I have a couple of more questions about dealing with MG.
In reading some of the post and responses in here, some of you have commented on being careful about "PUSHING IT". can you be a little more specific on this. I started having shortness of breath issues about 15 months ago. This happens often and sometimes from doing the simplest tasks like walking across a parking lot or sweeping a floor. am I pushing it any time I have shortness of breath or is there more to the "pushing it" thing?

My second question is about deep tissue massage. I have been getting this done about every two weeks, most of the time I do get some degree of comfort from this even though it only last a day or two but on a couple of occasions I felt like I had been run over by a truck for a couple of days. Can anybody say if having massage therapy is a good idea or bad?

Thanks again for your help.

Whitecap, Having a massage is the same as exercising. So, depending upon how your MG is, you should evaluate the massages accordingly.

It takes some time to know what "pushing it" means for your MG.

If you are doing okay, do an activity, and then "crash" afterwards, then that is too much.

If you only get a little weaker afterwards, then that's rather normal for MG and a good night's sleep and/or nap will help get you back to your "baseline."

Pushing too much would be when you keep getting weaker, ignore that you are, and don't alternate activity with the right amount of rest/drugs.

Weakness can also come on so slowly that you don't realize the severity of it. If any muscles begin to cramp up or spasm, if you are rather short of breath, can't swallow, or can't move limbs well, then you have pushed way too far and might need to go to the ER.

I know that when my entire face droops, for example, I need to rest right away.

I highly suggest being evaluated by a pulmonologist right away. Make sure they do MG-specific testing (MIP and MEP). Those are tests that show how well you are breathing in and out.

Alternating rest with activity is a normal part of my MG life. I don't ignore those signs my body gives me. When I did (2005), I ended up in a crisis. Don't do that! It takes a lot longer to recover after your MG is pushed too far.

Any other questions?

Annie