Coping Strategies for People Living With Myasthenia Gravis
Coping strategies for people living with myasthenia gravis on a daily basis are possible. First, let’s define what myasthenia gravis is. (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by serious muscle weakness, and the disease can cause many individuals to be unable to work. But what is Myasthenia Gravis and how does it affect a person’s body?
Muscle weaknesses cause people with MG to have drooping eyelids and blurred or double vision. Muscle weaknesses can extend to other parts of the body, such as legs and arms. Some people have chewing, breathing, and swallowing problems though the effects vary with individuals.
Characteristics of Myasthenia Gravis
MG results from the malfunctioning of the immune system that causes it to be overactive. It is not a genetic disease and is not contagious. However, some families are more susceptible to the disease though the reasons are not fully understood. MG affects persons of all ages and races though more prevalent among women aged 20 to 30 and men aged 50 to 60.
MG is a rare condition affecting only around 31,000 to 67,000 Americans. It is so rare that some healthcare professionals are not even aware of it and its symptoms. This means that some people with the condition may be misdiagnosed. Doctors often misinterpret early symptoms of MG as fatigue or depression. The condition is further complicated by varying levels of muscle weakness at different times and differing symptoms among patients.
Types of MG
MG can be classified according to the type of antibodies found in the patient’s blood. Around 80% of the patients have AChR antibodies, 5% have MUSK antibodies, and about 3% LRP4 antibodies. The rest of the patients are seronegative, meaning that no antibodies can be found.
MG manifests in two forms: Ocular and Generalized. Ocular MG affects the muscles responsible for controlling the eyes and eyelids. Generalized MG can affect different muscles at any part of the body.
Management of Myasthenia Gravis
MG is a serious condition that can cause severe disability. It impairs the neuromuscular junction where muscles and nerves meet and exchange signals. The affected muscles do not contract as much as they should due to poor signaling. Currently, a cure doesn’t exist, but the symptoms can be managed to restore muscle function or even make it go into remission. Persons with MG can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
There are several treatment options available. After diagnosis, patients should see a physician who is familiar with the condition.
Most Myasthenia Gravis doctors are neuromuscular specialists or neurologists who have handled several patients. However, patients also need to learn about the condition and the challenges so that they can actively contribute to improving the quality of their lives.
Proper Eating Habits for MG Patients
MG causes chewing and swallowing problems, so choosing foods and mg cooking methods that facilitate easy chewing and swallowing is important. You will also need to eat a balanced diet to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain strong bones and muscles and the energy to perform activities of daily living.
Here are some valuable myasthenia gravis cooking and eating tips:
- Choose foods with a soft texture such as pureed foods, smoothies, egg salad, ripe bananas, yogurt, pasta, canned fish, and nutritious soups.
- Eat fish or chicken instead of tougher meats
- Moisten solid foods with sauce, broth, sour cream, or butter
- Avoid dry, crumbly foods such as cookies, popcorns, and nuts
- Avoid baked products such as breads, muffins, and doughnuts
- Chop foods into small pieces that are easy to swallow
- Avoid hard to digest foods such as fatty, oily, or spicy foods
- Eat several small meals throughout the day to reduce fatigue
- Bite small amounts and take your time while swallowing
Learn Myasthenia Gravis Recipes
Being on an MG diet does not mean that your meals will be boring and tasteless. You can learn how to make delicious myasthenia gravis recipes by getting the free downloadable Myasthenia Gravis cookbook. By signing up for the free cookbook, you will be getting regular recipe updates, ideas on how to track MG symptoms, and inspiring stories from people living with MG.
Get SSDI Award and SSDI Benefits
If you have been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, and it is keeping you from supporting yourself and your loved ones, give The Keener Law Firm a call. We can talk with you during your FREE 30-minute consultation to better understand your symptoms and determine if we can help you get Social Security Disability Benefit and SSDI compensation. Social security disability compensation can cover some of the bills and reduce the cost of managing the condition. For more information call us at 770-955-3000 today.