Possible MG? Help!
 

Hello. Just wondering if anyone can help? On Sunday I suddenly got double vision. Mostly at short range. I also became very lightheaded. I have seen a doctor who noticed my eyes are not moving correctly e.g when a finger comes from a distance to my nose.

I've noticed since Sunday my legs and arms are more tired than usual. I am generally quite fatigued.

I had abdominal surgery nearly 5 weeks ago but the Dr doesn't think this relates. I have an MRI booked etc.

From looking into things I wonder if I am developing MG. Does this sound right? I did the ice pack test and I am pretty sure it slightly helped with the double vision.

Anyone had anything similar when MG started?

Hi, James. Welcome to the forum!

First, surgery or any other bodily stressor can bring on MG in some people. That can be enough to push the immune system into disease. There's no such thing as coincidence. The body reacts to any trauma it experiences. Sometimes, the immune system can handle what is being thrown at it, sometimes not. A few months after a surgery, I acquired celiac disease. Not a coincidence either.

You really need to be seen very soon (possibly the ER). If this is not MG, this could be signs of a clot (which can happen after surgery) or a stroke. If this is MG, you sound as though you are not doing well. If you become so weak that you can't walk, talk, breathe, or swallow, then that is the time for a 911 call.

You can also have more than one thing going on. Has anyone done a D-dimer to check for signs of a clot? Although that can also be elevated after surgery.

An ER doc or a neuro can do the AChR (acetylcholine receptor) antibody panel (binding and modulating antibodies). They can do a clinical exam to test your muscle strength. They can do an O2 reading while sitting and moving.

MG can come on slowly or quickly or anywhere in between! One of the first signs of MG can be a need to nap. That can also be a sign of a B12 deficiency.

You can see a neuro-ophthalmologist to have them evaluate the double vision. Does the DV go away when you close one eye? That is called binocular DV, which is typical of MG. Monocular DV, which doesn't go away with closing one eye, has other causes.

You should find an MG expert. Not all neurologists, or other doctors, know much about MG. And a neurologist can evaluate you for any other issues related to the DV if you don't have MG.

How are you feeling right now? How is your breathing?

You need more doctoring. If you become worse this weekend, you need to be seen in an ER. Dialing 911 is very important if you are really weak. I hope you'll find answers soon!

Annie

James, Are you doing okay?

Annie