Not Myasthenia...

In 2016, I began the year with prostate cancer surgery. In June, my father died. In July, I experienced ptosis. An ophthalmologist diagnosed a nerve that would improve. It did.

Seeking a diagnosis

In November, after a long road trip, the ptosis returned, followed by diplopia. I returned to the ophthalmology department and a rather astute resident diagnosed myasthenia gravis. In anticipation of the December appointment, I started combing the Internet and came across the diagnosis.

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When she, validated by the department chair, rendered the diagnosis, I lost my composure. The chair immediately turned to my wife and emphatically told her not to delay any emergency referral if I experienced certain physical symptoms. My wife’s widening eyes are something I can never forget and now provides us with some humor.

MG was confirmed

A rush of bloodwork validated the clinical diagnosis. In January I was seen by Neurology and prescribed Mestinon. It worked… for a year. Then I submitted to a high dose of prednisone, and it worked. I lost weight but not without a lot of discipline (I am retired Army).

My dose is now at 13 mg, on alternate days, and so far managed. I do occasionally feel an ocular tinge familiar to ocular MG patients and remind myself to take things in stride.

I never thought I would get this… who does? In one sense I feel fortunate that I received this diagnosis late in life. My heart goes out to that cohort of MG patients much younger but I also remain optimistic that a cure or treatment will emerge.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Myasthenia-Gravis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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