hi deb , welcome to our group. I take 60 mg 4 times a day of mestinone and when I have trouble breathing I use oxygen . I used to use it quite often , but now maybe once every 3 weeks or so. You will get better as the mestinone works, Charlie

Deb with MG the muscles functions return after some rest. Mestinon will help and is a good medicine that is tolerated well by most. 30mg 3 to 4 times a day is a good starter dose, but many of us over time find that taking 60mg 3 to 4 times a day or more in some cases is what it takes to help better manage the symptoms. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for a dosage increase if needed.

I would imagine that after some sleep your breathing will feel stronger, if it is still bothering you or if you ever feel that breathing is an issue be sure to get in touch with your doctor or seek medical help right away. One of the areas that you can get into trouble with in MG is breathing and swallowing.

I hope you feel better soon after some rest.

Take care

Joe

When I had this test my voice was gone almost 8 hours.. Good luck, rest as much as you can.
Annette

Thank you all for your support and advise. My breathing is better today after a good 20 hours of rest, and I am able to talk above a whisper today.. The doctor just increased the mestinon to 30mg 4/day. I am hopeful. This is a scary disease, but with this support group, I don't feel quite so alone. Thank you, Deb

So sorry for the reason you are here, but welcome to the group. The mestinon dosage takes a bit of experimenting, but you should start to notice results very soon. Hang in there, the first month or two of this disease is the most upsetting and frightening, but there are better days ahead. Wishing you all the best on your path back toward wellness.

Deb, welcome to our group. The pulmonary function tests can wear us out. Sometimes dangerously so. Hoping your Dr will start you on a steroid sparing drug soon as they take months to kick in.

Take care and keep us posted.
-sherry

I realize that Deb has her answer, but I just returned from the pulmonary function test so I thought I'd post my experience too for the benefit of future forum members who want to know what to expect.

I was fortunate. The tests did not leave me particularly tired. For those who have never had the test, I will mention that part of it takes place in a closed booth. I am extremely claustrophobic, but the booth was all glass, only closed for a matter of seconds, and I never felt the least panicked or trapped. I could easily have opened the door at any time.

I hope that this is encouraging for people who need the test going forward. The experience varies depending on the patient.

Hope

I was able to get through it w/o a hitch, although I was nervous. Part of mine was in the phonebooth as well.

I think my understanding of the whole Pulmonary Function Test process is that it is necessary to establish a baseline, so any future PFTs would potentially show any decline that occurred.

The other thing I got out of it is that "normal" people with respiratory issues (COPD, flu, ...) are able to compensate for quite some time even while deteriorating, whereas Myasthenics experiencing respiratory compromise realize they're in decline, then quickly fall off the cliff. Be vigilant.

I personally detest trips to the pulmonologist even though my MD is a total sweetheart. Those tests are useful, but they wear me out.
Rest is the only solution. Glad you are doing better.

Carly