Need help please. Concerning symptom
I have a question please. I’m not diagnosed with ms. I’m trying to figure out something I’ve been living with for about 6 years now. It is a “spasm” I get in the lower part of my rib cage. I call it a spasm only to explain that the muscle/s tighten. What it actually does is not characteristic of a muscle spasm. It, literally, feels like labor contractions in my rib cage. It tightens, holds for 10-20 seconds, releases, and then tightens up again. When it’s tight, it’s excruciating. It does not do this everyday. Sometimes it’s just feels extremely tight from one side of my rib cage across to the other side but only in the front of my torso. It does not wrap around to my back. This is just one of MANY things I’m dealing with. But because it’s so excruciating, it’s the only one I’m asking about at this time. Do any of y’all, who are diagnosed, have this happen to y’all? I’m just trying to figure out what is causing these as my Dr is useless and I do not have insurance. Thank y’all in advance if you’re able to answer this. "
Hi
. That sounds quit painful. For people with MS, painful spasms or contractions in the ribs and chest are often blamed on the MS hug. Here is an article that explains it: https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/ms-hug. But there are many other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Do you have other symptoms that might point to MS as the cause? If you suspect you have MS, you will need a referral to a neurologist, who will run some tests, including an MRI. Here is an article about the diagnostic process: https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis. MRIs can be super expensive, but the Multiple Sclerosis Association of American has a program that can help pay for them. Here is a link to the application: https://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/mri-application/. It sounds like you are paying a lot of money out-of-pocket for a doctor who isn't listening to you. Have you considered finding someone new? Is there any chance you will get insurance in the near future? Thinking of you! - Lori (Team Member) Thank you for answering Lori.
Yes, these things are so debilitating and extremely excruciating. Unfortunately I have a list of symptoms and have spent the last 6ish months in bed. I get dizziness. It’s not constant. I may wake up with it one day and it may last a little while or all day. I have trouble with balance. My left leg is extremely heavy feeling and sometimes hard to walk. The right has just started doing this. My right thigh on the outside is numb and has been for years. The left outside thigh is now starting to go numb. They feel like they’ve been to the dentist. I get numbness and tingling in my fingers and face. I have a tremor in my left arm that’s been there for at least two years. I get spasms in my ankles that completely distort my feet and feel like they’re gonna dislocate my ankles. I have to stand on my feet to calm it down and stop the pulling on my ankles. I have bladder and bowel issues that are extremely embarrassing. I have end stage neuropathy in my left leg. My legs hurt so bad. Not 24/7 but very often and it’s a really bad ache feeling. Very intense. I get jerks in my legs mostly but sometimes I’m my arms as well. I’m sure there’s more I’m forgetting. Speaking of forgetting......🤦🏻♀️ My memory is crazy bad and getting worse. English was my major and I have always been able to use a wide variety of vocabulary. Not anymore. Half the time, I have to stop mid sentence as I try to remember the word I’m looking for. I’m so tired most of the time. Zero energy. If I have energy, it’s very short lived. A trip from the bed to the table takes it all.
Yes, it’s expensive to see my Dr and it costs more just to talk about new symptoms. The only reason I haven’t left him is because he is, at least, giving me Tizanidine for the “spasms” I’m having in my rib cage which does help a little. A little is better than no help at all with these things.
Thank ya for the links. I will definitely check them out. Especially the one for help. I truly appreciate ya!Hi @Rebecca777. I hope you find a way to get Medicaid or some kind of insurance soon. A diagnosis and treatment might help you regain some of what you have lost and enable you to live your life again. If medical bills pile up and you can't pay them, know that there are other alternatives. Bankruptcy is a last resort, but it does include forgiveness of medical bills. If you can get a diagnosis, you might qualify for clinical trials and/or for medication free or at a significantly reduced cost. Please keep me posted if you feel comfortable. My heart goes out to you. - Lori (Team Member)
Thank ya so much for your time and information. The future looks very bleak at this time. We live in a state that is very hard to get any assistance in. I just live each day minute by minute and pray the “spasms” don’t hit. I know the pain I live in daily isn’t going away so I just have to deal with it.
I really appreciate all the information ya gave me. Thank ya very much!Hello,
I'm new here. I actually made a account just to post here.... I have had the "MS hug" and what you are describing is more of a gallbladder attack. Mine felt almost exactly as you described but they got worse until it felt like I was having a heart attack or something. It was horrible.
