Living in Remission

My myasthenia gravis came on with a vengeance in the midst of a major business-related stress situation. Double vision and alternately drooping eyelids were constant for the next 8 years. Migrating muscle groups; breathing, chewing, speaking, and swallowing followed.

My diagnosis journey

I was quickly diagnosed thanks to a sharp neurologist and placed on Azathioprine and Pyridostigmine, with the latter quickly ramping up to 4x (8 halves) daily.

At about year 5 I was reduced to soft food from my blender after being unable to chew or swallow, and lost over 50 pounds. My wife was on constant orders to call 911 were I to be unable to breathe, which fortunately never occurred.

A surprising remission

One day, at age 77, I realized that my double vision had almost totally stopped. I had always been able to switch eyes during those 8 years providing that the eyelids permitted, although every photo of me through that period showed my head tilted back as I peeked beneath my lids!

As a person who believes that God rules in the issues of my life, I consider my remission miraculous, while my neurologist credits my Azathioprine, which I elected to continue at a reduced dosage. The medicine I have for symptoms has been kept handy but unused.

Where I am now

The events and challenges which popped up immediately upon remission verified to me that God indeed had more in store for me. Shortly after, I served as the director of a faith-based recovery facility for 3 years, endured the decline and passing of my wife, and currently serve as associate pastor of a small church at age 82. I avoid stress when possible and rest purposefully.