I have recently started having sudden bouts of severe weakness recently that has landed me in ICU 4 times since July. I have learned that my potassium and sodium is often low with these episodes. I also figured out that I have become extremely sensitive to medications. I take Imitrex for my migraines, which always makes me at least slightly weaker. I have had to learn to evaluate and decide whether it's worth taking with each situation. Well we decided to try Maxalt hoping it would work better for my migraines and not make me as weak. That was what caused 3 severe excaberations. When I stoppped taking it I got much better. So despite these meds NOT being on any list I think a lot of meds affect us anyways. My most recent bout was with Metformin. That did the same thing.

So as the med hits I would become increasingly worse, walking, talking, and breathing. Then as the med leaves your system things would get better. I am not a dr but my drs did agree that these were most likely the culprits. I have still been having a hard time but so far no sudden, severe weakness. Hope this helps and hang in there!

I thought everyone had these spells as I call them. I don't always have them and the "spells" I have now are much less severe since I have been on IVIG all these years.

I would feel them coming with weakness in my arms and legs plus a funny feeling inside the muscles of my arms and legs. For years I thought that I was having asthma and after I was diagnosed I began to pay more attention. I have always told all my docs that I felt like I was going to stop breathing and no one paid any attention. Doggone it, I was right, wasn't I!!!

I will feel weak in my chest and sort of anxious and if I use my inhaler I will get a little relief. However, it is not asthma. I ultimately experienced what I felt was a muscle spasm in my diaphram and it seemed more easily discernible when I was sitting at the computer.

When I get these spells I would often get what I felt was impending doom. I found that if I laid down and didn't move one muscle and just stayed in one place it took close to 1/2 hour for this to settle down.

It is a good reminder to watch what we are doing. Even though we think we are better we are always poised to experience one of these spells when we least expect it. I have also learned to take 1/2 mestinon prior to doing some task that might be stressful for me. Preventive medicine really does help. Good luck all. 69gto73

mommalove, I am wondering if you have ever been checked for Renal Tubuler Acidosis? This is a condition that people with Sjogrens Syndrome often experience.

A nephrologist could help with this situation, possibly. There are specific blood tests that need to be done for this and not all docs are familiar with it. Hope that this info is helpful to you. Good luck. 69gto73

Hi Everyone!
I so appreciate the sharing on this site. It definitely helps me to feel not alone on this journey of MG.
Do any of you experience a short time of weakness accompanied with yawning? I know this sounds funny but, I do. Does this mean my oxygen intake is being compromised?

Thanks so much!

Good question...I was always told yawning expresses excess co2 from lungs. If true, then maybe with weak pulmonary function because of MG weakness could account for the weak feeling followed by the yawning.

The real issue is, How long does the weakness last and do you ever get the feeling something is sitting on your chest...or a feeling that the effort to take a breath is almost not worth it?!! If so to either, be very careful about a crisis event.