Forum Replies Created

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    March 1, 2024 at 2:17 pm in reply to: Excessive sleepiness

    This is a great forum to share. I find that neurologists seem to dismiss some of our symptoms that do not fit their textbook learned symptoms of MG. It was good to hear that others have the problem of general fatigue and sleepiness. I find that I’m good every other day for house cleaning, laundry and the like. I thought it was just laziness setting in but I now understand it a symptom of MG. Thanks for sharing everyone. This is a great community.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    July 5, 2023 at 2:52 pm in reply to: Imagining a Life Without MG

    I’m reading the posts on this topic and I notice a trend.    Those in the first stage of “grief” which is anger.  Then there are those who live the “glass is half full” attitude towards MG.  No, we can’t do everything we used to do but there are still many activities we can do.  “Monitor and adjust” is the battle cry for all MG patients.  Last comment … live the life you have (to the fullest) not the life you wish you could have.

  • Wearing a “pirate eye patch” is an addition to my wardrobe.  It certainly helps my vision and ability to drive, and sometimes just walk.  I buy mine from Amazon in bulk and I wear a new one frequently.  I really don’t notice or feel it on my face. Sometimes I even fall asleep in bed at night wearing it.  I do trade from the right eye to the left eye to strengthen the muscles.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    May 3, 2023 at 5:42 pm in reply to: What triggers your dyspnea/shortness of breath?

    On a more extreme (and rarely, thank goodness) level, an infection such as a cold, food poisoning or sinus infection,  I have breathing difficulties that require oxygen.  A more common occurrence of breathing difficulties ( lasting a few minutes with rest helping) occur with walking up stairs, hills or a longer distance than 10-15  feet.  Also hot weather cause muscle weakness overall … including the diaphragm.

  • I was working in my yard one afternoon…. I experienced sudden onset of double vision.  I called my GP and was told it was likely I was having a stroke.  A trip to the ER followed.  An ophthalmologist noticed drooping eye lids and ordered blood tests which showed antiACH receptors antibodies.  Treatment followed…. and continues.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    March 3, 2023 at 2:48 pm in reply to: Pyridostigmine Side effect or allergic reaction?

    I am a 72 y/o male with a two year history of MG. I take 180 mg of Pyridostigmine (PB) each day along with 10 mg of prednisone.   When I first started on the PB I had issues with diarrhea… as my body adjusted to the PB the GI problems cleared up.   I’m sorry you are having allergic reactions.  It  be is the oldest, and simplest, of the MG meds.   Best of luck to you.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    March 3, 2023 at 2:47 pm in reply to: Pyridostigmine Side effect or allergic reaction?

    I am. 72 y/o male with a two year history of MG. I take 180 mg of Pyridostigmine (PB) each day along with 10 mg of prednisone.   When I first started on the PB I had issues with diarrhea… as my body adjusted to the PB the GI problems cleared up.   I’m sorry you are having allergic reactions.  It  be is the oldest, and simplest, of the MG meds.   Best of luck to you.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    November 19, 2022 at 4:00 am in reply to: Is MG hereditary?

    It would be interesting if there were a study of MG patients to try and determine if there are any common DNA markers amongst us.  Has anyone heard of such a study?

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    November 11, 2022 at 8:36 pm in reply to: When Did You First Meet Someone with MG?

    I have never met anyone else with MG.  This forum is the only contact I have with other MG patients.  It is very helpful to read about the problems and solutions that others are experiencing.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    November 9, 2022 at 8:23 pm in reply to: How Would You Rate the Quality of Your MG Care?

    My situation was very unusual.  Apparently I had a small stroke at about the same time.  Result was double vision. Looking back on it I was developing fatigue easily.  I was very proactive and scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist who recognized the symptoms of MG.  Summary statement …. early diagnosis and quick treatment is making my life much better.  Very happy

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    October 12, 2022 at 10:35 pm in reply to: Describe Your Journey With MG in 3 Words

    Monitor (your condition) and adjust (your activities.)

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    September 19, 2022 at 1:33 pm in reply to: Hey all!

    Paul,   I’m sorry you are not receiving the care you need and deserve.  My advice is head to Mayo Clinic.  You can self refer (no doctor’s referral needed.)  Don’t accept a diagnosis (or lack of) that you don’t have confidence in.

  • Kent Estes

    Member
    May 4, 2022 at 7:50 pm in reply to: Career Changes with Myasthenia Gravis

    I am retired after 25 years in the US Army.  My second career was a junior high science/math teacher.  After I developed myasthenia I could not keep up anymore … just not enough energy.    Nice to be fully retired.  I told my friends I was tired of being tired.   BTW, the eye patch due to double vision was a hit with the junior high kids.  They thought is was part of a costume.