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 All!
I have mild issues with eating - what I called mild anyway - often having to clear my throat throughout a meal - never getting anything stuck.
i have noticed though lately that when I taking my evening pills that I have gone from being able to chug-a-lug nearly all of them at once or maybe twice to now needing to take nearly 20 minutes to take them. I do have alot, about 7 capsules, and then 3 other pills. None of which can be crushed or broken up. If I don't take my time, then I feel as though they are all stuck in my throat.
Does anyone else experience this? This is so new for me - It just feels as though even when taking one pill at at time that my throat is closing up around it.
:)
I have mild issues with eating - what I called mild anyway - often having to clear my throat throughout a meal - never getting anything stuck.
i have noticed though lately that when I taking my evening pills that I have gone from being able to chug-a-lug nearly all of them at once or maybe twice to now needing to take nearly 20 minutes to take them. I do have alot, about 7 capsules, and then 3 other pills. None of which can be crushed or broken up. If I don't take my time, then I feel as though they are all stuck in my throat.
Does anyone else experience this? This is so new for me - It just feels as though even when taking one pill at at time that my throat is closing up around it.
:)
Are you taking mestinon.
It is the mg.
I would suggest you take as many pills as possible in morning. But if you can just rest throat by not eating or talking close to time to take.
It is a symptom so you need rest.
Trouble swallowing is definitely a sign to rest.
I am wondering if putting the piil in something slippery like pudding might also be helpful. I am thinking of your taking a drink of water then a tablespoon of pudding with the pill in that....then follow with two drinks of water. Also there is a way you can use air to help you.
Quadraplegics use this method. You take a huge breath of air before you swallow and it helps propel it down.
I hope you can get help with this and something makes it easier.
Hugs, Marie
Swallowing and breathing are my 2 biggest MG issues.
IVIG was the one thing that helped swallowing, but unfortunately, it also gave me meningitis and a crisis, so a bad tradeoff!
I was dx in late January, early Feb. I cant remember. :)
I am on my 2nd neurologist, 1st one referred me to my current one who is now sending me to be evaluated at a MDA Clinic in a large city near me - I have an appt the first week of Oct. with the clinic director. I am really excited for this because I think this will help with my dx and treatment.
I have main symptoms of ocular issues(like lots of double vision), lots of fatigue, (difficulty standing for periods of time, washing hair in shower, etc) often my legs and arms feel as though they weigh a ton. The swallowing issue is one that I thought was just a small bother but now that I am having difficulty with taking pills, I am thinking it is more of an issue than I thought. :)
Here's a very appropriate tip for your screen name. I have trouble with my dry potassium pills too, so take my liquid fish oil (1/2 tablespoon) just before and the pills seem to slide down better. I take 6-8 pills per meal so sip the oil as I go. If I am very weak from making dinner, I take the mestinon just before the meal so that I'm stronger by the end of the meal and swallow the pills then.
Flutebell
I am very glad you are going to a center as I think they will offer you some things that will be very helpful. Have a list of what is hard for you to do on your current regimen as that is very helpful for them, including your pill swallowing. Right now I find showers exhausting and have to take a fair amount of recovery time after. Driving has become only possible over shorter distances. Lots of changes here.
Let us know how it goes at your appointment, It is really helpful to others here to learn of doctors or centers that prove helpful.
Good luck with all....Marie
This is serious.
Call any neuro and tell them you suspect mg and are having trouble breathing....and swallowing....I bet you will get help.
This is more serious that trouble with pills.
Last night I used the method of turning my head to the side, which was a little helpful but also I simply tilted my head all the way back which seemed to really help...I was like duh. ;)
I am going to really sit with my husband and develop a very detailed list of not just what I thing are the big things but also the little things, like what I was thinking the swallowing was, for my visit to the MDA clinic.
I do believe I need more treatment and am ready to advocate for it. :) Ya Me! :) I just wish my appt. wasnt 3 weeks away but it will come quickly I am sure.