Stuart:

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter. I occasionally have difficulty inhaling completely. I can get a shallow breath in, but the muscles that take that last deep bit don't seem to respond. It's uncomfortable but I seem to be getting enough oxygen as I don't get light headed or dizzy. It only happens once in a great while and I've never really discussed it with a doctor because it's one of my more minor problems, and I didn't think I would get anywhere either. My grandmother had myasthenia gravis and that is one possibility if it's not related to the MC.

They might test your daughter for that. Also, there is always a possibility she can have some type of muscular dystrophy on top of the MC. This has been found in at least one individual.

Other things that come to mind that I would ask about are multiple sclerosis, a small stroke, poisoning/toxin exposure....maybe some type of nerve problem. Have they checked her spinal cord for tumors?

I would be very hesitant to allow them to assume that it's the MC though, because there is not enough to substantiate that in life threatening situations.

This might be completely off base, but are they sure there is nothing in her chest cavity inhibiting the full expansion of her lungs or pushing on any vital nerves? A hiatal hernia can cause breathing issues (which might be my problem), though I've not heard of them being severe.

Type of Myotonia: Becker

Country: USA

Update:

Apparently my sister, who does not appear to have MC, also has the breathing problem I have, and has apparently had is since she was 8.

Type of Myotonia: Becker

Country: USA