Catching Up

It has been a month since my diagnosis. Time hasn't flown but it hasn't stood still either. The first couple of weeks were the hardest because I had to wrap my mind around the fact that this was not just going to go away. Learning my limitations and remaining humble about them helps.

Over the past few weeks the disease has begun showing how ugly it really is. What started out as ocular(eye) has become generalized(spread throughout). My arms have become much weaker. So weak that I cannot raise them above my head. It takes special effort to do daily activities like bathing, brushing my teeth and even my hair(which is why i shaved it all off). My legs, specifically the calf muscle, are also affected. Walking is very difficult. Its amazing how our muscles work so seamlessly when healthy. My calves feel as though I have done a thousand calf raises, non stop! I must walk very slow and concentrate on each step since the muscles that help me balance are affected too. I've fallen twice. Falling is no fun because I can't catch myself with my weakened arms. No one said it would be easy, right.

This week, the problem I most feared occurred. My jaw and facial muscles have weakened. Chewing is difficult. I love good food. Eating something as simple as cereal is going to be a ordeal. I must learn to take smaller bites, and chew slower. Between bites I need to rest, then start all over again. It took me 20 minutes to eat a small bowl of cereal this morning. A few weeks ago this would have been emotionally devastating. It saddened me, yet I am able to cope.

My wife, family, and friends have been so good to me. Those who are suffering or taking care of someone who is suffering with MG have been very encouraging. My family and friends  are so supportive of my wife and I. We cannot begin to thank them enough for the cards, phone calls, messages, and visits. Our hearts overflow with joy each time.. Without a good team behind me I would not be looking forward to this journey.

My motto is, "I have begun crossing the bridge, I might as well stop and fish". I have come to realize that this is going to take time. There will be good days and bad. I will deal with each one accordingly. This is a temporary speed bump. It will slow me down but it will not stop me. I WILL BEAT MG!