stress
 

When I am just the least bit stressed, my body becomes a rag doll. Even if I am running late for say work,appointment etc, my muscles just become so weak. This can come on so fast. I have fallen so many times its a wonder I am still alive. I have been lucky in that sense. Does stress affect anyone else with MG? The day after Christmas I was exhausted and just laid around all day...no energy whatsoever. Also, I am on 40mg of Prednisone and I am starting to get the moon face look. Is there something that can be done about this?

Appreciate all,

Sue C

Hi Sue C - Welcome!

I know what you mean - it happens to me (though I have not fallen). A bit scary cause I always wonder if (or how long before) I bounce back!

Re: Pred - - I haven't taken it though my neuro has offered. For me to put up with all the side effects etc., I have to be far worse than what I am now. The day may come - but for now...no.

There are plenty of others here who do take it - - and there have been a numerous threads in the past about this that you may want to read.

Sue

Hi Sue!
Welcome to the forum. There are lots of knowledgeable people here who can help you out.

Although I've had symptoms for a number of years, I've just recently started some treatment for the MG. I have been on prednisone for several months and am currently tapering the dose. Right now I'm on 40mg daily. I have been fortunate that I haven't gained weight and the "moon face" is fairly mild. It's important to limit sodium intake in your diet in addition to caloric intake.

There is a book that you can probably check out at your local libary called Coping with Prednisone. I found it very helpful reading.

Regarding your question about stress bringing out symptoms: I have also experienced that. It serves as a good reminder for when I need to build in a little more rest time.

Cate

Sue,

Welcome to the forum!!

My experience with MG is fairly new, but there are many folks on the board with good sound advice and experience.

I can't offer any advice regarding prednisone, my neuro hasn't prescribed it yet. We have discussed it as a possiblity in the future, I'd like to stay off it as long as possible.

Stress and MG don't go very well together, for some it's worse than others. With time you will figure out ways to control what stress you can, people meditate, some like hypnosis, others like calming music. We can't make our lives totally stress free, but we can sure try to minimze it.

Rachel

Ditto on the stress affecting MG.

I think it's time for you to call your neuro. Anytime you get worse like that with MG, you need to let them know. Pred can temporarily make someone worse before they get better.

Did they offer any treatments other than Pred? They have this stupid algorithm that goes . . . Mestinon, then Pred, then Cellcept or Imuran, then maybe IVIG and keep plasmapheresis for an MG crisis. MG doesn't pay attention to algorithms.

Only you can decide if Pred is the drug for you or not. Whatever you do, reduce the amount of sodium you are taking to a very low amount. And make sure you are taking calcium and a separate vitamin D plus some flax or fish oil. Talk to your primary doctor about all of this. They may want to check your calcium and D levels first.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Annie

When I was on 120mg of pred EOD my face ballooned. Now that I am on 20mg EOD the swelling is gone but I don't look the same and my lips are gone.

My conditions always worsen with stress.

Tony

Sue, I have not taken Prednisone but as for stress, it effects me greatly. My body also goes limp when I am exposed to stress and I have spent a lot of time on the floor after exposure to stress. Sorry you are experiencing this, it is no fun.

I have no tolerance for stress since I got MG. I haven't found anything to help me tolerate stress and so I live my life avoiding stressful situations as much as possible. I have tried so many things to reduce stress, and while they help in the moment I still cannot build up a tolerance to even simple stresses. I have had to take a nap over the stress of wondering what to make for dinner, isn't that just dumb?

I am considering a therapist to help me handle the stress. There must be some way of thinking differently that can make me see situations as less stressful, at least that is what I keep telling myself.

I do admit that a nice quiet day when I intentionally don't try to accomplish anything does wonders for MG symptoms. I have recently applied for Social Security Disability because the stress of trying to work was making my MG worse, I have had to quit working completely and am living on my savings account right now. If I didn't have these financial worries I think my MG symptoms will become less...maybe I could build up a tolerance for stress...I am hopeful.

Sue C, have you considered applying for disability?

I hope you are feeling better.

stress
 

No I haven't applied for disability. I love my work and actually there isn't that much stress at work of which I am so thankful for. Right now I am stressing out about the IVIG treatment I start next week for five days and 5 hours per! I have never been given this new treatment so am a bit anxious! I am cutting back on the Prednisone each week until I stop altogether. I hope this IVIG works!

Sue

Yes, absolutely. Stress is an influencing factor that can cause flare ups. I used to thrive off of stress, so when this came into my life I had a real adjustment. I cannot take the smallest amount. I have fallen due to coordination issues during stress induced times and get weak fast. It usually take me a day or two to recoup if I push myself, which I rarely do because it really is not worth risking my health for some fleeting objective.