I get a tingling numbing sensation on the right side of my ribs. While walking I start walking to the left. I struggle to walk straight. I'm not falling, I just feel like I'm walking on a ship that is tilting to the left.
It doesn't sound like an MS hug... When you get an MS hug, you will feel a tight constriction around the chest which can take your breath away.
The other symptom that you are experiencing is just another neurological one caused by MS.
I do feel the tightening in the chest like my breath is being taken away, but it starts with the tingling. When that happens I know I need to stop walking until it passes. Today was the first time it happened while driving. I had to stop to catch my breath.
In that case it may be an MS hug, but it could also be your digestive system tightening due to your MS. It seems that your MS is not under control. Be sure to go on a high dosage of vitamin D 6,000 iu's to begin with every day for 3 months and then gradually reduce it to 2,000 iu's and especially in winter time. Taking high dosages of vitamin D really works as low vitamin D is a cause of MS - trust me !!
Hi Elena, it sounds like you have weakness that accompanies the tingling on the left. Your right side is able to push you further than your left hence the tendency to walk towards the left. If this is a new or worsening symptom see your neurologist. I've experienced many MS hugs, I've not been out of breath as a result. Just uncomfortable, clothing feels weird and some textures can set it off. Most hugs are in the abdomen but can be anywhere at an area of significant spinal lesions. I experience them at my bra line for about 4-5 inches downward and it wraps around the entire body. I do think you becoming out of breath is fatigue related from fighting an off balance gait. We tend to get worn down faster the further along we get. Some push through, some don't. I recommend a really good physical therapist with neurological expertise.
I'm concerned that the tingling is on the left and you had to stop driving to catch your breath. Meaning you were not exerting yourself and still had breathing issues. This could be stress or cardiac related. Not everything is to be blamed on MS.