Eddie -
I'm glad you found us, but sorry you had to. I hate hearing about people your age having to deal with this disease! You will have to let us know more about your experiences with MG.

I am one of those that told Erin about the patch problem. I turned into a limp dish rag within an hour of a nurse slapping it on my arm (without my permission, I might add). I was in the hospital and already weak, giving a neurologist my history when this nurse stomped in with it.

Immediately upon finishing the neuro exam they came to get me for some MRI's and the poor little girl that was there to help me in to a wheel chair was not any more prepared for my state that I was. Legs, arms, neck, head, back - all muscles like cooked spaghetti. I'm amazed I didn't have a full crisis then. Of course I knew I didn't like what the patch did to me when I tried it before, but I didn't know I had MG and I don't think there was any info about the patch effect on MG at that time. I just recently found that out.

I also, dummy that I am, started Chantix in Mid December '08. I had been in remission and didn't even think about it. But 2 weeks after starting it, when I hit the maximum dose, I had this exacerbation. I stopped taking it right away then out of instinct, and have since been told definately do NOT take Chantix with MG.

Therefore, I'm not willing to risk using any of the quit smoking aids and figure I'll just have to get myself psyched up to do it cold turkey. If you go for it, please use this forum for support to get you through that. I don't really know how many of us smoke, but I know you will get all sorts of encouragement here.

The one time I did quit (until my car accident and mondo drugs did away with my desire to care!) it was through hypnosis and worked WONDERFULLY. I quit for an entire year, gained no weight, took up an exercise program religiously and felt great!

Sorry Erin - I forgot about that when we talked about this.

I tried to go in for another session after I got off most the drugs, but unfortunately due to ongoing pain I couldn't get relaxed enough for it to work . I've heard others say the accupuncture works too, but I don't know anyone who stayed quit with it.

I've babbled enough!

Best of luck to you, Eddie, and we'll look forward to your input!