Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Did your first medication alleviate all symptoms or was it a partial response? If it was partial response what was the process like after?

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Bridgewater, NJ

I haven't gotten an official diagnosis yet but have had improvements but not total resolution of symptoms since starting pyridostigmine. My doctor is using my response to medication as a potential indication of MG but i dont follow up until september. Im just not sure what I should be expecting for this process and if partial response is even good enough for a diagnosis. Thanks!

July 20
 · 
Reactions
A MGteam Member

Mestinon does not work for everyone with MG, it really depends on type of MG and personal response. I have Musk GMG and it did not work for me but I do remember the first neuro-opthomologist wouldn’t treat me because I did not have acetacholine antibodies. So if certain drugs work they can diagnose by symptom management. I hope you get full management of your symptoms.

July 21
A MGteam Member

My symptoms have not fully disappeared, even after being on pyridostigmine for 6 years now. They may go away for a day or two (or more), but always come back, and I think that's probably common with mg. The meds help to control symptoms but even when they're invisible to others, they're still present to some degree, at least for me. I was diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and response to Mestinon (I'm seronegative), so just as stated in the AI response, even an improvement is signifant. Best Wishes to you on this challenging health journey!

July 23
MGteam

What a great question — and honestly, the waiting game before a diagnosis is one of the hardest parts. A partial response to pyridostigmine is actually quite meaningful and commonly seen. It's often used as a first-line treatment specifically because it helps improve nerve-to-muscle communication, and not everyone Show Full Answer

What a great question — and honestly, the waiting game before a diagnosis is one of the hardest parts. A partial response to pyridostigmine is actually quite meaningful and commonly seen. It's often used as a first-line treatment specifically because it helps improve nerve-to-muscle communication, and not everyone experiences complete symptom relief from it alone. MG is known for affecting everyone differently — sometimes called a "snowflake disease" because no two people's experience looks the same. Some MGteam members have shared that certain treatments changed their lives completely, while others found little benefit from the same treatment.

This variability is exactly why doctors often layer treatments or adjust them over time. If pyridostigmine provides only partial relief, there are additional options a specialist might consider, such as:

- Immunosuppressants like prednisone or azathioprine to calm the immune response
- Newer targeted therapies that work on specific parts of the immune system
- Combination approaches tailored to your antibody type and symptom severity As for diagnosis, your doctor will likely consider your medication response alongside other factors like antibody testing and clinical symptoms. It's worth noting that treatment plans are often personalized based on antibody status, age, and how well you respond to medications.

If symptoms feel unmanageable before September, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor sooner rather than waiting. You don't have to just sit with it!

July 20

Related Questions

View All

Hello fine folks in the MG group!

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Wilmington, NC
December 8, 2025

Is Myasthenia Gravis Autoimmune? How Does It Affect the Immune System?
The Tensilon Test for Myasthenia Gravis: Why Is It No Longer Used?
What Is the Ice Pack Test for Myasthenia Gravis Eye Symptoms?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In