Hi my name is Dillon and I was diagnosed with MS in 2020. My symptoms at the time of diagnosis was fatigue, weakness in my arms and legs and heat sensitivity while showering. I started Tecfidera and haven’t had any flare ups until November 2022 after a bad cold. I feel better now than I did but I can’t get over this new fatigue and I have tightness in my chest that comes and goes all day. Has anyone else had this same issue with chest tightness/pain?
1 Like
Hi and welcome! I often get the feeling of constriction and tightness around my ribs. This is often referred to as “the MS hug”. I tend to get it sometimes if I have been chatting and will suddenly feel I have run out of breath and feel very tired around my chest. Other times it will come on spontaneously and feel like there is a band tightening around my chest. After years of MS, I have found there are many odd symptoms. However I think you should have symptoms checked to ensure it is due to MS and not a new medical problem.
2 Likes
Hi, I’ve had the MS hug permanently since I first presented with symptoms in 2012. Mine is pain/ tightness on the left side of my chest from sternum to spine, mainly intercostals. It’s not agonizing but it is very debilitating.
I’ve been on Amytriptyline for 10 years and am now moving to Gabapentin.
It’s worse at night but you just have to deal with it.
Good luck
Adam
Hi Dillon, I also get random tightness/or pressure in my sternum from time to time which lasts for different periods of time from minutes to an hour. For me it is different from the MS hug which I get around my ribcage.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes, Elaine
Hi Dillon, I’m sorry to hear about your recent flare-up and symptoms. While chest tightness/pain is not a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s important to discuss any new or concerning symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Chest tightness or pain could be related to a variety of factors, such as anxiety, asthma, allergies, or heart issues. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and conduct any necessary tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
It’s possible that your chest tightness and fatigue could be related to the recent flare-up or to the medication you’re taking. Your healthcare provider may want to adjust your medication or explore other treatment options to help manage your symptoms.
In addition to medical treatment, there are some lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms of MS, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
Remember to stay in close communication with your healthcare provider and advocate for yourself if you feel like your symptoms are not being adequately addressed. Best of luck to you in managing your symptoms and maintaining your health.
I often get tightness in my sphincter not my sternum. When I sit down it can feel very intense and uncomfortable. I am soon going to the doctors to get my anus examined, wish me luck!