Okay, so weird question. Does anyone has issues with taste or lack of interest in eating? Nothing looks good when I look in the refrigerator or drive around town in search of the perfect restaurant. I use to eat like a pig, eating large quantities and snacking constantly. Now, I rarely eat my entire meal or snack, and truly do not care if I eat or not. I can't say that I do not get hungry, its that food doesn't seem to be my friend these days?

Am I completely strange, or is this something that others have dealt with? BTW, i am okay with being strange! )

Jennie/gooberoobu

Talk to your primary doctor. A lack of appetite can mean a number of things. Are you afraid to choke on food? Are you depressed? Anorexic? Best thing to do is to write down possible reasons why and then see your doctor.

Annie

I am not sure if this answers your question,

One of the first symptoms I had was that I lost interest in food. I didn't realize at the time that I was having significant chewing and swallowing difficulties. I also thought I had a viral infection or weird allergy, because I would start coughing every time I drank some water, or tried to eat a juicy fruit. Even when I lost a significant amount of weight I didn't realize how much less I was eating.

When I told this, at some point to a speech therapist with a lot of experience with MG, she said it was not at all unusual not to understand that you are having such problems, if the symptoms progress slowly. Mostly, that its not that you can't swallow or chew, its just that you can't do it for long. and for someone with no previous experience with such symptoms it can be very confusing.

Yes I have the same problem. I am on Mestinon, Imuran and IVIG. I have lost 30 pounds since Dec and my primary care Dr and Gastro has done several tests but all were negative. I just try to eat as much as I can. I have good days and bad days. I tried the Ensure products but they taste really nasty. The things I can eat are salty, sweet or bland foods such as steamed veggies or fruit.
Mike

thanks for your responses, it gives me alot to think about.

My doctor just put me on Robinol to help with the nausea issues I was having with Mestinon. The nausea is much better, but I still do not have an appetite.

As far as the choking, swallowing, and chewing problems, I do fear that happening, and do limit where I eat... i only eat in front of immediate family or when I'm alone. This hasn't stopped me from eating, I'm just aware that at any moment it could happen.

I have had the house all to myself today.. .which is wonderful! Normally that would mean, raid the frig & eat everything in site. Its after 4pm, and the only thing I have had yet is a protein shake. Nothing looks good.

It could be depression, although I typically eat more when I'm down, not less.

Probably talking to my doctor is best. I'm already weak and its only going to be worse unless I can get the proper nuritionment.

Crap I just cooked a homemade lasagne with extra cheese (ricotta) (mozz) best italian sausage, extra garlic and I could barely taste it. I only ate about 3/4 of a piece. At least my weight has stablized at 147 which is 30 pounds less than my normal weight. Maybe someday I will get back to close to normal.
Mike

I totally understand that one, Mike. There isn't any flavor in anything. I was standing in line at my favorite restaurant today waiting to order, and just before it was my turn to order, I turned around and walked out. Kind of like there was no use in spending money on something that i either won't eat or won't taste.
I'm okay with a little weight loss... but I also need nourishment so I don't get any weaker.

I agree 100%. My wife and her brother and sister go out to eat once a week. Last week they went to a real nice steakhouse. I told my wife I wasn't going, no use wasting that kinda money on me who can barely get down a bowl of soup. My appitite seems better for breakfast and lunch so I try to cram in all I can. Come evening I don't want a thing.
Mike