Nope, MG will not cause pain, only EXTREME muscle weakness - to the point of not being able to breathe.......SCARY stuff. The other stuff you were describing - problems swallowing are also par for the course with mg, but not the burning sensation while swallowing. I'm sorry I can't give you more info....Hang in there! Erin

Please read the useful links for Myasthenia above. There is one about pain in M.G.
Not saying but if you are +ANA and RF, sounds like you need a new rheum. Maybe going to Mayo would be a good thing. Best wishes.

Thank-you all for the info!

As far as the Mayo clinic visit, they tell me that due to all of my symptoms I would have to start out with an Internist and as of right now their Internists are so backed up that they are not even scheduling new appointments. I have seen so many specialists in the past few years, some have found and treated things for me, but here I sit with these symptoms that just will not allow me to live a normal life. I almost feel like it will come down to me getting lucky and finding the right doctor at the right time before I will find out what is happening to my body. It just blows my mind that we can see so many doctors and not one of them can figure this thing out. I know I am not alone on this subject, I'm sure many of you did a lot of suffering before you were diagnosed. My heart goes out to you all. I hope that you all can find the right treatment that will allow you to live the life you desire to live.
Take care.

BTW, Do you all see neurologists for MG or is there another doctor that treats this disease as well.

It's me again!

Gumby,
Thanks for bringing that article to my attention. I agree with you on the idea of getting a new rheumy. I am asking around to see if anyone I know can recommend a good one in my area. I think it's time to get the opinion of a new doctor.

So I guess I am left with the same question...Can MG cause pain?? I would be very interested to hear from more of you and get your opinions and expertise. I am not quite ready to close the door completely on MG.
Thanks,
Molly

The only pain MG will cause is if there is muscle strain from weak muscles trying to work--usually in the back of the neck. Pain, in an of itself, is NOT synonymous with MG.

I was on the MS site and one of the members described a "burning" sensation while swallowing liquid...have you thought about MS? Also, for some reason autoimmune problems sometimes run in 3's. You may have MG, but it sounds like you may also have something in addition to MG. I know you must be frustrated, but hang in there and let us all know how you are! Take good car4e of yourself!
Erin

erinhermes,

Thanks for staying in touch. As a matter of fact, MS has always been in the back of my mind, but my neurosurgeon doesn't think that I have it. He has ordered three or four MRI's for me (for other problems I have) and doesn't see anything that would point to MS. The only reason I even wonder about it is because of the similar symptoms. I realize that so many diseases have overlapping symptoms so it is really hard for even doctors sometimes to diagnose their patients.

Do you think there are any other autoimmune diseases that I should look into based on the info I included on this post? I am trying to do my own research but I get so overwhelemed by all of the possibilities out there. It seems like every time I think I have a diagnosis it leads to a dead end. I just want to get this thing figured out so I can resume my normal life with my husband, kids and family. My doctor is sending me to a mini Mayo clinic in my state just to get things rolling. He said that once I have my foot in the door it should be easier to get into the clinic in Rochester, MN.

Does anyone have an opinion one way or the other on Mayo clinic as far as trying to get a long-awaited diagnosis. I have heard mixed reviews from the people on my dysautonomia message board.

Thanks again for your time,
Molly

Molly,
I can't imagine what you are going through. I was to a much smaller extent in the sme boat until my diagnosis of MG - no one really knew what was wrong with me until I'd lost almost 30 lbs and was unable to swallow/breathe - it was terrifying! But that was only for a few months - fortunately my MG saw what was going on and scheduled an appt with a fabulous neuro who diagnosed me within 5 min. Finally! I was on Mestinon that day, but did NOT really get better until I was put on steroids, and had an IV IG - the miracle liquid, ,blood, etc, .....MY antibody level was at 600 - normal (per my neuro) is
.04 - my body was so sick that it all started shutting down - heart, lungs, everything, and I was in the ICU for days on end - scary stuff - now I am able to work most days and take care of my hubby and gorgeous son - thank God! Anyway, please hang in there and let me know how you are!
Erin

How are you doing? Have you heard anything new from your doctor? Are feeling any better? When you hav some time, let us all know how you are!
Hang in there!
Erin Hermes

Hi Molly,
Sorry you are feeling so poorly. I believe your best bet would be to have your doctors contact the Mayo clinic and try and get you in. Depending on where you live there are excellent hospitals in NYC or John Hopkins in Baltimore. Getting into a top facility is your best bet and your local doctor can treat you form there. Hope you feel better.
Al