An ECG is not sufficient and that's not even my opinion but that of cardiologists. You need an echocardiogram, where they look at the heart, it's size, structures/valves, etc.

Do you have COPD? I just think that anytime someone has such severe breathing issues that they need to be thoroughly evaluated. And why is the answer always, "Here, take this drug!"

I like to use the example of when I had an undiagnosed B12 deficiency. If my doctor had given me Provigil for my fatigue and Neurontin for my parasthesias, I'd be awake and fairly pain free but I'd eventually be dead, since you can't live without B12.

If a cause isn't found, the condition will continue in spite of any treatment. And the treatment isn't always the correct one! Boy, am I grouchy today.

Annie

Sorry, yes, they did an echocardiogram and it looked okay.

COPD is progressive. My breathing had improved before meds anyway.

"Here take this drug" is indeed a disaster. I probably would refuse Provigil after similar types of considerations.

Here is some popcorn for your mood:

Thanks Steph, Alice, Heat Intolerant, wild_cat and Annie


You know, wild_cat, it was much easier to follow my instincts when symptoms were more predictable, progressive and physically dramatic. I seem to have lost that same instinctual ability the minute resolution began appearing regularly between all the fluctuations…

(I do have a good instinct about your upcoming appointment though )


Thank you for that very specific link Heat Intolerant. It must have been a pretty traumatic experience for you to need respiratory assistance whilst on board an aircraft. I can understand you not wanting to have to do anything that might bring back that experience again.

(If someone ever wanted me to inherit a rather large sum of money, I would donate a large part to MG research and save some for you to take a luxury cruise instead )


Annie, thank you for sharing your knowledge and all the experiences you have had on board.

If what I had was anything to do with diminished oxygen reserves then this would be even scarier than I originally had thought. I did register warning signals but in fact felt invincible and quite fearless even during the worst moments.

Anyway, I presume the pressing on the lungs must also be to do with feeling the higher pressure from outside the diaphragm during flight descent. I´ve never had that physiological sensation before MG type weakness began.

I did end up buying an oximeter and used it on board for the return journey. The levels fluctuated quite a bit (between 8 digits) so I´m not quite sure if I used it correctly or even bought the right one.

But what I am really quite sure about now, is the following –

• Something is not quite right if you are having any type of respiratory problems in-flight and post flight on modern commercial aircrafts

• Time is of essence especially at higher altitudes

• Even a slightly altered state of consciousness can lead to a false sense of security and well being altering symptom perception, judgement and response for appropriate action.

Have a wonderful day,

Anacrusis