My journey with MG wasn't a dream run that's
for sure, but my journey hasn't been as difficult
as others though. The first two years were pretty
scary, and I had to retire early. Retirement
wasn't a problem, I planned to retire at 65, I have
worked hard physical jobs all my life, I just
wanted to do my job, go home to my family and
ride my motorcycles.
I got Ocular MG in October; I planned to retire
the next May when I turned 65. I basically
worked till the start of December, but a lot of
my job required I drive a high reach forklift, but
with ocular it was nearly impossible. So with
long service, sick leave and holidays I retired in
March the next year, two months early than I
wanted. I wasn't riding my motorcycles then, it
was way too dangerous, I didn't have far to go to
work, and I worked shift work so no traffic. But
tiredness, fear, specialist appointments, were an
issue. Not knowing if MG would progress was
always a worry.
My Neurologist said with Ocular treated quickly
usually won't progress but give it a year. But I
definitely have muscle weakness, but it's very
manageable, but certainly changed my lifestyle.
I do very little, long distance motorcycle touring
now, because I still live in fear of MG.

I'm a bit sensitive to this subject, because just
because I'm doing ok, I know others with MG are
suffering terribly.
I know people like to follow my journey because
it gives them hope, in all reality I live in fear of
MG escalating again. Being 67 I'm glad I got to
live my life fully, but when I hear children with
autoimmune diseases I just cry, it's just not fair
children suffer so. Three years later I am back
riding long distance on my motorcycles, but not
in Summer as heat still affects me, but not
ocular, just tiredness.
This artwork is of my mate Jon and myself. Jon
and I formed a friendship on the MG Facebook
page, he lives in Newcastle NSW and I'm in
Wyong, we formed a friendship through
motorcycles and the difficulty we have getting
back to riding. We managed to meet over
coffee at one of the local biker haunts.
Unfortunately John's journey is much harder
than mine was, but the bond of motorcycles
joins us together.