Re: Myasthenia Gravis Remission

Posted By Tess on March 10, 1998 at 01:35:32:

In Reply to: Re: Myasthenia Gravis Remission posted by CCF MD GS on March 03, 1998 at 09:39:31:







: : I have had MG since I was 19 (I am 30) - the last 3 years I have had very mild symptoms but I have noticed that I am having symptoms come back at me like they started just as hard.  In the last week I have gone from taking Mestinon as needed (some days none at all) to having to take 120mg every 4 hours and a timespan 180mg at night before bed.  I am noticing it in my hands more now it originally started in my eyes 11 yrs ago and usually I used to notice it in my eyes first - I do not know if that is merely because I spend more of my time typing now.  I had a thymectomy right after I was diagnosed.  I am getting very clumsy again and am concerned at the drastic difference over the last week.  I am in otherwise good health, no over load on stress, no cold, I am on Depo for birthcontrol and do not experience a menstral flow any longer.  I am just concerned that it has hit me so much harder recently after such a long lag time with minor symptoms appearing occassionally, especially without any of the above in my life right now.  I have also had two healthy children without any complications (natural child birth)within the last 6 years.  I have always been on Mestinon - just adjusting the dosage as needed. Is there a remission with this disease and can it come back harder then it started?







Danielle I would recommend an evaluation by your neurologist at this time. Taking too much mestinon can cause the same symptoms as too little and it may be that you arehaving symptoms related to your medication. Patients with MG can have fluctuating symptoms that can be caused by many things including medications and other medical conditions. The best thing to do, however, is to see your doctor who can work this out for you - everything else will just be speculation.

Danielle,

I saw your question regarding remission was not answered.  Yes, remission can occur, both spontaneously, and as a "drug induced" remission (a lack of symptoms which is debated as to whether it is "true remission" by the experts).  Remission can occur anywhere from weeks, to years or decades; no way to tell.  Women have a guesstimated 20% chance of remission OR worsening of symptoms with pregnancy and menopause, so your hormonal balance may be playing a part here.  I would consult your neurologist regarding your OBGYN choice of Depro; perhaps another choice would be better for you.

Yes, after remission symptons can be increased, but as in all MG.... it could be improved too.  There is no way of predicting.

Hope you see improvement.  You may want to join MGmail as a support group, via e-mail, and/or join in one of our online MG chats.





My MG is not a Sportscar!