Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Is there anything we can do to reduce the chance of getting further symptoms? I'm legs and arm are affected. Whenever I sing I'm hoping to strengthen my breathing muscles. I now sing out while I can and in remembrance of those who have lost that ability to use their voice as they wish because of MG.
When we are to the point where we feel weakness, that is considered an indication that up to 80% of our receptors are no longer working. The only real way to stop the destruction is to stop the immune system from attacking. This can be done with various drugs as well as IVIG and PLEX blood treatments. Each person may have a different path to control, but most do get there with meds.
Although diet, exercise and healthy living are important in trying to maintain a healthy body, these are not a treatments for MG itself.
When our friends hear we have an immune problem, they often suggest immune system enhancing diets, supplements etc. However our problem is not enhancing the immune system but depressing it.
The first 2 years of MG are generally the worst. Generally we are not diagnosed until we are far along into the disease and are most likely to have a breathing or swallowing crisis while we are getting control with treatment.
Good Luck. Getting a diagnosis and treatment early is important.