Yes, it is difficult to explain to people just how uncomfortable this feeling is. If you say to them that it is not exactly painful, they minimize it. Yet, to me, it's as if I have some medieval torture device around my lower ribs and midriff. How I've managed to live with it for 4 years is simply that I've endured it. Also, I wear a hernia brace around my middle which seems to counteract the pressure somewhat. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia at one time but then it didn't show up on two separate CT Scans, so I don't know if I have one for sure or not. I have an appt coming up with a new gastrologist at the end of Aug. as I'm tired of evasive answers and no definite answers and a bottle of pills for heartburn shoved at me for non-existent heartburn. I don't however think it's related to that anyway but I still want to know.

As far as the brace goes, it's more as if the pressure is coming from the brace and not my body so much. It gives some relief but not really that much. I'm still very much aware of it. The only respite I get is when I lay down in my bed.

Now, I am beginning to think that there could be different causes for different people. Some people with MS have what is called MS Hug apparently. but I do not have MS. I'm thinking that in my case, it might be due to tight fascia in the rib cage area or maybe something to do with my diaphragm.

I do have pulmonary problems as well but my pulmonary doctor told me that it was not related to my lungs. He suggested it could be due to spinal problems dealing with the vertebrae and trapped nerves and so forth. It's worth considering as I do have some degenerative changes in some of my vertebrae.

Before Covid, I was still seeing doctors about it but it's been quite a while since I've actively pursued trying to find a cause and treatment. Now, I am again getting so fed up with the quality of my life, that I am going to take the bull by the horns and tackle it again.

I wish you well, as a fellow sufferer of this somewhat rare condition. My GP
is well-meaning and has sent me to different doctors but he really doesn't know much about it himself. I hope you have a good GP who can assist you in getting you the right treatments. If I come across anything of value, I will let you know, and hope you will do the same. Good Luck!