My Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Crisis and Recovery

Exactly one year ago today, my life changed. I woke up unable to swallow. Two days later, my speech was slurred and I couldn't stand. Thinking I was having a stroke, I took an ambulance to the ER. I couldn't walk, talk, breathe, or swallow. I was immediately intubated, and my journey began, turning my comfortable retirement upside down.

Four days after being admitted, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Because I was unable to talk, I scribbled, "I never heard of it. What is it?"

I then slipped into a five-day coma, during which time the doctors told my wife to prepare for the worst. By the grace of God and the fierce advocacy of my wife, I came out of the coma. A month later, I was weaned off the ventilator. After intense physical therapy, I had to learn how to walk and talk again.

After nearly three months in the hospital, this miracle went home—with a feeding tube in his tummy.

Life nine months post-crisis

It has now been nine months since my discharge. I am currently managing my MG with prednisone and CellCept, and I exercise every day. I've learned my limits and can perform household chores. I'm able to walk around 2,500 steps in a day. When I exercise, I split it up into three 10-minute sessions.

I try not to compare my progress with others, and I continue to learn everything I can about MG, a disease I had never heard of before.