Update on My 15-Month-Old Daughter: A Step Forward After a Choking Incident
My daughter, now 15 months old, recently experienced a serious choking incident that resulted in cardiac arrest. We have received the genetic test results, which indicate she has congenital myasthenia gravis. She has begun treatment with Mestinon, and while she remains on the ventilator, we are starting to witness some small signs of improvement. According to the medical team, this diagnosis is comparatively favorable within the spectrum of neuromuscular conditions as it is treatable. I sincerely appreciate everyone who offered support during my last update; it's reassuring to finally have a confirmed diagnosis. Our journey is far from over, but knowing what we’re facing gives us hope. Our focus now is on building her strength to eventually transition off the ventilator.
Answers (1)

8/8/2025, 7:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing this update about your daughter. It’s heartening to hear that you have a confirmed diagnosis and that she is showing signs of improvement. The journey you are on is indeed significant, and it sounds like you are all handling this difficult situation with great strength.
Main Points:
- Congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG) is treatable, and Mestinon can help manage symptoms.
- Focus on gradual strengthening and respiratory support.
- Maintain close communication with your healthcare team.
Explanation:
Congenital myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular condition that affects the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to weakness. The fact that she has started treatment with Mestinon (pyridostigmine) is positive, as it helps to enhance nerve signal transmission, which can aid in muscle strength and function.
The road to recovery may include physical rehabilitation to improve her muscle strength and adjustments in her ventilator support. It’s common for families to feel anxious during such transitions, but with proper management and therapy, many children make significant progress.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Her Strength: Keep a daily log of her muscle strength and any improvements in activity levels or interactions. This can provide valuable insight for healthcare providers.
-
Follow Treatment Protocol: Ensure that she continues to take Mestinon as prescribed, observing for any side effects or improvements. Communicate any concerns to her medical team.
-
Support Respiratory Care: Work with her healthcare providers to create a plan for gradually reducing ventilator dependence, which may include respiratory therapy sessions focused on building lung strength.
-
Encourage Safe Play and Interaction: Engage her in gentle activities that promote physical interaction without overexerting her. Simple movements and play can bolster her muscle tone.
-
Educate Yourself and Your Support System: Inform close family and caregivers about CMG to better understand her needs and precautions to take during care activities.
Your journey may still be challenging, but with each small step, you can build a foundation for her recovery. Remember to take care of yourself too; it's essential to be supported in this process. If you have any specific concerns or need more practical advice on any particular aspect, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Understanding Gastric Cancer Determination Post-Mortem
Greetings everyone, I hope you can assist me with some insights regarding the diagnosis of gastric cancer made solely through CT imaging. My father, aged 72, passed away in June due to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting from a gastric outlet obstruction. This obstruction, along with an associated mass, was identified on a CT scan just two hours prior to his death. Given the findings from the scan, an autopsy was deemed unnecessary, and his death certificate categorized the cause of death as follows: 1. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage 2. Gastric outlet obstruction 3. Gastric cancer Interestingly, my father had not received a cancer diagnosis prior to his passing, which led me to question how they could attribute this diagnosis without a biopsy. Just a week before he died, he experienced difficulties during an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) due to an excess of stomach contents despite having fasted beforehand. He was scheduled for a follow-up OGD with an extended fasting period when his condition suddenly deteriorated. At the time of his death, he stood around six feet tall and weighed approximately 260 pounds. He began smoking at the age of 14 and continued until he was 56. His medical history included treatment for hypertension and atrial fibrillation, during which he was prescribed Rivaroxaban, as well as medication for reflux issues. As a nurse specializing in oncology, I possess a reasonable understanding of how cancer presents; however, I’m not as knowledgeable about the specifics of radiology, particularly in identifying cancerous features on a CT scan. This personal experience has certainly altered my perspective. Ultimately, while the diagnosis does not alter the outcome, understanding it is important for our family’s health history moving forward. Any insights or information you could share would be greatly valued. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. This occurred in England.
