Is a wheelchair in my future?
I am 75 with a moderately controlled case of gMG. I can still walk around the house. I can go outside and go to small stores on a rolling walker. I can get around the grocery store pushing and leaning on a cart. I am curious to know how many of you are using a wheelchair on a daily basis, at what age you began and whether you think your infirmity is mostly GM related or a combination of GM and age. Thanks. I'm going to have to modify my house to use a wheelchair.
Although i get winded, about 2 flights of stairs is my limit without resting and catching my breath, i'm ok walking on flat surfaces. If i go hiking, particular on any uphill section, i can go about 100 ft and need a break, then rest, then go another 100ft. But that is with my regiment of prednisone and vyvgart. You may want to talk to your Neurologist and see if you can try other meds. Maybe stay on the ones you are on, but add another one, to see if things improve. I was on IVIG infusions for about 6 months when my Nuerologist suggested I try vyvgart, i was skeptical because ivig made things WAY better, i could speak again and eat full meals without choking, but i tried vyvgart and things got actually even better. We are still trying new drugs, but it seems my current regiment is what i'll be on for a while until something new comes out. I have been reading about new meds that can reset your immune system, which is currently in trials. It will be interesting to see how those trials turn out.
Hi David, I live & born in Australia & like reading stories like yours so can compare with my symptoms, I’m 78 and have a very similar story to this, only for my wife who’s 75 & quite active but for how much longer as she has her own medical problems, she does most things like shopping as I have a lot of the things that you suffer with ie walking, breathing & pain in both arms where they feel like they are going to fall off, sometimes I wish they would, which brings me to the wheelchair, I haven’t the strength to use the wheelchair so I’ve spoken about a motorised one just so as I’m able to get around. I would also like to ask do other MGers suffer from pain & where is your pain, Regards Les J H, Member
I bought a Hypershell ProX exoskeleton. It is battery operated (rechargeable) and aids me in walking. I live upstairs in an apartment and it really helps climbing the stairs. However, the battery prevents it from being comfortable when sitting. I have also used it when shopping at Walmart. I usually get groceries delivered since that is too much to carry upstairs.
OMG. What a great tip. I had never heard of this device, so I had to look it up. The videos are impressive. Thanks so much.
i'm not yet 60 and am fine walking around the house, i can carry laundry up stairs, and get super winded, but with minor rest and fine. We are, however, going on vacation this summer to Montreal and I'm renting a scooter for the week. We plan to go to the botanical gardens, miles and miles of walking. Just no way i'm walking 10 miles, maybe 1/2 mile but the gardens are an all day walking event, just not an option with MG, I would be so tired constantly, it wouldn't be fun. Plus i can carry the water and back pack all day with the scooter. Should be fun.
