Don't Give Up

My first symptom in my early twenties, while married with a three-year-old, was double vision. My eye doctor couldn't find a cause for it. The next signs were increasing weakness, trouble swallowing, and slurred speech. I saw an ENT doctor who suspected I might have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and referred me to a neurologist.

Hospitalization and treatment

My symptoms worsened rapidly. The neurologist confirmed it was not MS, but Myasthenia Gravis (MG). I was immediately admitted to the hospital for extensive tests and started on medication. It took a while, but my condition stabilized somewhat.

Crisis, thymectomy, and recovery

Stress at home soon put me on a ventilator twice. It was then determined I needed a thymectomy, which was performed by a heart surgeon. I was on a ventilator again following the surgery. Eventually, I started to recover, but the high home stress continued, and my husband left. I ended up on the ventilator a fourth time. I truly never thought I'd see my 30th birthday.

Life after MG: Resilience at 77

Today, I am 77 years old with no MG symptoms and off all MG medications! The relief from stress made a profound difference. I even went back to school to become a Certified Medical Assistant, followed by a Medical Secretary.

However, the massive doses of steroids prescribed after my surgery to aid recovery have caused some minor bone issues. I also had a heart attack two years ago, but overall, I consider my health to be good.

Moral of the story: Keep your chin up, think positive. YOU CAN DO THIS TOO!