Question about myasthenia gravis

[gurs]

can anyone tell me how Myasthenia gravis gets diagnosed? symptoms for those of you that have it?

thanks

[irish]

I have myasthenia but can only type a short while due to finger not related to MG.

I had periods of fatigue and exhaustion for about 40 years and complained to docs a lot. Also had times when I felt like I would stop breathing. Docs told me it was my asthma. Eventually I noticed a drooping on one lid and alsos felt like a rope was pulling tight my body under my rib cage.

Eventually referred to an immunologist. He did an antistriated muscle antibody blood test and it was very much above normal. This is what he used to diagnose the MG. He put me on Mestinon which is a medication that helps to return the strength to muscles. It needs to be taken every so often over the day depending on symptoms.

Also a blood test for acetylcholine is frequently done. I had a negative acetylcholine test and this is not unusual. Sometimes the do muscle testing which is not as apt to give a good positive diagnosis. Docs will also do a cat scan of chest to see if your thymus gland is enlarged or has a tumor which is often present in people with myasthenia gravis. I had no growth noted.

Hope this helps. There is not a lot of testing to be done. The symptoms that can be observed help. Have someone take pictures if you note weakness of your eye lids cause it doesn't always show up in the docs office. Also, I had some problems swallowing and peas and other food would go up into my nose. This is common as the soft palate muscle relaxes with MG and food will slip up into the nose easily. I also had a very nasal voice like I was talking in a barrel from the relaxed palate. Good luck. Irish

[Jasper]

I do not have Myasthenia Gravis but my close friend does.

Her symptoms were fatigue, exhaustion, and a droopy eyelid.

The droopy eyelid seems to be pretty common among people with Myasthenia Gravis as is the fatigue and exhaustion.

It was the droopy eyelid that got her to the doctor and to a diagnosis.

[irish]

The droopy eyelid gets the doctors attention every time along with the nasal monotone voice. Irish