Exploring Alternatives to Vraylar
30-year-old female, 225 pounds Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Currently prescribed Vraylar 4.5mg/once daily ADHD Treatment: - Qelbree 200mg/once daily - Adderall 20mg/twice daily Anxiety Management: - Clonazepam 0.5mg/as needed Dealing with Diabetes and PCOS: - Ozempic 2mg injection/once weekly - Metformin 1000mg/twice daily GERD Treatment: - Omeprazole 80mg/once daily I began taking Vraylar eight years ago. Since starting this medication, I have experienced significant weight gain that has proven difficult to lose and I have also developed type 2 diabetes. My bipolar disorder was diagnosed after I experienced a manic episode characterized by psychosis in 2015. Back then, I weighed 175 pounds when I entered college, and by the time I graduated, my weight had increased to 240 pounds. Unfortunately, none of my healthcare providers have discussed the potential side effects of Vraylar, such as weight gain, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While I haven't suffered from any manic episodes over the past eight years, I can’t help but wonder if transitioning to a different medication might be beneficial for me. I’m in a constant state of fear regarding the possibility of another manic episode, but I’m also weary of being held responsible for my weight and diabetes, especially since I feel as if much of this situation is beyond my control.
Strange mirrored skin lesion near the waist
I’m a 20-year-old male, weighing 130 kg and standing 1.85 m tall, so I have a few extra pounds and some stretch marks around my waistline. Yesterday, as I stood up and adjusted my pants, I noticed a peculiar mark on my left side right along one of those stretch marks that suddenly began to bleed. Initially, I assumed it was simply a pimple, but when I pressed it, the pain was intense, more like a stab than typical acne discomfort. A notable amount of dark blood, including some thick, gelatinous clots, oozed out at first before it transitioned to more standard dark blood. The bleeding ceased once I stopped applying pressure, but it felt as though there could have been more if I had continued to press. I cleaned the area and applied a bandage; afterward, the pain wasn't significant. Here's where it gets strange: Around 24 hours later, I discovered a similar lesion developing on the opposite side of my waist, as if it were a mirror image, perfectly aligned if you imagined a line cutting straight down the middle. The new spot hasn't burst yet and isn't painful, but it has a similar sensation just beneath the skin. I decided to bandage it as a precaution since I'm hesitant to pop it. I have no fever, no severe discomfort, and generally, I feel well overall. I have a doctor's appointment coming up in a few days, but I’m curious if anyone might have insights into what this could be and how best to handle it. Unfortunately, I can't upload images here, but if anyone requires more details, feel free to reach out via direct message.
Seeking Advice for Yellow Diarrhea After Meals
I am a 28-year-old woman, weighing 180 pounds, and I have a Nexplanon implant. I do not drink alcohol or smoke. During my vacation in Vermont on July 17th, I began experiencing severe stomach cramps that I initially attributed to questionable food from Wendy's. Every time I eat, I experience increased pain, and consuming any liquids makes me feel extremely nauseous. Fast forward to today, August 8th, and my symptoms have persisted. I continue to suffer from intense cramping that extends from just below my ribs to my hips, and any food intake leads to yellow diarrhea. I also feel sharp pains on both sides beneath my ribs, have some discomfort while urinating today, and I’m battling considerable fatigue along with persistent nausea. Fortunately, I do not have a fever. Should I seek medical attention at the hospital?
Understanding Asherman's Syndrome: An Uncommon Dilemma
Age 35, Caucasian, diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and recently identified with Asherman's syndrome. Hello everyone, I find myself feeling a bit disheartened and bewildered by my recent diagnosis of Asherman's syndrome, particularly because I don't seem to possess any of the typical risk factors associated with this condition. I have no background of previous pregnancies, dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures, IUD insertions, uterine infections, or sexually transmitted infections. As someone who works in a distinctly different area of healthcare—specifically in veterinary dermatology—I'm struggling to grasp the implications of this diagnosis. Most literature I’ve encountered suggests that Asherman's syndrome commonly arises following trauma to the uterine lining, which adds to my confusion. Moreover, I have been facing difficulties in getting my healthcare providers to articulate the nature of this condition in a manner that aligns with my understanding of medical processes. I am curious about how the absence of known risk factors informs potential pathogenesis. If, indeed, this condition is linked to a chronic inflammatory or immune-mediated response, I would like to know what the long-term treatment options might entail and what the outlook looks like after surgeries aimed at removing scar tissue. I would greatly appreciate any insights from physicians regarding this condition. To my surprise, I learned that I might be eligible for surgical intervention within a month, but if I wish to consult with a specialist in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery prior to that, I would need to wait an additional two months. Any guidance would be immensely helpful.