I know the feeling too and am so sorry you have to go through this. I had my 1st and so hope last experience with the hug a couple months ago. It's terrible!

I was also taged anxiety. It was not. Then I got the heart attack - go to the hospital asap advise (all from neuro). Needless to say I did not go. Mine finally let up.

I known mine was MS (as in flair), but I would advise you to get chest xray's and lung scans... Rule out what it is not then go from there. I would doubt that is is not MS, but play it safe.

I'm sorry I can not offer more help. BTW, it scared me to death. Really helped my anxiety - not.

Hope you feel better soon!

Dej, I have it all the time, everyday. The MS hug is one of my worst symptoms. It feels like a big old bear is behind me and squeezing all around my rib cage, at bra level. I have had this constant for 10 yeas now.

It is worse at night when sitting at meals or the computer and when I lay down, forgetaboutit ,.. it is awful. I feel like my ribs will crack one of these days.

I used to describe it as having a bra on that is fine and then it goes 5 sizes too small around the body. I just saw my Neuro last week and she knows it gets more intense when I am in a relapse 24/7, then it calms down to certain times each day and activity. But I have it daily.

She says it is spasms of the muscles in that area. I find my breathing is okay, but if I take a real deep breath it exacerbates it, and causes it to spasm. I can pull in the muscle, at rib level, and make it move and it hurts more when I do that.

Some have it around the arm or the leg, torso or waist. I have heard some have it around the head like a band. I don't have any hoarseness or voice issues. No crud or drip. Maybe you should have you doctor check it out.

My Neuro says she wishes she could help me with something for it. I just try to ignore it. I have put Active-on, that rub on stuff in a bottle or mineral ice in a jar for it. Anything menthol so I can get to sleep helps.

That is why I use bra extenders. When it is bad I add one or two to make my bra wider around the middle.

Since we all are so different, we all describe it different. What works for some may not work for others. Neurontin helped for years and then it stopped helping me.

I hope you find the cause. Do you have sleep Apnea?

I dont have sleep apnea. I was tested for it. I had a stress test, and it was fine. my blood pressure stays low, and my heart rate elevates, but its anxiety that makes it do that. I am scheduled for a new chest xray and a spirometry test. I have moved up the size of my bras as I cant take the squeeze. Its been awful!

The harder I try to get to the top of my breath,the worse I make it. Its frustrating!

So is there a "Hug" season?

I had a three week session of being "Hugged". I do not like it.

Naps, do your neighbors think you are screaming when you are really singing? (

She creeps in, carps and creeps back out.. ..