I am not doing so good today. The hug has been overenthusiastic for the past few days. I posted about on the thread about the hug.

So sorry Barb. I pray that your pain and
discomfort go away soon..

Doesn't the hug usually go away after awhile?

Mine doesn't. It just is worse at some times than others. So maybe that is why my doctor called it a girding effect? I have a lesion in the thoratic area of my spine that is most likely the culprit. I have not had a MRI of my spine since I was dx 6 years ago so there may be more by now.

Sally - I wish the hug would go away but for some of us it is a constant issue. Like Barb's, mine is always there to varying degrees.

I'm doing pretty good today. Wrestling with my normal every day symptoms but a little more fatigued today than normal. I just want to sleep.

Hugs Barb...not the MS kind
Maybe its time to see if you have more lesions...I hate this symptom. makes it so difficult to breathe, and makes me want to vomit...it's scary...

Debbie, I do not have trouble breathing or get sick. It is just constant pain in my rib cage and back that has gotten worse. Instead of feeling like I am being squeezed, I feel like I am being crushed. I am sure if it was a few inches higher I would have breathing issues. I am thinking about calling the doctor on Monday if it does not ease up.

Barb - I can totally relate to the crushed/squeezed feeling. There have also been times when I feel like a board is being shoved in to my rib cage. I hope it eases for you soon.

Went out to local clinic and they gave me valium for muscle spasms. My neurologist who is mainly retired is out of the country. His nurse from the hospital up north called me and she is going to talk to the neuro on call and see if I should go through a round of iv steroids. I have only gone through iv steroids once right after I was dx almost 6 years ago. I hated them. But I think I am desparate enough it give them anothe chance. Suposed to leave for Hawaii in about 4 weeks. I so desparately want to feel better by then.

Update -- no iv steroids. They want me to try neurontin again. I have not taken it since 2009. I did not really want to go through 5 days of 'roids anyway.

Sorry you're stills aching Barb

i'm going to be facing a major decision soon about my A Fib.
my dr says i have 2 choices. to go on a drug that is viciously toxic (from my research on the web) or to have Ablation which is an invasive cardiac procedure.

i see one dr next wk and will seek out a 2nd opinion from a group in Jacksonville (Fl). i'm not going to do the drug. it's just too dangerous. plus i'm already on too many meds.

however, the ablation means they have to use radiofrequency to destroy several areas in the left atrium of the heart where the AFib initiates. and, to get from the right part of the heart to the left they have to poke a hole thru the atriums. i'll be on the table at least 2-3 hrs.

there are chances of major complications with this also. and, i've been told i may even need it more than once. an impossible decision. how do i make it?
i have more reading and research to do and to consult with drs. i'll let you know.