I'm just wondering if any of you notice a pattern to your hug and other symptoms. This is what I have noticed . . .

I've been having trouble with the hug for several months now. While it's been a constant squeeze for years, since my flare in December it has really been giving me some trouble. It got better for a while and then the other day I felt the familiar ripping, tearing, shooting nerve pain. Then I could feel the muscle movement on and off and, of course, the intercostal muscles went in to their painful spasms. After a couple of days of this going on in my rib cage, it moved on in to my stomach. Now, I have the slight nausea in the mornings (I'm not pregnant ), and am somewhat constipated. I still go every morning but it the consistency has changed (sorry if TMI, but I'm trying to make a point) and it seems my abdominal muscles just don't want to push, like they are already tight and can't tighten any more. So now, all this stomach/digestive stuff is starting back up again (bloating, gas, difficulty eating, etc. due to slow motility).

This pattern occurred to me the other day and looking back, it seems like this has been my new pattern over the past several months.

Has anyone noticed a similar pattern or even a different pattern to what happens when your hug decides to act up?

YES! I notice about the same thing as you do. My mid-section isn't numb but I don't have the same strength in it as I used to. It acts like it did when it was numb but it isn't numb anymore....just acting like it is. If that made sense to no one but me I won't be surprised!

My "hug" is always on my right side - right in my ribcage area. It's constantly there but sometimes to a lesser extent than others. My digestive system has gotten sluggish especially when the hug is in one of it's worse episodes. Maybe our system is just confused?

I don't take anything for the hug anymore because all the meds I've tried have worse side effects than the actual sx they're supposed to help (for me anyway). Aleve is the strongest thing I take anymore. Topical remedies (heat or cold) seems to work best for me but certainly doesn't aleviate the whole problem.

I always thought "the Hug" involved the diaphragm...

I've had a spot on my left low ribcage in the back for over 6 years that my former pcp thought was a kidney problem...nope; tests were negative. It is sore to the touch, and feels as if I have a golf ball there. I think it's the muscles being permanently tight.

As to the abdominal issues, I know for sure that MS can make things sluggish (even tho my neuro disagrees with me); I have issues with it all of the time.

I am beginning to believe there's only so much the docs and drugs can do to help us with our various issues. All we can do is eat right, get enough sleep and move our bodies. And pray

Kelly - That does make sense. I do have numb spots but they have gotten better since the flare. I couldn't feel water hitting the areas while in the shower and anything touching those spots would feel weird. I only take gabapentin for the pain. But it doesn't seem to be doing a good job lately as I am having a lot of breakthrough pain. And upping the does of it is not an option as I react horribly to the increase. I am only on a small dose, 900 mg a day. Heat and ice helps and I made my own magnesium cream and that helps as well. Plus, the magnesium cream absorbs in to my system and bypasses the digestive system so don't have those side effects.

Debbie - A golf ball is a good way to describe it. I feel that too sometimes in my lower rib area. I too was tested for kidney problems back in January when I went to the ER for severe tremors. All tests showed up negative. I've had ultrasounds in that area and nothing showed up. I additionally had an ultrasound of my kidney's, bladder, etc., all of which were negative. There is just nothing there in that area, meaning, internal organs. And all testing has been negative. But still, I feel that same ball feeling. I also feel that in my left hamstring all the time and when my butt goes in to spasm - it's like sitting on a golf ball.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sometimes when the pain gets so bad I start thinking the worst. It's always nice to know that others are experiencing something similar, if not the same.

BTW - As you know, I have been getting regular massages. My massage therapist does a gentle 1/2 hour massage. It took a month for some of the swelling to go down and the muscles to relax. She said the intercostals are still really tight but she doesn't want to do too deep of a massage - we tried that once and never again.

I have a hug very similar to you Trish. I still take a little Baclofen for the tightness. Not sure it works enough to spend the $.

I used to take gabapentin but it never really seemed to do anything for the pain.

During the daytime, I just deal with all my sx's. By evening, the hug is strong and the pain has increased.

I am experimenting with MMJ. Smoking will give the quickest results but my lungs can't handle it. I tried a vaporizer but even though the effect was immediate, my lungs still knew there was a foreign element.

Both came with a "high" that was unpleasant. I am now trying edibles in various doses/flavors of desserts. I actually like it in that it suits my sweet tooth and is not as strong as smoking.

I will probably get a MMJ card soon. I have an appt with the neuro next week. He may or may not be on board with it but I am sure I will find a doctor to help with the paperwork.