Anyone ever had bileral diaphragm spasm?

[HVAC]

The other night I had a severe bilateral diaphragm spasm. It went in five waves and lasted over an hour. My ribs were not involved that I know of. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced. I sweated profusely and felt like the wind was knocked out of me and I wanted to vomit. Lying down helped. I have not had another spasm but my voice is weak. All I have read about a MS hug is between the ribs. This was definitely the diaphragm.

My doctors do not think it a problem and have not given me an appointment. I hate going to a doctor anyway. I asked if I should go for a heart work up and they said no unless it happens again and then to call EMS. They think it is anxiety or indigestion. It was not like an anxiety attack I used to get those.

They only other possibility besides MS I see is something pushing from under the diaphragm.

Alex

[Irene5353]

You also mentioned the hoarseness - I have been getting that frequently lately.  Drives me nuts as I have a nice voice.  The wind is such that I get out of breath before finishing a sentence and singing...well I used to be able to belt it out - I am getting older too but I do not feel that in other regards even though I know it is inevitable.  

[Irene5353]

Listen to Q she know what is what!  

[Irene5353]

I have just read your comment.  I do not know when you posted it.  Today, I went for a pulmonary consult.  The doctor told me that my O2 levels were excellent - he is not sure about asthma - he said it looks like my diaphragm is weakened by MS - he has seen it before.  I have had MS for nearly 30 years.  I was off Copaxone for 3 years and my breathing worsened during that time.  I also had a lot of weight on me that I have started to swim off.  That is why the breathing troubles me - I used to be a competitive swimmer - some days my swim is fine - other days not so great.  I keep pushing myself of course - I want to get the weight off.  There is a guy - even at my age - makes me feel like a teenager...  Anyhow they are going to do a methyl something other other challenge and a sleep study and that will tell more but the doc - who has been voted best in Boston - the mecca of best docs - is pretty sure from the previous tests and the degeneration that it is the MS.

What you had sounds very much more complex and really needs to be fully examined.  Go to a heart doc or your primary and get an EKG or even an echo cardiogram or do the stress test.  It may save your life and I am pretty sure you do not want to do that.  I had all that anxiety for years too - part of the drill I guess... Best luck to you - we all deserve best luck since certainty is so fleeting.

[maxthecat43]

What you experienced sounds like a Myasthenic Crisis to me.  Have you researched Myasthenia Gravis?  This is not an MS symptom, but Mysasthenia Gravis is sometimes misdiagnosed as MS.  A myasthenic crisis is a life threatening problem!  Please look into this, okay?

[R999]

Hi Isn't it interesting that you have a serious illness and every time they do not know how to explain wha you have they say it is anxiety. It is not. I do believe it is MS. I am trying to find information for you but there was an actor on Opera (when that used to be on) and he had MS and was talking about 'chest freeze'. I believe I had it today. I could not breathe in or out like I forgot to know how to breathe. I wanted to but I did not have the capcity to make my lung work and it took a few seconds but that man on Opera described it as really scary which I can imagine would be if it is longer than a few seconds. Tell the doctor that many strange things happens to MS patients and not to pass everything off to anxiety as it is not that. It is clearly MS and they should never brush you off as you already have a diagnosis. I have a psyhcologist and phsychaistrist so doctors can not do this to me and my mental health professionals can say I am normal. Who can argue when they see me regularly and the doctor does not speak to me or is qualified to asseses it? That is  how I protect myself and it is still battle but MS is a genuine physiological disease which I bet the doctor does not want to have and be brushed off him or herself.

[jumpinjiminy]

I followed up with my GP about this recently. He ran GI tests. The differential included several conditions ranging from GI to neurological. There could be a disturbance in the GI tract that sets them off, there could be a pancreatic problem which is a very similar pain if not completely the same, and then there could be a neurological lesion causing it. Best thing is to follow up with your GP and let them guide you through this. Bottom line is, it is worth looking into, so don't accept any brush offs. Several medical conditions can cause this pain and none of them should be poo pooed by any medico worth their paycheck.

I'm still glad I had my gallbladder out. It helped in numerous ways and I've been suffering shoulder pain, nausea and digestive issues for 20 years not knowing all along it was an inflamed gallbladder. In your case, my best guess would be the pregnancy flared it up. Most young women that have gallbladder problems get them after a pregnancy. A chronically inflamed gallbladder can lead to more serious problems later in life. Better to have it out, imho.

[HVAC]

They thought it was my gall bladder and took it out. Then I went to a heart specialist, a gastroenterologist. Everyone said it was MS. All along it was classic Ovarian Cancer in my case which was spreading over two years. I hope it is not for you but if you have your ovaries do not ignore it.

Alex

[SarahL2491]

I think I might be asking my primary doctor to get a copy of the operative report for that gall bladder surgery.......just saying, for your peace of mind.  In some states, you can get a copy by signing forms.  

