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Post by Bird on Feb 24, 2014 7:42:48 GMT -6
Does anyone else have this sensation? I have a lot of residual numbness in my legs and torso, but I haven't seen anyone else talk about numbness/tightness at the base of the rib cage, just above the abdomen. It's very tight feeling and uncomfortable.
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Post by leks on Feb 24, 2014 11:10:51 GMT -6
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Post by lw on Feb 24, 2014 11:12:54 GMT -6
I've been living with this sensation for about 15 years. Mine is also crushing in nature and feels as though I have a truck on top of my chest. It did temporarily subside for a year post surgery but has since returned. I also had the tightness around my ribcage - this has now been replaced with fizzing and burning sensations. I liken it to having soluble aspirins stuck between each rib. In terms of chest pain relief I find that tramadol has proved to be the most effective drug. I've even tried hot water bottles in desperation but I end up burning my skin as, despite experiencing great pain on the inside, the outside is almost completely numb on the left side.
Don't be too disheartened at this stage - it's very early days for you and this may clear up altogether.
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Post by samuridude on Feb 25, 2014 9:23:13 GMT -6
That's the most uncomfortable sensation of the entire SCI symptoms. It's feels like I've been doing crunches all day and my abs won't relax.
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Post by Bird on Feb 25, 2014 12:23:05 GMT -6
It's a little higher for me - makes me very anxious. Do stretches help or is it strictly a nerve thing?
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Post by leks on Feb 26, 2014 6:56:05 GMT -6
stretching does/did nothing for me, only time made things better.
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Post by mtv1981 on Mar 6, 2014 12:59:34 GMT -6
Yes I do have this. It feels like I have a belt around my rib cage that is constantly being tightened. I had AVM removed from t7-t9 with cystic involvement from t2-t10 in Jan '13. It comes and goes and has improved with surgery and time. I feel like mine has some muscular involvement too, so I take advil or valium to calm it down. have you considered cold laser therapy on that area?
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Post by kathyb on Mar 18, 2014 15:43:49 GMT -6
Yes, I also have numbness (shoulders down) w/ tightness. I feel a ton better after a soak in a hot tub but can't persuade my DHT to buy one. Baths are not the same, but people who don't have all of these problems don't get it. I use one of those bean bag things (hot water bottle shaped:) that you put in the microwave, that also helps but I to worry about burning my skin b/c it works only when it is supper hot and I leave it on, so far, only, have only been burning myself w/ cooking....
I have been trying to get back into yoga, but it has been slow going, so I don't know about stretching. I do find myself pulling/stretching my arms all of the time. My body feels like it is one big knot that needs massaged out. I did tried massage and felt sick (both times), which made me sad as I used to really enjoy it. I was wondering if it was a build up of all this medication I take? Any thoughts on that one?
Kathy
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Post by Bird on Mar 19, 2014 20:34:49 GMT -6
I did find something that helps. When I'm sitting down I'll stick a pillow in the curve of my back so that I'm forced to stick my stomach out a little bit, which stretches the tight area slightly. Also, I'll stick a flat pillow or a folded towel under my back when I go to bed which also slightly stretches that area. It has actually helped immensely. Yoga sounds like a great idea, kathyb. I don't think I'd be able to do that, yet, but might try it eventually. As far as medications: I'm no longer taking anything, so the medications weren't causing my problems. Does Baclofen help your tightness?
mtv1981, I'm not familiar with cold laser therapy but will look it up. Did you try it?
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Post by Dawn on Aug 2, 2014 7:54:46 GMT -6
I was amazed to read about the numb feeling you are having at the base of your rib cage. I have burning/tingling sensation at times just along the bottom ribs. I have C1-C22 intramedullary tumor. My neuro tells me it is not possible that the tumor causes this, but I wonder if he is wrong. I don't like the feeling and so far have just ignored it until it goes away. And it does go away, only to return. Sigh. Although I don't have suggestions for you I can empathize and thank you for posting. I feel a bit less crazy now!
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