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While on vacation recently, I had severe speech issues. Has anyone else had this occur? I could swallow but my tongue and lips didn't work.

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭

I was diagnosed with gMG in August of 2024 after symptoms began in May.

November 11, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with speech difficulties related to myasthenia gravis, with many identifying stress as a significant trigger... Read more

Members shared their experiences with speech difficulties related to myasthenia gravis, with many identifying stress as a significant trigger for flare-ups, particularly the stress of preparing for travel or managing work responsibilities while trying to rest. Several members offered practical strategies including using cold compresses to relax muscles, drinking pickle juice for muscle spasms, adjusting Mestinon dosages with medical guidance, and setting firmer boundaries around work communication during vacation time. A recurring theme was the importance of addressing root causes of stress rather than only treating symptoms, giving yourself permission to truly disconnect and recover, and communicating openly with your medical team about any changes in symptoms or medication adjustments.

A MGteam Member

Dear Melanie,
I also had this variant of MG, very focused on my throat, mouth and face ... and later lungs !
This is how it started, and then it only went worse.

I would recommend not to take Prednisone ( I also hate corticosteroids, too many unpleasant side effects), but rather ask your doctor to prescribe you Mestinon (which is pyrostigmine), 2 to 3 pills a day.

If it does not get better, ask for an EMG (electromyogram) and it worst case they could try some immunoglobulines infusions, for about 7 days.

If even this does not work, then your have a still active Thymus which needs to be taken out.

I really hope you can make it without surgery!!

Please keep posted about your evolution

Kind regards from Denmark

Christel

November 16, 2025
A MGteam Member

4 times 2 pills of Mestinon a day is already a very high dosage.
And vacation should in theory make you feel happier / more relaxed, not ADDING stress, so maybe you should revisit what is stressing you BEYOND the mere fact that you are going on vacation.

MG appears at 80% after having endured too long chronic stress or too long a situation which makes you deny your true self.

Try and find the original ROOT CAUSE before only treating symptoms and flare activating triggers.

I understand that you want to reduce the intake of drugs, but right now they are quite useful protecting you from flare impacts until you treat the root cause

November 16, 2025
MGteam

Have others with MG experienced severe speech issues where the tongue and lips didn't work properly?

Yes, speech problems are quite common with myasthenia gravis. Studies show that slurred speech (dysarthria) affects as many as 60% of people with MG, with severity ranging from mild pronunciation issues to significant Show Full Answer

Have others with MG experienced severe speech issues where the tongue and lips didn't work properly?

Yes, speech problems are quite common with myasthenia gravis. Studies show that slurred speech (dysarthria) affects as many as 60% of people with MG, with severity ranging from mild pronunciation issues to significant speech impairment.

The speech difficulties you experienced likely stem from muscle weakness affecting your jaw and tongue. When these muscles can't move as they normally would, it becomes harder to form words properly. Some people describe their speech becoming:

- Slurred or hard for others to understand
- Quieter than usual
- Nasal-sounding or hoarse
- Difficult, especially with certain sounds that require tongue movement
- Exhausting after speaking for longer periods

A MGteam member shared similar challenges: "My diagnosis started with double vision and weakness in my mouth. I couldn't use my tongue, chew, or eat." Since you were recently diagnosed and experienced these severe symptoms while traveling, it's important to reach out to your neurologist soon. New or worsening bulbar symptoms (affecting the tongue, lips, and speech) can signal disease progression or involvement of additional muscle groups.

Your neurology team may need to adjust your treatment plan to better manage these symptoms. Factors like fatigue, stress, or the physical demands of vacation could have contributed to the severity of your speech difficulties during this episode.

November 11, 2025
A MGteam Member

And it doesn't help that while you're traveling across the country any time you can get texts you are from the office.

December 23, 2025
A MGteam Member

That's happened to me a lot. And I think stress is a big factor in that flare up. Mine lasted a few days but not speaking and some cold compresses should help. Just lay back and let ice relax your muscles
Stay hopeful 😎
Pickle juice is good when having muscle issues. If you drink a little in a shot glass it works within seconds of a muscle spasm.

November 12, 2025 (edited)

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