[HVAC]

Mine turned out not to be MS at all after the doctors thought it was. Have you had your ovaries checked?

Alex

[lssmargaretis]

Help! So this is my situation, On april 2nd 2011 I had a c-section with my first child, everything went well, healed up good, well a few months later (I want to say around october and november time) I had my gallbladder removed, Well I started noticing shortly after the surgery that I was getting these really severe cramps that felt like they were in my diaphragm, It would just seize up cramp up whatever you wanna call it, and I couldn't take a breath very well, It hurt SO bad, and made me start sweating, I have to lay down and relax when that happens, well here I am, may 26 2012 and I'm STILL having that problem, I'm not sure if it's an every day thing because I usually wake up early in the morning with it happening, then when it stops, I go back to sleep....I've talked to doctors but they really don't understand and tend to just blow me off....should I be alarmed? I'm only 20 years old as of april 2012 so I feel like that would be an awfully hard lifetime of pain that is that severe...it's horrible. I just don't know what it is...the people who removed my gallbladder were rather sketchy, before they removed it, they did all these tests to see if it was working properly, well they couldn't see it on their screen so they had to give me just a super tiny bit of morphine to relax my gallbladder since it was so constricted they couldn't find it, well then they determine it should come out, blah blah blah, then afterwards, they tell me "oh, uh...your gallbladder was inflamed" So I'm like....what? First it's super constricted, now it's inflamed, no one knows why, I just couldn't get a clear story....so I don't know whats going on. Is the cramping like some air trapped inside my body just floating around or something? Is it from the surgery since it never happened until afterwards.

[SarahL2491]

KISS principle = ANY pain enough to cause you nausea = 911 or/and ER
End of subject.  

Cardiac MUST be ruled out..........we want you around for a long time!

[gunnereva]

I hope this is not too little to late for relief for many people who suffer from this type of pain.  I had my gallbladder out in 2005 because of stones.
About a year later I started having the spasms that we all know.  Some of the events I did want it all to end due to the pain.  So in desperation I turned to the internet because every Doctor I saw just scratched their heads and shrugged their shoulders. They had no idea what was causing the pain
Then I found it on line...............SUGAR WATER
The next time I felt one coming on I grabbed a glass of water and two teaspoons of sugar, stirred it and bottoms up.  Within 5 mins I was fine
Relaxation and slow deap breathes do help, if you can manage with the pain
I don't go anywhere now without a few sugar packets.  I keep them in the car, in every coat I own.  We were at the Supercross Sat night and went out for dinner.
Well didn't I have an attack in the resturaunt.  I slipped away from the table with a glass and some sugar packets. Down the humming bird juice and try to breath through it and usually within 5 mins it passes
This only a temp fix for the moment.  Now I'm concerned about long term damage being done to my body. What's going on that will affect me later in life

mannanewmanna do you have anymore info on your colon cancer comment?

Thanks

[jumpinjiminy]

I hope everyone is doing well with this issue. Mine have returned, even after the gall bladder came out in May. Funny thing, I had them the night of the surgery in the hospital. I called the nurse for pain meds and she didn't come by until 2 hours later when my entire abdomen was rock hard and I couldn't get a decent breath. The pain was so intense. She kept telling me to to relax and breathe, I kept telling her it hurt too much, I couldn't. So they dragged me to the bathroom in that condition (is there a kind word for people like that?) because I hadn't passed urine that entire day, only to find that wasn't working either. Nope, it wouldn't pass.

Anyway, even in the middle of the spasm, it got brushed off as ??? I asked her how long before the pain meds kicked in and just about had a cow when she told me 30 minutes. I don't remember much after that, except someone had to come in and relieve my distended bladder.

Gall bladder is gone, spasms still coming. But I would recommend gall bladder surgery if it's an issue for you. I do feel better after having mine out. Quite a bit better on the whole.

[cainer]

Wow sure hope and pray you are alright! i have had that one time- and it was one time to many- no one can take that pain- hugs- gentle ones!!  tick

[mannanewmanna]

Absolutely, positively, DO NOT listen to your doctors and get your gallbladder removed!  I suffered from "diaphragm spasms", went to the ER by car and then ambulance on several occasions from 09-10... No doctor could figure it out... But then they sent me to a GI doctor who promised me it was my gallbladder... soon after, I had another attack, and believe me, I signed up for the surgery, because I would have opted to have removed a leg, had they said it was my leg.  Even morphine wouldn't subdue the pain...
I had my gallbladder removed in March of 2010, and just yesterday I was released from the hospital having the same symptoms....
I cannot explain the debilitating pain.  It feels like someone gives you a sucker punch to your solar plexis... you can't breathe... but it is worse than giving birth naturally, I can vouch for that.  The pain radiates through your abdomen and reaches around your back... It feels like someone is reaching in to squeeze your organs and stabbing them at the same time, but of course, you can't scream for help, because you can't breathe and the crushing feeling makes you lose your voice.
BUT I will tell you, that it is not worth having your gallbladder removed.... I am here with the same pain, and the 100% guarantee of colon cancer from the bile that continuously drips from my bile ducts....

