Wanna Hug? Think I'll Pass.

[Helpmeup]

Ok. I want to know what crazy person decided to call it an "M.S. Hug". I admit, I'm a hugger. I love hugs. But today, I felt like my ribs were being crushed on and off all day. It hit me in waves for hours. If you try to explain the "M.S. Hug" to a non-mser, they look at you like you're nuts. How can that possibly be painful? Hugs are nice and comforting and warm and wonderful. Again, I want to know who coined that stupid phrase. I say we need to come up with something a little more appropriate. The M.S. Crush sounds good to me. Can we start a petition to rename the "hug"? Where would we send it? Any thoughts or ideas? Who's with me? 🤗🤗🤗😠😫🤪

[CatsandCars]

Yesss! That freaking thing not only needs a new name, but the person who named it should be punished. Perhaps by experiencing it for a while! Try explaining how awful an MS "hug" is to someone who doesn't have MS. Hmm, who could we petition? Perhaps MSAA and the NMSS? They could let the medical community know the name isn't working for us. (Insert game show buzzer sound here.)

Helpmeup, I am sorry to hear that you're experiencing such a rotten sensation for so long. Even when you know what it is, it's not just uncomfortable. It's scary. I hope it goes away soon for you! ❤️

[Helpmeup in reply to CatsandCars]

It must be really scary for those going through it the first time! I have gotten the rib crushing occasionally over the years, so I just wait for it to pass. The weird thing about yesterday was that it was like a switch going on and off all day. Usually, I get the crush, it lasts for a few hours, and then magically stops. So bizarre! So far, I'm hug free today! 🙂

[CatsandCars in reply to Helpmeup]

That is just bizarre. I'm so happy to hear that they seem to be leaving you alone today! I hope that continues.🤞

[CatsandCars]

You might identify with this post.

healthunlocked.com/mymsaa/p...

[Helpmeup in reply to CatsandCars]

Wow! Thanks for sending this from 7 years ago. I read through the posts, and it's nice to know I'm not the only one who goes nuts over the horribly named "hug"!

[CatsandCars in reply to Helpmeup]

I looks like they are universally hated, and you are definitely not alone in thinking that the ridiculous name just adds insult to injury!

[NorasMom]

I'm all for changing the blankety-blank name! Sorry that you're dealing with this, though.

The OMG I Must Be Dying hug. Can I Get an Epidural hug. Go Ahead and Punch Me; I Won't Feel a Thing hug. The South American Species hug. Please Run Me Over With a Train hug.

[CatsandCars in reply to NorasMom]

I like the first one! 😄

[Helpmeup in reply to NorasMom]

OMG! Too funny!!! 🤣🤣. Yesterday was a Please Run Me Over With a Train day!!!

[Kit10]

MS Corset?

[CatsandCars]

It's the intercostal muscles, so maybe intercostal constriction episode would work. I liked the woman's suggestion in the above link, which was painful, suffocating squeeze, or PSS!

[ahrogers]

Yeh, I don't use the term MS hug with non-MSers 😁 I might tell them my muscles are spasming but I rarely talk about my MS symptoms to others unless they ask as I find they don't truly understand. I have been getting a lot of spasms just on one side lately that act like a twitch, very annoying!

[Helpmeup in reply to ahrogers]

I'm with you. I don't go into symptoms unless someone asks, and they rarely do. Most folks go for the polite inquiry of "how ya doing?" and my go to response is "hangin' in there" at which point the questions stop. I got a twitch too this week in my thigh, just above my knee - it kept jumping around - drove me crazy! 🤗

[Peruzzot]

How about the MS Anaconda Squeeze or MS Anaconda Crush? A hug should make you feel good. The MS "Hug" does not feel good AT ALL.

[Helpmeup in reply to Peruzzot]

Agreed! Worst hug ever! 😂

[Sunandrainbows]

The first time I experienced this I hadn't been diagnosed with MS yet.... I thought I was having a heart attack. Scary especially because my father died of a heart attack, and my mother had already had three....... But my "first" ended up helping with my MS diagnosis. Hug, by far, a horrible name, therefore I have never used it. I use the term squeeze, or tightening. I also get these on my head... I refer to those as "a halo that's too tight". I get these on my legs, which I refer to as "infant sized compression socks". Gabapentin has helped reduce the frequency of these for me, but they still happen. Be well. Love, light, and peace.

[Helpmeup in reply to Sunandrainbows]

It's so wild that a "hug" helped with your diagnosis! Way back when I was new to M.S., the "squeeze" sent me to the ER a few times also, thinking it was my heart! It's so scary! Now, many years later, when the big squeeze hits, I just breathe, let out a few choice words and wait for it to pass. So glad the Gaba works for you! Take care! 🤗

[Greentime]

I like all the suggestions. I have a low grade "hug" most of the time. Sometimes it gets worse and I feel like I can't breathe. So the suffocating suggestion works well for me!

[mrsmike9]

We need to keep bringing it up. I'm lucky and have only had one. Fortunately I knew what it was and didn't panic!

[Helpmeup in reply to mrsmike9]

Hi mrsmike9! I used to panic, but now it's just another crazy day with m.s.! 😂🤗

[Elizt3]

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. might a heating pad help? I agree that "hug" is the wrong word. MS Crush? Rib Twist?

[MissSundance]

👍Dearest Helpmeup, How about an MS vice grip SQUEEEEZE. With me it would start in the early afternoon and then almost a panic would set in. Not only the pain but almost feeling as if my diaphragm wasn't going to work. My neurologist suggested amitriptyline. He had to increase the dose a couple of times but it has worked wonders. It does cause dry mouth. I had to increase my water intake but I wasn't drinking enough fluids anyway. So I killed two birds with one stone. No pain, no panic and increased my fluid intake. 👍😊👍

[Helpmeup in reply to MissSundance]

Way to turn a negative into a positive! Good for you! It's amazing how much it helps to be well hydrated! Sending a hug (the good kind!) 🤗

[Tazmanian]

Bear hugs are not nice and comfortable nor are hugs from a sumo wrestler

[Helpmeup in reply to Tazmanian]

You may be on to something...the "Sumo Squeeze"!!!😂