Breathing troubles
 

Hi,

I had to lie down on a floor today, and that's when I noticed what I haven't been able to put my finger on: I can't exhale without difficulty. My family have been complaining about the grunting noise I make when I sleep and I haven't slept a whole night in months, probably because the exhaling causes trouble. Is this typical of bulbar MG? It was when I was flat on my back I noticed I had to sort of press out the air.

I need a dX :)

You're fighting gravity!
 

Try lying on your stomach and leaning forward when you have trouble breathing - it really helps me!

Last time I was in the ER for breathing problems, I had a doc who actually knew what mg was because he had worked with a surgeon who had mg. He told me to lean forward and it definitely helped. He explained I was using gravity to help me breathe instead of fighting it by lying on my back and having to push my lungs against gravity.

Now I do it all the time. It doesn't stop the problem, but it definitely helps me breath easier!:D

With symptoms like that, and the ones from your other post, you need to be seen right away. I know your appt. isn't for another month but that is too long to wait when you are having breathing problems. Call your neuro's office, tell them you can't breathe in. Doctors always have emergency appts. for patients.

If they can't or won't see you sooner, go to the Emergency Room. Not being able to breathe well is an emergency!

Sitting up in a recliner, or sleeping in one, may help you. You have to be fully supported though or the chest wall muscles will have to work too hard to sit up. Also, in case it's MG, don't get too hot. Rest as much as you can. Try putting a cold pack (though not too cold) on those chest wall muscles.

Bottom line here is that you need some help and VERY soon. Don't worry about "bothering" anyone! It's their job to be bothered - it's what they get paid for. ;)

I hope you will get someone to help you. Let us know how you're doing.

Annie

Be careful about lying on your front (sorry Juanitad). The lungs may not be able to expand as well that way.