[StephC]

Yes or no? I mean just to take the edge off, like glass wine or (large) lemon drop martini type drink. I started seeing therapist once week, two which os great (did as precaution never before) but talking about MG doesnt make up for every 24/7 moment i have to live with this illness. Seems would be better than taking anti-depressants?

[Stellatum]

Originally Posted by StephC

Yes or no? I mean just to take the edge off, like glass wine or (large) lemon drop martini type drink. I started seeing therapist once week, two which os great (did as precaution never before) but talking about MG doesnt make up for every 24/7 moment i have to live with this illness. Seems would be better than taking anti-depressants?

Well...first, be careful. Guess what alcohol does: it disrupts communication between the nerves and the muscles. So alcohol + myasthenia can be like alcohol + alcohol. Or like myasthenia + myasthenia. You get the idea. So if you drink, be really cautious. See how a little bit affects you. Don't assume that because you had a glass of wine last week and it didn't bring on MG symptoms, that you'll always react the same way.

Second, I always worry about people who drink to treat depression, or to treat an emotional or mental problem of any sort. That's how alcoholics are made. Of course I'm not saying that anyone who has a glass of wine to "take the edge off" is headed towards alcoholism! I'm just saying, again, be careful.

It's funny that you ask about this, because my husband and I recently got it into our heads that we could go out and have a beer together at night after the kids are in bed (we have big people around to babysit, don't worry!). But I am afraid that when he has to practically carry me out of the bar--which he might have to do even if all I had was a coke--we'll make a real scene! Because I sure do look drunk when my MG is giving me a hard time.

For what it's worth, I've read that people who drink wine regularly are less prone to rheumatoid arthritis, which I personally am worried about getting some day. RA is an autoimmune disease. Maybe alcohol has an effect on the immune system.

Abby

[bny806]

I used to have an occassional glass of wine and loved it.. but now I can't drink any.. it makes my symptoms so magnified.. and then I feel WAY worse the next day too, even after just a little... (I don't have an official diagnosis of MG at this time though- just some weird undiagnosed neuro dz I get ivig for)

[StephC]

Ok, let me clarify, i am not depressed, and i do not take anti-depressants, just acknowledging that some days it is a difficult and yes, at times sad. For me personally, I think mental anxiety plays a large part in this illness, if i think a beer which make me appear, be like a falling down drunk, it probably will however it is also very possible whether i have a drink or not. By the way, today was NOT one of those days as i am feeling good from the IVIG but that too is sommething difficult for me...can feel pretty decent and later not so much.

[4-eyes]

It's really just an individual thing. Earlier in my journey, I would drink an occasional glass of wine or cocktail (and EGGNOG during the holidays!) but I noticed it did magnify my symptoms, and nasal regurgitation of booze was way PAINFUL. I didn't drink at parties or publically much at all, as it was just too difficult, as I was unable to converse and drink. I also found that I did better if I drank on a full stomach...like a glass AFTER dinner--at home.

Now that my symptoms are well controlled, I can drink like a fish! Just kidding, but it doesn't bother me at all as far as MG goes.

Experiment and hopefully you'll be lucky and it won't bother you much! Good luck!

[denik258]

Originally Posted by StephC

Yes or no? I mean just to take the edge off, like glass wine or (large) lemon drop martini type drink. I started seeing therapist once week, two which os great (did as precaution never before) but talking about MG doesnt make up for every 24/7 moment i have to live with this illness. Seems would be better than taking anti-depressants?

I have had no problems with wine or beer when my MG has remained mild. I do get what I call the mestinon flush but have not noticed it magnifying my symptomatic unless. Now that I have begun prednisone, I am terrified to drink a drop.

[Alan53]

Isn't that the problem with MG having to spend so much time resting
And MG is so different in all of us and we never know how our day will go
No one would drink if their symptoms were bad
Some of us are able to have a drink many can not
Good luck in deciding

[wild_cat]

I'm completely inteolerent to alcohol and always have been since the symptoms started. Even a small sip can send my nervous system into complete shut down. I read somehwere that quninine, which is contained in tonic water (often used as a mixer) can have a toxic effect for MGers. For me I know it's not worth the risk, but then everyone is different...
wild_cat (undiagnosed)

[Quandry]

The last time I had a margarita, I took a couple of sips and could hardly breathe or move. I was at Chile's with my daughter and her friend and I was practically laying down on the bench seat. This happened a couple of months ago and was frightening enough that I never want to touch alcohol again.

[JennieM]

Originally Posted by StephC

Ok, let me clarify, i am not depressed, and i do not take anti-depressants, just acknowledging that some days it is a difficult and yes, at times sad. For me personally, I think mental anxiety plays a large part in this illness, if i think a beer which make me appear, be like a falling down drunk, it probably will however it is also very possible whether i have a drink or not. By the way, today was NOT one of those days as i am feeling good from the IVIG but that too is sommething difficult for me...can feel pretty decent and later not so much.

Steph
After 30 years, here's what I have learned. If I want to drink (which for the last 5 years is almost never because my MG is very progressive) I have to eat bread - preferably with butter. Butter helps counteract the effects of the alcohol and with the bread, you should be able to have a drink without getting drunk. This will not stop the flush and my face gets pretty red but sometimes when you are at a party, a little red face doesn't matter.