What you're experiencing is very common among people with myasthenia gravis. Heat and humidity can interfere with the signals between nerves and muscles — and since MG already affects that process, heat can make everything feel much more intense. Many MGteam members have described feeling completely drained, with one saying Show Full Answer
What you're experiencing is very common among people with myasthenia gravis. Heat and humidity can interfere with the signals between nerves and muscles — and since MG already affects that process, heat can make everything feel much more intense. Many MGteam members have described feeling completely drained, with one saying they felt like "a big limp spaghetti noodle" after being in the heat.
The swallowing and speaking difficulties you noticed after coming inside are also something others have experienced. MG can affect the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, and heat-triggered flares can cause these symptoms to linger even after cooling down.
The important thing to watch here — the swallowing and speaking difficulties after heat exposure are a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored. If these symptoms worsen or don't resolve, contact your doctor promptly, as extreme heat can potentially lead to a myasthenic crisis. Here are some practical tips that have helped other MGteam members manage southern heat and humidity:
- Stay indoors during peak heat hours, especially on humid days
- Avoid mowing during midday — early morning is much safer and cooler
- Use cooling vests, cooling towels, or cooling scarves with ice packs when outdoors
- Take cool showers to bring your body temperature down quickly
- Stay well hydrated — lukewarm or iced water both work, whatever goes down easiest
- Rest before you feel you need to — don't wait until you're fading
- Keep air conditioning and fans running consistently at home
One MGteam member shared that they limit outdoor activity to one or two hours in the early morning only. Another keeps crushed ice nearby and puts it in their mouth when they start feeling hot.
Discussing a heat management plan with your doctor is a really smart move, especially given that your symptoms are lingering after cooling down.
July 20
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