Anacrusis,

You mentioned in your other post that you had a Methacholine challenge to test for asthma or bronchial hypersensitivity. I have questions!

Did your reaction begin after the Methacholine was given or after the rescue inhaler was given (i.e., albuterol)? Did they give you only the Methacholine or did they follow with a bronchodiltor?

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/...008/swartz.htm

Were you on Mestinon when you had the test? Why? Both Mestinon and Methacholine/Provocholine are "Cholinergics" or "Anticholinesterases." If you take both at once, you can have an exaggerated response.

Did you know that Mestinon, in some people, can actually bring on asthma?

http://quizlet.com/3047077/cholinerg...s-flash-cards/

I've had the test so I know what happens during it.

Did you have pulmonary function tests on the same day as this test? Did they do MIP and MEP during your PFT's? Do you have your test results?

So I'm wondering, if having a drug similar to Mestinon made you worse, do you have too much acetylcholine or not enough? Or did you take it while on Mestinon and have an overdose response? Do you get where I'm headed with this?

There are some CMS's that get better with Methacholine or worse with it, just like with MG.

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/mother/acetylcholine.htm

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/synmg.html

Cholinergic Drug (Makes MG better): Mestinon

Anticholinergic Drug (Makes MG worse): Atropine, etc.

This is a complicated topic because there are so many variables with drugs and with the different receptors in the body (muscarinic, nicotinic, ganglionic). But the simple nature of the question remains: Which drug made you worse? The Methacholine or the bronchodialtor (if you had it)?

I think it's a fairly huge clue for you and your doctors, so I wanted to start a new thread to discuss it. I hope this helps.


Annie


All things anticholinergic/cholinergic, in case you feel like doing a little reading.

http://www.fpnotebook.com/neuro/phar...lnrgcMdctn.htm

http://dig.pharm.uic.edu/faq/myasthenia.aspx

http://www.slideshare.net/pharmpcte/...linergic-drugs

http://www.slideshare.net/kaami16/ch...inal-chemistry