amitriptyline.
I started with mild symptoms on 2nd Jan,they gradually became worse until Sunday when they crept right up to my chest and therefore "a hug".I called the ms nurse Monday morning and she called me back to discuss the situation.I couldn't get to see my neuro til today.I saw the registrar and he was great..I have the numbness yet tingly feelings from my toes up to my chest.Because I can walk albeit slowly,and it feels like I am walking on needles,also with every step I take it feels like someone is tightening the screw on my "girdle",he considers it a minor relapse.I suppose compared to some it is.He spoke to the consultant about it and felt that steroids would be no help because I hadn't seen them straight away.They have given me amitrityline.He says that after the first few days when the morning groggy feeling wears off my symptoms should start to ease.This is my first relapse since I was diagnosed in Feb 2012 but not my actual first relapse.I just wondered what other peoples experience was.
Well, yes, the "hug" or banding is associated with MS. It's when the intercostal muscles go into spasm. May years ago, I was prescribed amitriptyline for restless legs, which prevented me from sleeping. I used to get up around midnight, take one, then go back to bed. I'd be like a zombie the next day. I now know the secret of taking Amitriptyline. You should take the dose 12 hours before you intend getting up the next day. And that advice should have already been given to you. I hope this helps.
I just started taking amitriptyline today. How you getting on with it? I'm on my third relapse and only just starting meds due to a delayed diagnosis and a period of bad sinus infections.