Myasthenia Gravis

[Dear Me]

I am 86 years old and I am currently being tested for MG Has anyone else gotten this disease in old age?

[gardenerseye]

When I complained about a droopy eyelid 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with MG at age 66. Now that I know the symptoms, I am sure that MG started many years ago. I remember being surprised when I was unable to jitterbug with my husband 20+ years ago. Later complaints of weakness & fatique were dismissed by my doctors. Over the years, I am sure that they decided that I was just another difficult & demanding patient.

I am fortunate that my symptoms are mild, yet on a busy day, I have to make sure that my pills are readily available. At first, I had several severe reactions, such as terrible leg cramps, but reducing the dosage made those problems almost disappear.

I have been curious about the cause of MG. A newspaper article today suggested that food poisoning may be the cause of many serious medical problems years later. All the more reason to be concerned about our current lax food inspections.

Wishing you well. Take care.

[Dear Me]

Thanks, Gardnerseye, that is exactly what happened to me.

[jacks_daughter]

my dad turned 65 in may of 2007. on dec 26,2007 his eye drooped and he went into crisis less than a month later. he is probly going to the hospital today because of swallowing difficulties, for the 5th time this year.

[Dear Me]

Thanks for your reply. I don't feel so alone.

[karandi]

Hi Dear Me - please read the reply I have just written to "lira" it may help
Ken Robinson (U.K.)

[flmusic1967]

My mother (86) was diagnosed a couple of years ago with MG, and has managed to stay in her home, care for herself, etc. until recently (she fell). She is under the care of a neurologist and has been taking prednisone and mestinon. I understand that it is rare for seniors to contract this disease.

[jfcsr]

Mother was diagnosed with MG at approximately your age. She was treated with medication. Hard to tell whether "aging" symptoms were attributable to MG. She lived by herself until age 99.