Excited for Spring

It's spring here and I'm rather excited! Now, that might seem strange to say being that I have myasthenia gravis (MG) and I can't do a lot.

Although my medications (CellCept, prednisone, and Mestinon) are helping, I'm not yet 100 percent. For example, I still need a wheelchair when there's a lot of walking involved, I get worn out easily and need to rest, and I'm not always able to see, chew food, or swallow. You know how it goes with MG ... so there's nothing new!

Planting a garden

So why am I excited? For one, I'm going to try and plant a large vegetable garden again this year, obviously with some help.

I always have had some sort of a garden. A few years ago I planted it, but just wasn't able to take care of it or harvest anything because of the severe heat and humidity.

I did not plant a large garden, but I did get some tomatoes planted, that ... well, they didn't really do anything. But the chickens enjoyed what was produced! I also planted some green peppers and zucchini by my front door which I was able to take care of, so we did have some fresh vegetables.

Support from family

My daughter and one of my daughters-in-laws have offered to help. We are going to try and get as many vegetables frozen, dehydrated, and canned as we can. Since I have the space and the know-how, we are then going to share among the whole family due to the price of food.

My other daughter-in-law also has an autoimmune disorder and 6 kids to take care of (1 who also has an autoimmune disorder). That's not including my son by the way! Just kidding he's always ready to help. I do believe that's enough support, I also know they will all help when they can come down to visit.

Wild food foraging

The second reason I am excited for spring is because I am an avid wild foods forager! While I have not been able to do this for the last year, there was new group started on Facebook for my state only, and it’s just for women. There are other groups, but many of them include the surrounding states and a lot of the group activities are just too far away.

You're probably wondering what this has to do with myasthenia gravis? Well, I may not be able to get out and do as much as I would like, but I have about 50 years of experience in this area. I will be able to share my knowledge with people on Facebook that are actually interested. And who knows, if they have a group gathering close enough to me, I might be able to go!

Starting support groups

The third reason I am excited for spring is because I am hoping to start 2 different support groups - one in town and the other 30 miles away.

I live in a rural area, so having a group just for myasthenia gravis is difficult. I've been working with 2 of my doctors who have been encouraging me (actually they both suggested it to me within the same week) to do a support group for all people with chronic illness.

I am telling you all of this to encourage you! No matter how old you are or even if you're living with myasthenia gravis or another health condition, you are very valuable and needed!