In 2003 I had high platelets...but not enough to be a problem according to my doctor, just something to keep an eye on. I haven't had them tested since so I don't know if they are still high. I wonder too if there is a connection.

Nicky,
First of all I laughed out loud at your comment about your ginormous head!!! I sooo know the feeling of being vain about all these side effects!!!

The Dr wasn't sure it was bacterial. She said since I was scheduled for my repeat chest scan 2 days later it would show up in that but we ended up having a major snowstorm and I had to reschedule. My Neuro thinks I am just having trouble kicking it because of the pred. My immune system is so supressed it is having a hard time fighting off the infection. I KNOW smoking doesn't help. I have a RX for Chantix but it is $156. for a 28 supply and insurance doesn't cover any of it. I am hoping to get that filled here in the next week or 2.

I think I remember Erin saying something about high platelets too now that you mention it.

Yes taking meds every 3 hours stinks!!! I never dreamed I would have to take so many different meds. Sometimes I wonder if part ofthe reason I feel so bad is from everything my body is trying to absorb.
Kendra

Pat,
I appreciate the info and didn't think you were being a mother hen at all. I always appreciate the input.
Kendra

DesertFlower,
Have you thought about going in to see if they are still high? If you do please let us know. It is strange that there are several of us who have high platelets!
Kendra

It's okay, Kendra...I was trying to be a bit funny about the 'ginormous' head thing...It makes me feel better to laugh about it...Actually, when I saw my pics. on facebook, I was LOLing- big time...My mom's like, 'you shouldn't be so critical of yourself!' But it made me feel better too see it as a temporary, humourous thing...hehe

Oh no! I don't want to be a downer, but I don't know about the Chantix...My doc. suggested this to me before too, but when I read about the side-effects people were experiencing, I decided against it...They might be increased with the pred. and an SSRI too because it is a type of anti-depressant as well...But that's just me, and I tend to get worried about such things...But it might be totally fine and work great for you, which would be excellent!

Nicky,
You are not a downer at all!!! I talked with the Dr about the side effects and she checked everything out as far as interactions with other meds and the MG. I gave it some serious thought and decided to take my chances. I just don't think I can quit without something like this. I am usually such a strong person who has the will power to do anything but these d*** cigarettes have won everytime in the past. It has really gotten to a point where I fear if I don't quit I am going to die. My breathing is so labored at times and I feel short of breath and my heart races. Whether the ILD is smoking related or not I need to give them up in the hopes these issues will get better. I haven't fill the rx yet but will let you know if I have success with it.
Kendra

Kendra,

My dad smoked and had a hard time quitting, he finally switched to some herbs. He said it worked great for him. He drinks teas and uses herbal chewing tobacco now. He said that the craving for nicotine never goes away but that the herbs satisfy the cravings.

Today I saw an article on these herbal substitutions and thought you might be interested. Be careful since some of these herbs have side effects that might be bad for MG.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2773/

I was looking for teas that might help my possible chest cold. I can't figure out if I am sick or not. My chest area muscles are so tight I feel like I have bruised ribs. I do have a slight cough so I though some tea would help.

I hope your bronchitis has gotten bettter.

I am curious about the platelet thing. My dad's family has a history of blood problems...and my grampa died from a blood clot in his knee (when I was a teenager).

DesertFlower,
I will check this out. I believe your dad is right that the craving never goes away. My dad quit about 25 years ago and told me that when he sees someone smoking it still makes him want one. I would be totally open to using herbs. I'll be sure and check them out first to make sure they won't interact with the MG.

Hopefully you're not getting sick. If you're like I am you kind of feel like something may be coming on but you're not certain until you have clear cut symptoms. I know it is worrisome to not know if you have overdone it and are dealing with an MG flare up or if you have picked something up. I did finally get over my bronchitis and sinus infection. It made me sooo sick that I couldn't hardly do anything for about 10 days. I definitely learned my lesson about working more than I can now handle.

I am curious about the platelet issue too. I have never been able to find anything that shows a connection between high platelets and MG but I need to spend some more time researching that. If I find anything I'll let you know. Thanks again for the link!!!
Kendra