Has anyone tried compression sleeves post activities?
My husband has had myasthenia gravis for nearly 3 years now. He is an amazing man and has handled himself with such dignity throughout this journey. He did have a thymectomy and also underwent radiation for cancer of the thymus. He is an athlete and his profession requires him to be physically active. Golf is and has been a part of his life for over 40 years. I am curious to know if anyone within this community has had any success with using leg compression sleeves( the type that promote healing , athletes use these after hard workouts) . He recognizes when his muscles ( legs) weaken, typically after 12 holes of golf. After a round of golf he is weak and has significant pain. It’s very hard to watch and see him struggle, not only physically but emotionally. His symptoms seem mild in comparison to some that I have read about, but nonetheless they are his symptoms and he does struggle. I guess I’m looking for suggestions and advice from the community that knows first hand what he’s dealing with. I would love insight on how I can help him.
Thank you
MCSwarthy,
Like all athletes the buildup of lactic acid can play apart. But for us MG people it takes less activity to get the lactic acid build. I found an article about a study that some people with MG their bodies actually produce more lactic acid than persons without MG. But it will not let me give you a link without paying to use it. It is titled "Effect of lactate infusions on patients with myasthenia gravis" Through the American Academy of Neurology.
I use different braces all over my body, soft neck collar, knees & ankles, back, and gloves.
Does your husband use a golf cart? If not, it might be time to get one. Maybe with a portable air conditioner. For many of us with MG we don't do good in heat/humidity, they can actually make symptoms worse...
And like Jazmin said moderations in how much time he plays might be needed. Unfortunately, this is the reality with MG.
Some (few) people after a thymectomy can go on to lead normal lives. Although it might take their bodies awhile to catch up months to years. So, in the meantime moderation. Because each time we overdo it takes longer to recover... until we can't even get out of bed. Or worse end up in a crisis.
Best wishes to you Both!! Sally Farrier...Myasthenia-Gravis.com (team member).
Hello. Thank you for being an advocate for your husband. I dont use compression sleeves for the legs but I do use compression gloves for my wrist. I've been diagnosed with MG for 11yrs. Recently I've been diagnosed with tendinitis in both wrists so now I'm on increased steroids for potential swelling and I've also been given splints to wear throughout the day as much as possible and at night when I'm least active. Has your husband gone to the doctors to see what his doctor suggests? This might be hard for him to do since golf has been a part of his life for 40+ years but he might have to golf in moderations. I do sympathize with your husband. I understand what it feels like to have to struggle through doing the things you love to do. It must be hard for you to watch him go through that. I would suggest him staying off his leg for a bit because pushing through the pain/muscle weakness can do more harm than good and go to the doctors to get his leg checked out. I hope everything goes well for your husband, so he is able to get back to playing golf without any pain or leg weakness. - Jazmin (team member)
