljones]

I don't know if this is a MS Hug or not but I feel like I have a band around my ribs that is squeezing me. I have hurt all the way through from my back to my chest. I also have tenderness in my abdomen. I have just finished a round of steroids because of a flare caused by COVID and a secondary infection. I can't seem to get past this. What can you do for an MS Hug? I'm so tired of not being able to function. I can't even get into my bed without help to lift my legs into bed. So I have been sleeping in my recliner. Any advice.

[NorasMom]

That definitely sounds like the hug. About all you can do is ride out, treating the pain and discomfort as best you can. For me, laying flat on my back on the floor helps to a certain extent. I think it's also important to keep yourself as relaxed as possible. If you're tense, it only makes it worse. I hope it goes away soon!

[cljones in reply to NorasMom]

I did take some Aleve and then I finally slept. It helped. I have been pretty stressed lately so that could be part of it. My mom has been diagnosed with two different types of cancer and will be starting chemotherapy Monday. This is all very stressful. I may have to try some of my herbal calm pills to see if that maybe will help. Thank you for your suggestions.

[Juleigh21]

I have taken tizanidine for my hug pain. I went to the hospital one time when mine was exceptionally bad after a relapse and steroids. I was giving diazepam through an IV and was sent home with the prescription for it and that finally relaxed it. Good luck!!

[Amore55]

It seems like MS hug. I don’t have any great advice, but I sure hope you find something that works for you.

[Elizt3]

when this started for me, my neurologist wanted me to see my family doctor to make sure it wasn’t something else. My family doctor had me see a cardiologist and a gastroenterologist.

have you tried a heating pad? For others, cold can help. I wear a compression band under my clothes, and that can mask some of the symptoms a bit.

[cljones in reply to Elizt3]

Thanks. I did finally take some Aleve and that helped a lot. I will try the heat and cold to see which helps.

[Elizt3 in reply to cljones]

hope you can find some relief. it's been a real challenge for me.

[johnMSAA Partner]

MSAA recently updated our "MS Hug" page which includes information on symptoms, causes, and treatments. Hopefully this will provide a bit more info that may help:

mymsaa.org/ms-information/s...

If you need more assistance, you can always contact our knowledgeable Helpline staff through a number of options. More info here:

mymsaa.org/msaa-help/helpli...

- John, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)

[Tazmanian]

Feel better soon