Is MG Inherited?

By CommunityMember8790709

1 min read

My father died in 1968 at age 72 from MG that was discovered by autopsy.

He was unable to swallow any solid food and had great difficulty with liquids. He could not chew nor hold his head up among other things.
He first exhibited symptoms about 18 months prior to death. None of the doctors he saw ever diagnosed MG.

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CommunityMemberb054f1 Member
Does anyone know the real cause of MG please. R there certain types of personalities who would have it ? I have worked physically hard from the age of 8 a carer full of empathy and compassion for others. A perfectionist.pushing myself to limits mentally and physically. Love cooking and feeding families fresh every day. Accepting disappointment from partner and siblings and ending in circumstances where I would never have accepted if younger & stronger. Depression and poor diet was major factor growing up. Never had milk eggs and meat in diet. B grateful for other Sufferers experiences. 
1. Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb054f1" user-id="9764628"/> Here is an article about what causes MG: <a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/causes' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/causes</a>. Here is a scientific study about "Personality factors in patients with myasthenia gravis: A prospective study" that I think will be of interest to you: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/brb3.3228#:~:text=3.1%20Personality%20types%20in%20MG,%2C%20based%20on%20self%2Dassessment.&text=ns.&text=ns.,ns.&text=ns.&text=Note:%20ns.%2C%20not%20significant,value;%20two%2Dsided).. --- I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult time with your partner and siblings. It can be incredibly challenging to accept disappointment from loved ones, especially when it leads to circumstances that feel unfair. I think you may resonate with the following article: <a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/chosen-family' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/chosen-family</a>. Remember to take care of yourself during this challenging period. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. Jodi, Team Member
CommunityMemberb054f1 Member
Have MG been on Mestinon for 12 weeks and I am 72. The side effects I am suffering r sweating major bladder issues during day and night and I’m exhausted from it. Cramps in stomach and legs and hands too. Steroids were started 4 weeks ago and I’m more hungry now and put on 2kgs in weight. Don’t want to gain weight. Still not able to eat meat or have a slice of toast as mouth muscles still weak. Also took 4 tablets of Alendronic acid once a week and Colecalciferol with vitamin D. Still feel fatigued and tired. My diagnosis was slow and I was told I suffered a TIA and sent home from hospital with blood thinners. My eyes were drooping and blurred vision with double vision and unable to look up as eyes were swollen and yet no one picked up other symptoms. Loosing 1stone in weight as couldn’t eat and swallowing was very painful had to eat soft foods. Made me see a neurologist who at first said I looked severely depressed but my eyes were so swollen he diagnosed MG & a blood test proved positive antibodies & the suffering of 14 weeks & no medical doctor could tell it was something sinister. I mean loosing so much weight in a short period should b a concern. I thought I was going to die soon as never felt so weak and vulnerable. I am a very strong woman and had a very challenging life and feeling so weak was very painful for me. I’m still Having 4 bad days out of 7 and hoping my neurologist can start me on something better. What a challenging time this has been. Wishing all the sufferers lots of positive vibes. Take Care 🙏🏽
1. Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb054f1" user-id="9764628"/> I am really sorry to hear that you're experiencing such distressing side effects from the medication. I personally know how tough it is to deal with sweating and bladder issues. These are unfortunate common side effects of mestinon. Here is an article that might have some helpful tips about coping with urinary incontinence: <a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/urinary-incontinence-solutions' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/urinary-incontinence-solutions</a>. --- Alendronic acid has led to triggered symptoms or crises for some individuals with MG. Have you noticed any worsened symptoms associated with taking this? --- Have you discussed starting any other MG treatments with your MG specialist? --- Here is an article about what causes MG: <a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/causes' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/causes</a>. Here is a scientific study about "Personality factors in patients with myasthenia gravis: A prospective study" that I think will be of interest to you: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/brb3.3228#:~:text=3.1%20Personality%20types%20in%20MG,%2C%20based%20on%20self%2Dassessment.&text=ns.&text=ns.,ns.&text=ns.&text=Note:%20ns.%2C%20not%20significant,value;%20two%2Dsided).. --- I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult time with your partner and siblings. It can be incredibly challenging to accept disappointment from loved ones, especially when it leads to circumstances that feel unfair. I think you may resonate with the following article: <a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/chosen-family' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/chosen-family</a>. Remember to take care of yourself during this challenging period. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. Jodi, Team Member
CommunityMemberad5bd5 Member
Hi My father died in 2013 He had MG but also had lung cancer. Towards the end of his battle with cancer, his MG was exasperated. He had trouble swallowing and found it extremely difficult to hold his head up. I too have MG, started Ocular and after 2 years it generalised. My great uncle, on my father’s side had MG too. How can it not be hereditary considering this 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks for reading ☺️
1. Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberad5bd5" user-id="6695290"/> I agree! Maybe enough research on the subject will eventually occur to provide definitive answers on how MG is hereditary. How have your MG symptoms been lately? Jodi, Team Member
Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="CommunityMember8790709" user-id="8790709"/> Hey there! I am genuinely sorry to hear that your father's MG went undiagnosed. You asked a great question. The exact answer is still unknown as scientific research continues to shed light on the connection between MG and genetics (<a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/clinical/genetics' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/clinical/genetics</a>). "They think genetic factors are partly responsible for its development. They have linked MG to a family of genes called human leukocyte antigens (HLA)" (<a href='https://myasthenia-gravis.com/clinical/genetics' target='_blank'>https://myasthenia-gravis.com/clinical/genetics</a>). However, to help answer your question, yes, MG can be gene-related. Numerous individuals who have commented on MG forums and discussions and shared their stories say they have a family member who also has MG. --- You have MG as well, correct? How have you been doing recently? -Jodi, Team Member
1. CommunityMember8790709 Member
 <inline-mention username="Jodi Enders" user-id="4496596"/> Thanks Jodi. I do have MG. The past 4-5 weeks have been the best in over a year. I have been able to work some in my shop. I still tire very quickly and recover very slowly. I have been able to reduce my weight from 275 to 240 since May 1st. Goal 215 by year end. The Prednisone is adding to my predisposition to be overweight hence the effort to reduce. I believe MG is hereditary. In my opinion there has not been enough people diagnosed for the medical profession to conduct studies.