Possible Alternative Treatments?
 

I was diagnosed with MG about six years ago. At the time, I was prescribed one tablet of Mestinon every four hours or so. At the start of the diagnosis, my MG was very bad for about two years, getting to the point where if I missed more than one dose, I would not be able to hold my eyes open or chew or even swallow. After three years, however, my MG gradually got better and all that was left was the double vision, droopy eyelids, and occasional muscle weakness in my arms.

Several situations have occurred to my family, and I am no longer able to afford the doctor visits that I once had. It's even hard to go for a general checkup now and then, or even an emergency visit to the dentist. Doctor visits are very hard financially for us, and I haven't been able to go to the doctor in over two years. Even my insurance won't cover doctor visits. Since my MG had gotten so much better, however, it wasn't that big of a deal until recently.

Recently, my double vision has gotten worse. Previously, one of my eyes would shift to the left or to the right, causing everything to shift steadily. Recently, however, now it seems as if my eyes are constantly shifting. It has gotten to the point where it's very difficult for me to drive anywhere without having to refocus my eyes every few seconds.

I've been trying a Super-B Complex every day, hoping it would help. Now, my question is, was that a bad idea? And do you guys know of any other way to help my double vision/droopy eyelids? It's really difficult to function at work and on the road with all of this coming back.

Hope you guys can help! Thank you!

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I cannot comment on the Vitamins, Annie B and Mrs D are our expert in that area.

But please try to seek assitance for you professional medical care. Most large teaching/university hospitals have social workers on staff that can help you navigate your way through the systems so you can get good medical care at a reduced cost. They have clinics and in-services that could help you. Besides public assistance, there are also private agencies that can guide you such as catholic or jewish social services and they do not care what your religious denomination is. I would also try the Muscular Dystrophy Association, they cover MG under their umbrella. They may be able to provide medical care through one of the MDA clinics. Please let us know how you make out.

kathie

Hi, GloryJay. Welcome!

I'm very sorry you are having such a tough time. There are so many people who can't afford doctoring. I highly suggest you contact your state's government offices and ask about emergency assistance or other forms of help. There are usually free clinics in states too. Kathie has given you some good advice about other alternatives. MDA clinics around the country have "free" days. I don't know what state you live in or I might be able to give you more advice.

If you have MG, you can't afford not to have help. There are currently no alternative therapies that are doctor recommended! Are you on any drugs right now?

A super B complex might not be the right thing to take. Some of them can give you too much of certain vitamins, like B6, which is not good for anyone. A good multivitamin could be enough. You could always ask a pharmacy for more information. Contrary to the kind words of Kathie, I'm not an expert on vitamins. Mrs. D. is, however.

If you can, ask someone to start making some phone calls for you. I'm sorry your symptoms have returned and that your eyes are such a problem right now. I really wish I could help you more.

Annie