What Daily Life Looks Like With MG
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. The symptoms of MG can vary from person to person, and can include muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and drooping eyelids.
For people with MG, daily life can be challenging. Here are some of the things that people with MG may face:
* Difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs). MG can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, walking, and eating.
* Fatigue. People with MG often experience fatigue, which can make it difficult to concentrate, work, or go to school.
* Muscle weakness. MG can cause weakness in the muscles of the eyes, face, throat, arms, and legs. This weakness can make it difficult to see, speak, swallow, and move.
* Difficulty breathing. MG can affect the muscles that control breathing, which can make it difficult to breathe.
* Double vision. MG can cause the muscles of the eyes to become weak, which can lead to double vision.
* Drooping eyelids. MG can cause the eyelids to droop, which can make it difficult to see.
* Difficulty swallowing. MG can affect the muscles that control swallowing, which can make it difficult to eat and drink.
Despite the challenges that MG can present, there are many things that people with MG can do to manage their condition and live full and active lives. These include:
* Taking medication. There are a number of medications that can help to improve the symptoms of MG.
* Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles that are affected by MG.
* Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can help people with MG to learn how to manage their symptoms and perform everyday tasks.
* Speech therapy. Speech therapy can help people with MG to improve their speech and swallowing.
* Support groups. Support groups can provide people with MG with a place to connect with others who are living with the condition and share their experiences.
With proper treatment and management, most people with MG are able to live full and active lives.