choking
 

I choked last night for the first time. Just from a normal drink of water. I couldnt breath for what seemed like forever, but was proud of myself for stopping my panicking and waiting things to work again so I could swallow the water and cough. I've only had problems with clear liquids in the past on occasion, having to swallow several times to get it all down. Is this choking thing a normal problem with mg? I think I'll drink from straws from now on!

Hey Annemarie!
 

Be careful with this Annemarie, a straw can get the liquid moving too quick to handle. You're better off just taking your time and taking small controlled sips.

Agreed on the straw! Some of my worst chokes have been with a straw! I have learned to just kind of test the waters a little everytime I drink something. I hate when it feels stuck and just has to trickle down! Amazes me still that water can get stuck!

Be careful, and good job on the lack of panick - that doesn't help anything at all, does it!

Take Care.
Becky

Another tip they gave me in the hospital, is when you drink bring your chin down towards your chest alittle, it keeps liquid from sneaking down your airway. If I don't do that , I choke when I least expect it !

Mary,
That's a great suggestion! Thanks for sharing that!

Hey Annemarie!
 

Thank you for all the well-wishes! I have had a busy few weeks, so haven't checked in here. Haven't choked again, but still feel as if water isn't going down with just one swallow. But now I am cautious whenever I drink.

Okay, now I need your opinions on something that happened to me. Last week, I had a couple of very stressfull, emotional, overwhelming days. It was just the last straw on the pile of crap I've been dealing with over the past two years. I took a few swigs from a bottle of whiskey, cried a bit with my sister, then laid down on my bed. I'm not a drinker, so didn't realize what a few swigs of whiskey would do. Didn't feel so good. Went to bathroom to make myself throw up any left in my stomach. Got back in bed. Needed to go to the bathroom. Stepped down quickly from my bed, which is rather high. Landed on foot wrong and it twisted and I felt horrible pain. Tried to stand up and realized my foot was unuseable. I started crying again, thinking "what else?". Crawled to my bedroom door, met by husband and son who heard my thud when I hit the floor. ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULDN'T BREATHE. Tried sucking air in, couldn't seem to get enough. After a minute or so of this, son called 911. As First Responders arrived, my fingers were gnarled up and I soon passed out. Next thing I remember was some man yelling at me if I didn't breathe, they were putting a tube down my throat. Guess I took a breath. Don't remember much after till in hospital with IV. Layed there a while then was released and was given written instructions by Dr. to "stay away from alcohol and see family doctor". My question is, could this have been mg related, or did I probably have a panic attack? I've had those, this wasn't anything like them. It hit fast and furious. Anyway, now my usual anxiety is doubled that this may happen again at any time. If it's possibly a small "crisis", I want a med. alert bracelet. When the EMT's asked my husband if I had any medical problems, he replied "No, just anxiety". I'm sure he was stressed, but please. Maybe I should have all my medical issues tattooed on my forehead! I would like opinions from those who have experienced a crisis. Are there different levels? Thanks in advance!

hi annemarie
so the swallowing hasnt got any worse thats good ive had lots of problems with that but only when im not expecting it same with the breathing i know when it becomes weaker and staying carm is inportant
some people won't drink and some do with out to many problems i sometimes have a glass or two of wine but havent had any problems with that
worse is the stress and worry that plays a big part on how the MG is
good luck alan:hug:

don't doubt it Annemarie
 

I am so sorry Annmarie, I hadn't read this post, when I responed to another one on the same issue. I get the full picture now. Yes when I have been in crises, I have stopped breathing, do to complete weakness, my whole body goes, including lung muscles. I have had the tubes, & other times, if I can keep my eyes closed & not talk I can save the energy for my breathing.
Mary

Hi Annemarie - that must have scared you half to death!

Definetly get a bracelet and there is a "pamphlet on the MGFA.org site that I keep with me in case I land in a hospital that isn't versed in MG (same for first responders).

