Alice, I was reading up on ACh receptors and I believe it said that ACH receptors were primary for skeletal muscle which we feel as our muscular weakness but also there was a smaller amount of Ach receptors for smooth muscle in the gut, gland secretion as well as in the (memory area) brain. So should it follow that MG might cause digestive and cognitive issues as well? Since it affects glandular secretions, is this why so many of us also have thyroid issues? I had a thyroid tumor removed several years ago.

Let me know what you think,
kathie

There are different types of Achetyl choline receptors and also the effect of acetyl-choline is local. In classical MG there are antibodies which are directed against the AchR of the muscle specifically.
But, in some patients there are also antibodies directed against receptors in the autonomic nervous system.
I am not aware of antibodies directed at the AchR of the brain. But everything is possible.

I think the reason for the cognitive issues in MG is that the brain becomes preoccupied with how to perform simple daily tasks and therefore less capable of performing other functions.
If you have to "think" of how to breath, eat, drink, walk, read, write, pick up an object etc. you have less "thinking power" for other things.

I know that since I have MG, I am not capable of multi-tasking. I can either walk, or talk or think. Also, people who work with me have to adjust to my pace and not the other way around.

Putting cognitive function in perspective.

I think I can summarize my own experiences roughly like this:

• Cognitive dysfunction during chronic fatigue – 100% over a 2 year period

• Cognitive dysfunction during hypoglycemia - under 10% over a 2 year period

• Cognitive dysfunction during myasthenic muscle weakness – under 5% over the last 4 year period


Am grateful for all the interesting comments including those coming from a medication perspective as well.

Alice

Thank you for sharing this – it is also very inspiring for people to read this who want to let go and move forwards – there´s already more than enough to be getting along with when you first have a disease.

Celeste

The horseriding was a surprisingly fabulous experience on many different levels!

I had to allow my gut to take over when the brain no longer knew what the heck to do with a horse that was starting to slide down a steep muddy embankment. It´s the first time I´ve ridden a horse and also the first time I´ve ever had to put my trust in an animal.
I had to stop riding earlier than the rest of the group but I now have a little dream that for one single day......
I´ll find a wide open space somewhere in America and then just....ride like the wind

There is something magical about uniting your mind and emotions with those of a horse.

Just adding these to this thread as well….

http://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2012...rder-loss.html

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Myast...ple-smell-less

Thanks Mike, Brian and Teresa

Without a doubt, i can not multi-task as i used to. In fact, for at least a couple years now i cannot have the radio on when driving as i need silence to focus on task itself. Fortunately i do not drive very much (only about 250 miles per month) but it is definitely something i have noticed.

Well Celeste, my experience is similar to yours with the horses...had hoped to be able to get back in that saddle again, but so far can't even get them legged up..weather is better now, but my weakness is so much worse it doesn't look like this'll work...& even just going to the barn & feeding them, my dypsnea is worse, still trying.....

Dottie

Hi Steph

Do you mind me asking if the GBS you suffered from gave you any cognitive symptoms whatsoever?
If so, what were they like and was there a complete resolution?

I have periods of being unable to multi-task with processing sound -
And I have no idea where all that´s coming from!

Anacrusis

I can't really get on the horse easily. I use a mounting block and I do fine. When I fell off several miles from the house, I was able to find a nice ditch to stand her in. It did take some convincing to make her understand that I wanted her to walk into a hole........

I did not know about these effects!

http://link.springer.com/article/10....017-011-8165-7