Hi!
First, I have to apologize for the length of this post. I'm just wondering if this is normal. Well, our normal, anyway.

I have had extreme muscle weakness, bad spasms around my ribs area, and essentially not be able to exert at all for the past 2 years. Pretty much I'm ok as long as I'm on the couch and don't move much.

They diagnosed me with Sjogrens and CFS and put me on Doxycycline, Plaquenil, and Flexeril for the spasms. My rheumy hesitated to diagnose me with anything else until now, as I've developed Ptosis and the Plaquenil and stuff just isn't working and I'm getting worse. Usually the flexeril helped with my rib spasms, but not always as of late.

My concern is this, now that I've recently been told by everyone from my neurologist to my eye doctor that they think I have MG, I'm a little scared to take my Flexeril since my throat weakness seems so much more pronounced recently.

I've heard that Flexeril is dangerous to those who suffer with MG. Though I've got most all the symptoms, I've not been technically diagnosed yet as they're waiting for the test results (MRIs next week), but neurologist & eye dr really seem to think I've got MG.

But like today, I have these bouts of just being so weak I just can't hold my head up, but if I don't hold it straight up..if it tilts to one side or the other, it aggravates the collapsing throat and makes me feel like I'm immediately going to choke or throw up (sorry for the graphics).

My swallowing issues are becoming worse. Today felt like I was trying to swallow a big golf ball when I was trying to just drink water. It scared me.
I got worried I'd have to go to the ER...I reallllly don't want to do that. But this throat thing is getting worse.

Sorry...I'm rambling. I just want to know, does anyone else here have MG but still takes Flexeril? Do my symptoms sound familiar to anyone?
Thanks for listening.
Shelly

Doxycycline, the antibiotic? That's on the list of drugs that can worsen MG: http://www.mginc.mb.ca/docs/MG_DrugList_Final-1.pdf . It doesn't mean it's harming you, but it should be considered.

Abby

I urge you to NOT take the flexeril. I was given it early on by a well-meaning but misinformed doc who felt my double vision was a "spasm." I felt in my "gut" that I did have MG, but took 1/2 a dose and I was unable to move from the sofa for almost 24 hours. The weakness was horrible. I think with your description, the flexeril would possibly cause you a life-threatening event if you do have MG.

You know, I think I'd just head into ER if I were you. You sound absolutely miserable, and it's not improving. You do sound like you are approaching a "crisis" of some sort, if you aren't already there. Go now, rather than waiting for the "after sundown crowd" in the ER.

When you get to ER, try to be calm, but first off, tell them you are in the midst of being diagnosed with MG, but things are rapidly deteriorating. They will likely need your doctor info, and of course any med info. Take your meds with you, to save energy listing them verbally. If need be, demonstrate your swallow weakness to them, although they usually don't like you to eat or drink until the assessment is done.

Hope this helps. I am sorry you are having such a crummy time.

Keep us posted.

I would think that flexeril would make muscle weakness way worse. I would not take if if there is a chance that you have MG. Respiratory suppression can kill you. For that matter, swallowing issues can be fatal if you try to swallow and the food goes down the wrong way.