Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles of the body. The communication between nerve cells and muscles become impaired. This autoimmune disease mistakenly causes the immune system to attack itself. In the video, it stated that the antibodies block the receptors for acetylcholine at the nerve-muscle connection, keeping the muscle from working properly. Symptoms include drooping of the eyelids and mouth, difficulty swallowing and chewing, weak muscles, and vision impairments. 

I had the opportunity to watch a video about a young girl named Sheryl, who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was 16 years old. She started to notice symptoms while in school. Her eyelids began to droop as well as her mouth when she was at lunch, which made it hard for her to eat and drink something. Sometimes, she would even have to hold her mouth shut, so the liquid would not come out. Finally, she mentioned her symptoms to her mom, which then led her to an eye specialist. They ran some tests and came to the conclusion that she did have Myasthenia Gravis. Sheryl had to miss school for three whole months, due to her being in and out of the hospital. 

Sheryl surgically had a catheter put in for plasmapheresis which worked best for her. Plasmapheresis takes the blood out of the catheter and runs it through a machine to clean the blood and give the blood new antibodies and nutrients to put back in Sheryl's system. This diagnosis still allows her to being a normal teenager and play her favorite sports, just modified a little. She is still able to go on vacation, although she has to make sure to pack all the necessary medications. Sheryl stated in the video, that she doesn't let the disease change who she is as a person. 

In reflection, this story definitely gave me some insight on Myasthenia Gravis. Prior to this video, I honestly did not understand what this disorder was and what caused it.  It is one thing to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, but to have this disorder come about when you are 16 years old is tough. Those are prime years in high school. Playing sports, hanging with friends, learning to drive, there is just so much during that stage of life. However, it is good to see the positivity that Sheryl shows through her process. It is great to see the motivation and determination. 

Resources

Carter, B.  (2014, October 23). Sheryl and Myasthenia Gravis: How I Cope! [Video]. Youtube. 

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZU2nTf6_cc