MG AND Central Sleep Apnea
 

A couple of months ago I joined this site and reported how I was diagnosed with MG a few months before military retirement in early 2007 and wondered about a connection to chemicals I was exposed to overseas. I take a heavy dose of Mestinon to control the MG, but that leaves me queasy or nauseous all day.

Now, I have just undergone two sleep studies which have diagnosed me with both central and obstructive sleep apnea. The sleep center told me they strongly recommend a machine for anyone scoring over 5 on their apnea scale. My score was 29.5. I received my Bi-Pap this week with a pressure of 18. I am wondering if the central apnea (neurological) has any connection to the myasthenia gravis. I am still working and almost fall asleep each evening during the 20-minute drive home.

Hi, I'm also a MG patient with central sleep apnea. My doctor advised me to use CPap but it is really to hard to sleep with this machine. So I'm trying to find a alternative medicines to use.

Any advise about the matter is highly appreciated.

Central Sleep Apnea & MG
 

They tried two different facemasks on me with the bi-pap at high pressure of 10/18. Neither worked as they continuously leaked, so they have given me a device that places two soft rubber pieces into my nostrils. This works much better and is much more comfortable. The only problem is, you absolutely cannot open your mouth while sleeping. At least I can sleep on my side with this device. I know of no medicine that can control central sleep apnea as it is neurological. My myasthenia gravis has spread, now affecting both eyes. In addition to the Mestinon I take, they have now prescribed prednisone which I regularly take with no side effects yet.