My Myasthenia Gravis Story
As a fit and healthy seventy-six-year-old
I was pretty happy with my life.
Not much in the way of illness
Or too much trouble and strife.
I guess I have been pretty lucky
My worst illness was occasional man-flu.
So, to make it this far through life
I guess that I’m pretty fortunate too.
After holidays walking the Scottish Highlands
Arriving home I could not swallow or speak.
I was brought back to earth quite quickly
And pretty much knocked off my feet.
Losing 10kg in a couple of weeks
And feeling definitely not too fine,
Said I to the doc “What’s wrong mate?”
Said he “Dunno, but you’re clearly in decline”.
The ENT shoved a camera up my nose
And down my throat had a peek
“Cant see anything here love,
That would mean you can no longer speak”.
“Drop in to see a Speechie
Here, I can give you a good name.
They may be able to help
And if not, then that would be a shame”.
So off to see Speechie Kylie,
I think she figured it out on the spot.
‘Get yourself off to emergency mate
A neurologist needs to check you out.’
After a couple of days in hospital
A diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis was declared.
With a regimen of meds put in place,
St Andy’s staff showed that they really cared.
It took a while to get me stable
Had plasma exchange in ICU.
Then a time on the ward to recover
And future IVIG treatments too.
My neurologist initially was Dr John
Then I transferred to Professor Pam.
And both provided exceptional care
Together they formulated my treatment plan.
I guess if you have to get something,
MG is definitely not the worst.
Many other auto-immune illnesses
Have impact that’s much more of a curse.
So, I am taking it all in my stride
I find afternoon naps are a boon.
And the support of the MG Association Qld
Will hopefully keep me in tune.