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Myasthenia gravis

7 tips of life

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Myasthenia gravis

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  1. 7 Tips for Living With Myasthenia Gravis By Kim Anderson

  2. Avoid extremes • Stress, anxiety, insufficient sleep, overexertion, and extreme temperatures can worsen MG symptoms. If you have myasthenia gravis, it’s essential for you to take care of your health. Get enough sleep. Manage stress levels with exercise, journaling, meditation—whatever works for you. Don’t push yourself to your physical limit; balance periods of activity with rest. You should also limit your time outdoors during periods of extreme heat or cold.

  3. Check with your doctor before taking any medication • Many common medications can increase myasthenia gravis symptoms. Medications known to worsen symptoms include some antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin and others), quinine (sometimes used to treat leg cramps), some heart and high blood pressure drugs (including procainamide and propranolol), cholesterol-reducing medications, Botox, muscle relaxants and some contrast agents used during imaging studies. Sometimes, the potential benefits outweigh the risks of taking these medications, even in people with MG. However, you should check with your myasthenia gravis doctor before taking any ‘new-to-you’ medication, even over-the-counter drugs.

  4. Consider speech therapy • In about 15% of people with MG, the muscles of the face and throat are the first affected. Weakness in these muscles can make talking and eating difficult, which may interfere with social and professional opportunities. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat speech, communication and swallowing difficulties. If you are experiencing slurred speech, vocal fatigue, or a change in your voice, a SLP can teach you some vocal strengthening exercises and compensatory strategies. SLPs can also evaluate swallowing and help you figure out how to eat and drink safely.

  5. Consult a dietitian • Doctors commonly prescribe steroid medication to treat myasthenia gravis. Steroids can improve symptoms, but they also stimulate appetite and can lead to weight gain over time. A dietitian can help you design an eating plan that meets your nutritional needs and personal preferences.Dietitians can also help you find easy-to-eat options if swallowing has become a challenge. Pureeing foods is one option. Thickening liquids is another. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

  6. Exercise regularly • Exercise helps keep muscles strong. However, when you have MG, it can be difficult to figure out how to exercise because your disease may limit your options and your energy. Conquer MG (formerly known as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois) recommends exercising in short, moderate bursts and scheduling exercise for your best time of day when you tend to have the most energy. You may want to work with a personal trainer who has experience with clients with chronic illnesses. Ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

  7. Conserve energy • When you have myasthenia gravis, rest is essential. Make sure you get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Schedule demanding activities for the times of day when you typically feel your best. If you know you must do something physically demanding, rest awhile first—and then rest again after you’ve completed your task.It can be hard to schedule multiple rest periods during the day, but you may quickly learn that doing so allows you to get more done than pushing through without rest. Try it for a couple of weeks to see if you notice a difference in your energy level or productivity.

  8. Collaborate with your medical team • Medical treatment, including medication, can dramatically improve MG symptoms. However, all treatments have side effects and your doctor relies on you to report both the positive and negative effects of any prescribed treatment. Giving your doctor honest, detailed feedback allows him to adapt your treatment plan to your needs. Schedule—and keep—regular follow-up appointments so your healthcare provider can monitor your symptoms over time.

  9. For more information go to • https://www.facebook.com/Myasthenia-Gravis-information-from-sault-ste-marie-1826880070950935

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