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...
Hi. My dad has just been diagnosed with MG. He is having extreme difficulty swallowing anything and has lost 16 pounds in 2 weeks. The speech therapist recommended a Vitamix, but we are not sure what to blend? We tried a pasta mixture but he was not able to eat. We are not even real sure how the Vitamix works or if we should get a Magic Wand instead? I tried stuffed shells for him but he was not able to eat the shells. So far he is living on the cheese mixture and applesauce. Sometimes he can do ravioli or eggs. They say he might need a feeding tube. We are quite desperate for suggestions. He did well with pureed roast beef and carrots in the hospital but how do you puree this stuff? Please help.
Hope this helps
Chuck
I do protein powder (I use pea protein) / 8oz fruit purée your get at the store ( the ones that are juices of a bunch of different fruits all in one) 1.5-2 cups of Spanish and Kale. Flax seed 1TBLS I hv a NutriBullut I use
I do the shackes when my swallowing gets bad.
If you're stuck for options RIGHT NOW and don't know what to prepare some meals of the day you could also buy baby food in jars for emergencies. I mean, it's not the most elegant of solutions but a couple (or more - depends on size and what's in them) of jars will replace a meal. you can heat them up as well. Get a whole bunch of different ones. Try them out and you're sorted for a couple of meals and snacks.
I don't know much about shakes but the internet is full of recipes for blending into manageable meals.
Look for dysphagia diets.
https://www.gicare.com/diets/dysphagia-diet/
Just make sure the consistency you create is perfect for your dad. Some people (like me) have more trouble swallowing very liquid things and some struggle more with mushy solid foods. If it's too solid - add some water blend again. If its too liquid add some more solid food - blend again.
You can do it! It takes some practice but you can do it!
Mestinon is really a boost for most of us when we need it early in treatment. Most doctors are very slow to begin MG treatment at levels we need to function -- so push them and get things underway.
IVIG (blood products additive) is also a good immediate type treatment to get through problems as is PLEX (blood filtering). We have to be very insistent to get through to someone who actually treats MG knowledgeably--especially at the beginning when we are most often the weakest.