Throat feels tight and tired
 

Hi all,
New here and trying to figure this all out. Very very tired today and weak with just walking down the hall a bit. Sitting at my desk for most of the day and I notice that my neck keeps going backwards and my throat feels blocked when this happens (makes sense). I am intentionally keeping my head a bit forward now, but throat still feels tight, but I can breath- just feels very weird.

I have read that going to ER can be very frustrating experience since many ER docs don't know how to treat MG patients and I would like to avoid unnecessary waiting in an uncomfortable chair and unnecessary bills just for them to tell me that I may feel like my breathing is weird, but I'm really fine. Trust me, if I really feel like I can't catch my breath I will go right in...

Thoughts?

No, you shouldn't "go right in." You should dial 911 if things are worse. Then you won't be waiting in an uncomfortable chair but an uncomfortable gurney, where you belong. EMTs can do some basic things such as check your O2 before you get to the ER.

You can't judge how badly you are doing—only a doctor can do that. Don't take any unnecessary risks.

Trust your instincts. Only you can decide when it's time to go in. But don't wait too long either, because MG can progress rapidly and you don't know how badly things will get or how fast.

If you can find a U-shaped pillow or a collar to support your head, that often helps to give those muscles a break. Sip on some cold water to see if that helps the swallow or place a cool washcloth over your neck.

The problem is that you aren't on any drugs, and, if you have MG, you don't really have anything but rest to relieve your symptoms. That can be a dangerous situation.

If you go in, you could tell the ER doctor that you are suspected of having MG but don't have any answers yet. Tell them how badly you've been doing and ask what they can do for you (if you can speak).

Most importantly, try to rest/sleep as much as you can, but that's still no substitute for medical care!

Annie