Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
I don't post much due to limited energy and time, but I want to share this with you all as a loving reminder to be careful about the medicines/supplements you may take.
As you know, certain MEDS affect people with MG in different ways.
After taking FLOMAX to help a kidney stone along, I had taken some MAGNESIUM for my slow gut as well. I have taken both of these separately at different times with no noticeable problem. However, taken together I got weak really fast. My breathing was rough and labored for HOURS. I hoped it was just my asthma, so I did treatments. The rough breathing and heaviness in my chest persisted through the night. My pulse ox just @ 91 and peak flow at 250. It was touch and go all night. I prayed I would not have to go to the ER, but I was too weak to really push for it anyway. (I probably should have gone in for some NIV, looking back now) I suffered through and it could have really cost me. (don't delay like I did--when in doubt, go in!)
In the morning, I was weak, but able to talk again and breath a bit easier. I guess it's because one or both of those meds has worn off.
I will not touch Flomax again as now I know it is a muscle relaxer. My uro gave me this knowing I have MG. I trusted her to know better. I should have double checked!
Small doses of magnesium never bothered me, but I will think twice about using it again as well.
This was a close call for me. I feel like God kept me out of crisis and I'm thankful for that.
Please be careful with your medicines/supplements. Doctors can
miss the boat, so you have to know for yourself what could be hazardous. MGFA has a great resource list for the meds that can
exacerbate MG on their site.
Carly
As you know, certain MEDS affect people with MG in different ways.
After taking FLOMAX to help a kidney stone along, I had taken some MAGNESIUM for my slow gut as well. I have taken both of these separately at different times with no noticeable problem. However, taken together I got weak really fast. My breathing was rough and labored for HOURS. I hoped it was just my asthma, so I did treatments. The rough breathing and heaviness in my chest persisted through the night. My pulse ox just @ 91 and peak flow at 250. It was touch and go all night. I prayed I would not have to go to the ER, but I was too weak to really push for it anyway. (I probably should have gone in for some NIV, looking back now) I suffered through and it could have really cost me. (don't delay like I did--when in doubt, go in!)
In the morning, I was weak, but able to talk again and breath a bit easier. I guess it's because one or both of those meds has worn off.
I will not touch Flomax again as now I know it is a muscle relaxer. My uro gave me this knowing I have MG. I trusted her to know better. I should have double checked!
Small doses of magnesium never bothered me, but I will think twice about using it again as well.
This was a close call for me. I feel like God kept me out of crisis and I'm thankful for that.
Please be careful with your medicines/supplements. Doctors can
miss the boat, so you have to know for yourself what could be hazardous. MGFA has a great resource list for the meds that can
exacerbate MG on their site.
Carly
More than a few of my doctors have started to prescribe cipro and a few other things that are no no's, but I have learned how important it is to question.
Annette
I take prescribed but small amounts of magnesium to combat cramp-fasciculation (another autoimmune condition).
I have to monitor and watch myself very carefully.
Most Snowflakes do want to avoid magnesium, either as a supplement, or when it is an ingredient in many meds, even in over-the-counter meds.
That combination of meds, that caused your bout?
Phew, very scary. In the past, I've had sudden and severe breathing problems, after some meds. I always thought it was because the MG was getting worse. Looking back, now I wonder.
MGFA has updated their list of contraindicated meds for MG'ers.
I better go review that, and print-out a new copy.
I carry the MGFA Medical Alert Card, in a see-through window of my wallet, which lists some contraindicated meds. Maybe they also have an updated version of the card. - Ross