Exploring Movement With Myasthenia Gravis: My Swimming Journey

Life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Everyday tasks that used to be simple became daunting challenges that would rapidly suck all the strength and energy out of my body. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of swimming. What I initially feared would be a restrictive year following my diagnosis and MG crisis turned manageable with a sense of liveliness and normalcy.

The physical and mental benefits of water exercise

Fortunately, my parents allowed me to stay with them after my first MG crisis, and they have a small pool with stairs in their backyard. The water helps make it easier for me to move without straining my muscles and joints or fear of falling over or hurting myself. Over time, I noticed a gradual improvement in my strength and endurance, less stiffness throughout the day and night, and a better understanding of my body and its capabilities.

Start of a swim exercise session

To start my session, I like to tune into my intentions and body by starting with floating. While staring at the sky or with my eyes closed, I do a body scan and listen to what feels good to move and other areas that need gentle movements focused on stretching rather than movement and strength training.

Pool workout routine for those with MG

I do all my exercises close to the pool's edge to rely on it for balance if needed. The following exercises take into account the limitations that may come with MG:

1. Walking. I begin with just walking in the water forward, backward, and sideways to get adjusted.
2. Arm circles. Standing in as deep of water as I feel comfortable, I do arm circles, with my arms going into and out of the water, which helps create some resistance to work my shoulder and upper back muscles. I go from small to big circles and then back to small. I stop at the first sign of fatigue kicking in.
3. Jumping jacks. Jumping jacks are much less strenuous in the water than on land because the water cushions the landing. I like to do jumping jacks at the beginning of my workout session since they engage multiple muscle groups and help wake up my body.
4. Flutter kicks require upper body strength but less energy than swimming strokes. I keep my kicks small, focusing on my core and leg muscles. Depending on how my body feels, I take different approaches to make them easier or more challenging, ranging from sitting on the pool's edge to holding onto a pool float and doing laps.
5. Dumbbells I like to do dumbbell exercises in the pool because the movements are less painful, and I feel more control over the movements. I do exercises including bicep curls, shoulder presses, and chest presses.
6. Tricep dips. Facing away from the pool, I place my hands at a shoulder-width distance apart on the pool's edge. Straightening my arms, I push myself up and out of the water. Then, I bend my elbows, lowering myself back down, and repeat.
7. Treading water. Treading water can be easy to overexert myself as it involves a lot more movement and water resistance, so I do it last if I feel up to it so I don't jeopardize my whole session. When I do it, I like to find a balanced pace between giving it my all at the end of my workout and not to the point I weaken my muscles. The goal is to stay afloat and swim in one spot. I keep my arms out horizontally for balance. The movement involves kicking one leg downwards while raising my other knee and alternating. Treading water is a critical safety skill for swimmers, particularly outside a pool setting, such as the ocean.

My journey with freediving

I've taken up freediving over the past few years since my MG symptoms have become infrequent. For me, freediving is about enjoying the peace underwater among sea creatures, not about long breath holds or deep dives. However, I feel growing pressure on my lungs and become short of breath the longer I'm in the water and the deeper I dive. My legs also get weak from kicking with my fins, so I end my dive when I start to feel depleted, ensuring I can make it back to shore.

Freediving has helped emphasize my need to practice proper breathing techniques. I practice my breathing and breath hold in the pool or shower rather than while out freediving to focus on relaxing and breath control. Having someone with me while swimming in any setting gives me peace of mind, knowing someone can help if needed.

Safety and setting limits

Managing physical activity with MG can be challenging, but movement is essential. Before swimming, I consulted my MG specialist. I listen to my body and modify exercises to ensure effective workouts without harm. If any exercise causes discomfort, I move on to another exercise or end the session.

From limitation to confidence

Swimming played a large part in my mental and physical shift from a mindset of limitation to confidence and hope. For me, swimming serves as therapy and meditation, enhances my overall mood, and helps cultivate gratitude for my progress. Through adaptation and finding unique ways to exercise with MG constraints, I've learned that even with adversities, we can discover and create opportunities for ourselves to heal and thrive.