I have to say I had a similar experience when I did a small shot of Brandy to calm myself down so I could sleep one night several weeks back, although sometimes I can have a drink with no affect.

I think the difference was that I was so keyed up with tense musles using my muscle juice (as Annie calls it - I love that) then I did the shot and bam! Couldn't breathe.
I have a Bi-Pap machine for my apnea and that's the only thing that kept me from the ER that night!

There are different levels of crisis - the problem is that once you start to get to that point you never know if your lungs will completely shut down or not.

Be very careful! And I'd stay away from alcohol too. It's a depressant (physically too) so it will affect already weakend muscles.

Hi Annemarie!
 

I know EXACTLY what you mean, only MY crisis was b/c I took a sip of coke and by that time my nasal passages were so weak that I choked - literally could not breathe for about a min - after the 3rd one I was ready for the ICU - could not swallow @ all! I mean, not even ICE! Scary!

You do need one of those bracelets - they are very, very helpful - especially since there are meds that we simply cannot take.
Sounds like you need to have your meds upped for a while - either that or the liquid gold that I am always on......sux, but helps quite a bit for most of us.......wish it worked for ALL of us!

You need to take it ez and see your neuro SOON! JUst tell (s)he what is going on and they will give you the help you need!

Hang in there, hon!
:hug:Erin:hug:

Hi Annemarie,

Alcohol in any form and amount sends my MG into spirals. I took to havinging Lemon Lime and Bitters, cos you only need a little of the bitters, which are alcoholic. The next day my MG is always worse, so I hate to think what it would be like if I tried anything stronger.
So I've learnt to stay away from alcohol, and just smell the wine and appreciate the aroma, not that its the same as enjoying a glass occaisonally.........

Sorry you are having such a hard time. I don't have the bracelet but what I did was type up a paper explaining that I have MG {and what it is} and what meds I can't take and it explains to the EMTs what to do. This came in real handy last month when husband had to call 911 for me. {EMT thought I was having panic attack} Most EMTs never heard of MG and lots of Dr.s don't even know what to do about it. That paper has saved my butt a few times. I keep one by the phone, one in the car and one in my purse.

i keep a paper of er info including meds,drs,er family #s and a whole lot more in many places. i have one on refrig that i take when out walking,one around my drivers lic in wallet and hubby has one in his wallet. they get updated when needed-that way hubby has it if we're away,kids know it's on fridge. i have several other chronic illnesses before mg. looking at me you wouldn't think i take all these meds etc. hope someone benefits from this tip!!have a great w/e!!:)

I need to do that xmas, I do have an MG card in my wallet, & I carry my app. cards for doctors, but I wonder if they would look. It would be better to have it all on one piece of paper.
Thank you,
Mary

do you use ICE?
 

Choking and Humor
 

I choke on liquids quite frequently. When I had my Thymectomy they messed up my vocal cords so they don't close all the way which makes the choking worse. There have been times when I have taken a big swallow of something and I know it isn't going down. I wind up spitting it back all over myself. Then start the convulsions, eye watering, hacking up a lung and my personal favorite loss of bladder control while trying to get the liquid out of my airway. I try to see it with humor although there have been some very embarrassing episodes.

Leaningin, sorry but I had to laugh with you! Better to laugh than cry, right?

Interesting theory on the alcohol. Don't think I'll do any testing on the subject though! What meds are normal for mg? I'm on neurontin, flexeril, ultram, antidepresssants, and anti-anxiety. Seems maybe the flexeril and anti-anxiety aren't such a good idea if I already have muscle weakness. I have 3 different doctors who all think they know best. Think it's time I take charge and tell them what tests I want done. It's so easy to forget that they work for US!

Annemarie, Neurontin, flexeril, & ultram are bad for MG, I to was put on those three, when I first had trouble. Because they thought connective tissue disease, as soon as they learned I had MG also, they got me right off. They were making my MG worse.
Somrthing to look into !
Mary