Hugging. Isn’t it great? Whether I am canoodling with my anti-affectionate cat, a friend, or my hubby, there is no doubt that a good hug is the perfect remedy to soothe and inspire a positive outlook.
Except when that hug comes in the middle of traffic on a busy freeway…and you are behind the wheel. Yeah, traffic and hugs don’t really mesh.
The first MS hug I experienced was after the birth of my son. I can identify it now. Back then I was concerned that my pregnancy had caused some unknown internal condition that required further medical attention. The hugging sensation occurred every time I got behind the wheel of my car. I had to adjust and re-adjust my posture constantly in an attempt alleviate the persistent pressure around my rib cage. I would take deep breaths and arch my back, roll my shoulders back and forth, and basically perform an assortment of yoga poses all while doing my best to appear normal to any curios glances.
It was after many years of sporadic discomfort that I discovered the term “MS Hug”. At that point hugs no longer topped my list of a preferable show of affection. At least not that kind of hug.
Many MS Warriors refer to the hug as a throbbing, steady stabbing or gnawing tightness much like the confines of a rubber band girdle. Possible shortness of breath often accompanies the MonSter’s hug, but there is no need for alarm. Of course if the discomfort becomes becomes severe pain, you might want to get thee to a surgeon for reassurance or medical assistance.
Regardless of your personal experiences with this odd sensation, be glad to know that the MS Hug is NOT a serious side-effect of our disease. It is annoying, though, and quite alarming for a hug virgin.
Click on the following link for more about MS-relates pain(s).
https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/pain#managepainmyself
Have a great week!
Lisa
https://www.amazon.com/Have-Whats-Your-Super-Power/dp/1882658442/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=i+have+ms.+what%27s+your+superpower&qid=1556457191&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull
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