Exercise with Myasthenia Gravis
Have been diagnosed with MG for 11 years. Strongest symptoms showed 2 years ago and hospitalized me. Have engaged in moderate exercise last 2 years - hiking, walking, biking. I want to join a gym. Doctor frowned on it when I just got out of hospital. I want to for mental well being for most part. Having MG does not help stamina from my viewpoint.
Any experience, feedback would be appreciated.
Exercise if you can. It's great for your mental health. But listen to your body and stay out of the hospital. I exercise when I can, but some days I'm winded just walking across the house. Every day is different. I avoid goals and routines. I don't do 20 reps. I do 5 to 20, whatever I can do. I don't push it. I think there is an impression
that you can exercise your way to stronger muscles, greater endurance, less shortness of breath. With MG, I'm not sure that's true. I think you can do what your antibodies let you do. I enjoy exercise, but I have to be realistic.Right after I was diagnosed with MG my neurologist told me to walk in a pool. I said “no problem doc, I have a farm with several ponds “. After he stopped laughing he convinced me to go to a therapy pool. When I first went to the therapy pool I had to use a walker to get from my car to the pool. After about six months I was using a cane, no walker. I stopped using the cane in about one year. Now, I still spend an hour walking in the therapy pool five days a week. If the weather is right, I will substitute going to the city park, use my walker, and walk at least three miles. I would like to go to the park twice a week but not when it is hotter than 72 degrees.
So glad the therapy pool helped! Thanks for sharing with us 😀 - Kaitlyn (Team Member)
Hello Woesy68, I think you have raised a very important issue--whether to exercise or not if you have MG. I have noticed that breathing exercises can be very helpful. I do some pranayama (yoga) involving deep breathing. I think one may also benefit from simple deep breathing for a session of 10 or 15 minutes before breakfast and may be another session some time in the evening when the stomach is not full. I have also noticed that walking--not too fast--for some half an hour everyday can make one feel fit. In fact, it's a good idea to do the breathing exercises after finishing the walking. If you enjoy meditation , then that can follow the breathing exercises, and you will have a sense of well being. I don't think the gym is a good idea for an MG patient, unless, of course, you have top notch supervision tailor made for you. I would love to hear from community members on their experience with exercise. Hello
I still haven't been able to do a full workout or even a half of one for that matter. The only thing I do is simple stretches and breathing exercises. Whenever I try to do any type of REAL physical activity I find is hard to breathe and I get fatigued. That's one of the reasons why I kind of given up on exercise. - Jazmin (team member)
Hello
I've been diagnosed for 10 years now. You are very motivational. I used to be very active going to the gym, hikes and 5 mile jogs with my best friend. Now I have no motivation to workout...mostly due to fear. 3 months ago I tried going on morning walks. nothing too crazy just a mile. But I found myself getting very winded JUST BY WALKING, I'd have to take a break and realized I have 0 stamina. I got a thymectomy last month and my doctor wants me to start doing mild exercises. Where I live it's pretty cold and windy but I might start back walking when it warms back up. - Jazmin (team member)