[LisaJF]

Next time this happens HVAC, go to the ER, tell them you're having chest pain.  They will take you in immediately and do cardiac enzymes, EKG, the entire work up.  If it is not cardiac, then request a neuro doctor to see you.  

I just dont get it.  With neurological disorders, why would it surprise a doctor of said complaint of what you had with your diaphragm?  I would think anything goes if pain is involved or any other type of neurological issue.  Instead of being understanding and compassionate, they chalk things up to "anxiety" because of the knowledge deficit?  Could they not expand their minds?  Jesus.  Im irritated at some of the things I read in regard to the medical professionals!

I do hope you are feeling better..as time passes.  

You have my prayers.

Be good!

[cyndi25]

Hi..
Hope you havent had any of those nasty spasms lately.. I just came accross this post
today, and Yes, I do know all to well what you are talking about.. I have had this first time ,sometime back, maybe 1years ago, and it was very painful, I did go to the ER and was
treated like it was a Heart condition. ( heart Desease is very strong in my family loosing
brothers at early ages 40's) anyway,just recently, 2nd time,  it was in Sept.. I was at work, and all at once,
I got hit with this spasm, I wanted to scream out in pain, If only I could catch my
breath to yell, it lasted for what seemed like 5 mins, not sure, but only to return, at this
point, my co-worker, an RN, starts to take BP, slightly raised, she tells me she is going
to call an ambulance(I threaten her life if she does so.. )she then calls, my DH, and she calls, my GP, and they tell her to take me to the hospital... they do EKG and take blood, I spent the entire evening
there, The spasms had returned,but not as strong as they were earlier in the day,  , but finally eased
up by time the doctor  got in to see me, which was several hours later.   They release me, had me follow up with my GP and he makes appt for stress test, ect ,everything comes back fine..  GP said that it was more than likely a spasm.
Im telling you... I do not want to experience this type of pain ever again.. it was horrific.
two time was enough, the last being worst then the first.
Hope and pray it never comes back for you either.
but please if it does, go get it checked!!!
Cyndi

[HVAC]

Thanks Dan. I get winded very fast if I do anything. I really doubt it is my heart but I know you can't play.

Alex

[PastorDan]

Surgeon said my gall bladder was so filled with stones that it came out looking like a beanbag.

Dad saved a few of his gall stones in a jar, and kept them at work in his desk drawer to show off.  One was the size of a golf ball.

Whatever this is, Alex, we are still praying.

[jumpinjiminy]

So scary. I've had a few similar events. Years ago it was the gall bladder spasms that doubled me right over without warning. No stones, treated with an antispasmodic that worked well when I could feel that tension building down there.

Then a couple of months ago, there was a tight squeezing in the middle below right below the ribcage and at the same time a squeezing in the back of my throat and back of my tongue. It was like my body was getting ready to throw up, but I wasn't nauseous. The spasms hung on for about two hours, and during that time it started feeling like I wasn't getting enough O2, you know, like when you hold your breath too long? So I went to the urgent care center and they basically told me they didn't know what it was, and that if I couldn't breathe (which apparently wasn't the case at the time and my O2 sat was perfectly fine), then I should call 911, not drive down to the urgent care band aid station in town.

It came back a few times after that, then went away for a while, then came back in lesser forms just on the right side under the ribcage. This is what reminded me I've had spasms like that before, the "gall bladder" spasms.

I do hope you get some relief. It is painful, and frightening. And so frustrating when nobody takes it seriously, or doesn't have any idea what it is.

[PastorDan]

Okay; I had forgotten about you having that surgery.  Whatever it was, I pray it's gone for good.  Plan B: they find something easily, painlessly curable tomorrow, or whenever it is you go for the cardiac workup.

[HVAC]

Pastor Dan,
   Thanks I had mine out in May. This was way worse than my gall bladder.

[PastorDan]

Has anyone suggested gall bladder?  I remember my last two attacks; I was absolutely certain I would die on the bathroom floor, after heaving all my innards into the bottomless porcelain pit.  It definitely came in waves, made me not simply want to, but actually vomit (and how!), and lying down helped, until I couldn't bring air in and I had to sit up again, which generally made me feel like I had to throw up again.

Just thinking out loud.  Hope it's all gone before you read this.

[COBOB]

th be told, ERs really handle MIs and "Emergencies" pretty well.  It always surprises me that people equate Urgent Care or Primary Care Services with Emergency Care.   If Durham Regional Hospital is an issue, head up to Duke.   It has one of the best Emergency Departments on the East Coast.  They also have Urgent Care and Primary care services.

I have spent a lot of time in RTP and have had the unfortunate need to go to Duke University ER once for some debridement and sutures.  There was a trauma case going when I was there and thought their teams looked pretty sharp.

BobTru