It is your generalised MG. When pushed to its limits, it absolutely is affected. If you watch the video on exercise that willcope put on the board, you can see how MG is at affecting our breathing etc. That would very much include the diaphragm.

Not everyone with MG gets generalised and affected that way though. I do.
Lucky for them!


Regards,
TJ

Thanks I will go watch the video. I just got some more test results back LOL my colon doesn't work either! This is crazy!

The video is basically about people with "controlled" MG. People that are still very active with MG. People that are able to exercise...to some degree and to what degree:

http://vimeo.com/31250660

Thanks for that info,they are working hard for research !

Mary, you posted your question under "MG list of weird symptoms" on the second page. It's still there :-) . b.

As we have seen here, in countless numbers of postings?
Generalized MG, with symptoms becoming progressively more severe?
Can definitely affect the diaphragm & associated muscles - and shortness of breath.
Not being able to expel enough carbon-dioxide: seems to be the biggest problem, although oxygen levels are sometimes affected, as well. As the carbon-dioxide builds in the bloodstream?
The brain sends out signals, to breathe even more, which heightens the physical (and mental) distress - of anyone in this situation, MG'ers included.

So much for MG - affecting only our ''voluntary'' muscles, huh?
- Ross

My Diaphram is very affected by myy MG. My ribs and neck muscles become fatighued from trying to compensate to breathe when this happens and I have to cough frequently to empty my lungs so I can get more air in again. This is when im not doing well of course.

It is a sufficating feeling and a time to call the doc if this is wha't going on with you.

If your dr. doesnt understand this, maybe bring some info in with you from the MGFA or ask him to to recomend a specialist in MG.
This breathing issue is a serious one and can get worse quickly.

I have heard others hear say this is also an issue, so not so uncommon.

Thank you all for your comments, I find that when I bend over it will happen to me I will loose my breath. Also anytime I over exert myself I am shocked at what happens to my breathing, It's like some giant is giving me a bear hug and I am trying with all my might to get some air and i can't get it. Then it slowly will start to come back. It has happened 3 to 4 times this week alone, and that's just one of the things i have wrong with me. Sorry for all the whining! You all here seem like a wonderful family with a lot of info. mary

TJ, I love that video and I am eager to get my MG eval over with so I can find out what I can get clearance to do something (however small) to begin improving and maintaining core strength, muscle tone, and cardiac/metabolic health. Is there an exercise thread here already? I have seen posts from one person here who is involved in the program described in the video, but can't remember who. The topic of exercise is very important to me!

Mary, thanks for your topic! During the acute breathing exacerbation I experienced this past spring, (before MG had been suggested to me), I had felt like my diaphragm might be the problem. (I think it also caused the breathing set-back I had a couple of days ago).

When my breathing feels weak or constricted, I feel more comfortable in loose clothing. When I was in the acute situation, I also found relief in arching my back.

I hope you feel better!
Rosie