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Articles by Michelle Gonzaba
Traveling to Paris was a dreamy adventure, despite my MG
Traveling was one of my biggest fears after my myasthenia gravis diagnosis in 2019. If I got tired at home easily, what would navigating an airport and exploring a bustling city feel like? A few years ago, when my father suggested my sister and I visit a European country before our Italian visa expired (I will write more about this soon), I chose Paris. Who could resist? Plus, given the historical ties between Algeria, where I live, and France, I’m more familiar with the French system and language.
Living with myasthenia gravis, I invented a job to be able to work
Even though my symptoms started early, I couldn’t make a strategic plan for higher education because I wasn’t diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) until my second year of college. I’d chosen my dream career: physics. You might think of Stephen Hawking as the perfect example of a disabled person in physics, but eight years ago, without a diagnosis, I had no proof of my condition to show the university. That meant I couldn’t access any of the few adjustments offered to disabled students.
Anti-MuSK antibody levels may be MG severity, treatment response biomarker
Blood levels of specific antibodies that target the muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) may be biomarkers of disease severity and treatment response in people with myasthenia gravis (MG) who are positive for anti-MuSK antibodies. A study finds that high levels of MuSK-IgG4 — an anti-MuSK antibody subclass – were associated with more severe disease, while reducing it was linked to a favorable response to treatment.
MG immunosuppressants azathioprine, MMF compared in PROMISE-MG study
No significant differences in clinical outcomes or quality of life were observed between myasthenia gravis (MG) patients treated with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), results from the PROMISE-MG observational study show.
Rescue therapy use can reduce myasthenic crisis deaths: Study
Timely rescue therapy use during a myasthenic crisis — a life-threatening complication of myasthenia gravis (MG) marked by severe breathing problems — can reduce mortality among patients. That’s according to new findings from researchers in China, who investigated risk factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, which is commonly required for people with MG who experience a myasthenic crisis.
My 3 strategies for managing PTSD as someone with MG – Myasthenia...
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of those taboo topics many people don’t seem to want to talk about. Good thing I’m not like most folks. I have PTSD from my time in the U.S. Army as a result of combat, surviving assault, and a sprinkling of medical trauma. I believe that, with work, PTSD doesn’t have to be the end-all diagnosis I’ve seen it be for friends and colleagues.
Review: Respiratory decline in MG may be detected with SBCT |...
The single breath count test (SBCT), a noninvasive and inexpensive pulmonary function test, may help evaluate respiratory function and identify when symptoms worsen with myasthenia gravis (MG), a review of several studies has found. A cutoff value of 25 or higher in the SBCT was indicative of normal respiratory muscle function in MG.
MG patients get advice on how to navigate US healthcare |...
For people with rare health conditions like myasthenia gravis (MG), navigating the U.S. health insurance system can be difficult, but there are many resources that can support patients. Challenges with accessing healthcare and advice about overcoming them were the main topics of the “Navigating Insurance Coverage” panel discussion at the MG Foundation of America (MGFA) National Patient Conference, March 26-28, in New Orleans.
Returning to a Midwest Winter Evokes Memories of MG's Lessons and Gifts
There’s snow on the ground and a nip in the air. The smell of burning wood fills the air, with smoke dancing from the chimneys. Winter has arrived in northern Wisconsin. It’s different from the winters I’d grown accustomed to in Maine; it’s like the winters of my childhood. Growing up a farm girl I was born in Iowa, and despite a couple of years when we lived in Germany, I spent much of my childhood in the Midwest.
IVIG Not Effective as MG Treatment to Lower Corticosteroid Dose |...
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was not effective at reducing the daily dose of corticosteroids for treating myasthenia gravis (MG), a multicenter Phase 2 trial shows. “These results suggest that immunomodulation alone was insufficient to facilitate dose reduction,” the researchers wrote. The trial results were reported in the study, “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Corticosteroid-Sparing Effects of Immunoglobulin in Myasthenia Gravis,” published in Neurology.
Getting Past the Fine Print When Agonizing Over a Decision
326157 Getting Past the Fine Print When Agonizing Over a Decision https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/05/18/getting-past-the-fine-print-when-agonizing-over-a-decision/ Before I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), I didn’t second-guess myself too much. In fact, I don’t think I doubted myself any more than any other person does. But after my MG diagnosis and all of the trauma that came with it, I became someone who doubted not only the big decisions, but also the small ones.
What to Look For in a Neurologist
324149 What to Look For in a Neurologist https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/04/20/what-to-look-for-in-a-neurologist/ When I was 6 years old, I had a pair of brown leather fisherman sandals I was obsessed with. I wore them with every outfit, regardless of the event or time of year. But by the time I turned 7, it was clear that I had outgrown them. This didn’t faze me; with a singular focus, I attempted to force my growing feet into these sandals, regardless of the amount of pain they caused.
Why Is MG Such a Large Part of My Identity?
322061 Why Is MG Such a Large Part of My Identity? https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/03/23/why-is-mg-such-a-large-part-of-my-identity/ I wouldn’t describe myself as a nervous person. I’m plagued by anxiety, sure, but I’ve become pretty good at managing it. There is, however, a particular sentence that makes me break out into a sweat: “Tell me about yourself.” We’ve all heard this before, whether during a first date or a job interview. I’m confident that no one is a fan of this question.
Moving Forward Starts With Speaking Out
320956 Moving Forward Starts With Speaking Out https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/03/09/moving-forward-starts-with-speaking-out/ Normally, I don’t have a hard time talking about various subjects. I could spend hours discussing Academy Award nominees, arguing about why Slack is better than Microsoft Teams, or gossiping about the British monarchy. Speaking up isn’t the problem — it’s the subject matter that trips me up. When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I avoided any kind of emotional talk.
Join Us for a Special BioNews Rare Disease Day Webinar
319614 Join Us for a Special BioNews Rare Disease Day Webinar https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/02/23/join-us-for-a-special-bionews-rare-disease-day-webinar/ At some point in everyone’s life, we all feel misunderstood. One of my earliest memories is from when I was 6, and a group of kids made me feel like I didn’t fit in. I don’t remember exactly what they did, but I do remember how lost I felt. It’s a terrible feeling, something we’ve all experienced.
How MG Changed My Relationship With Exercise and Weight
318260 How MG Changed My Relationship With Exercise and Weight https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/02/09/how-mg-changed-my-relationship-with-exercise-and-weight/ For most of my life, I’ve had a complicated relationship with my weight. I played sports in my early years, but because of my deep and abiding love for sugar and white bread, I was always a chubby kid.
Does Imagining a Different MG Outcome Do Any Good?
316614 Does Imagining a Different MG Outcome Do Any Good? https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/01/19/does-imagining-a-different-mg-outcome-do-any-good/ A powerful imagination can be both a gift and a curse. On one hand, it can be a way for us to brainstorm and envision ideas. In a way, it can help us make a plan for the goals we want to reach. On the other hand, it can be a black hole of “what ifs” that hold us back.
How Caring for a Houseplant Reminded Me of My MG Journey
315542 How Caring for a Houseplant Reminded Me of My MG Journey https://bionewsfeeds.com/2022/01/05/how-caring-for-a-houseplant-reminded-me-of-my-mg-journey/ Like many others in the past two years, I’ve become a first-time houseplant owner. After “extensive” research, which involved perhaps a couple Google searches, I bought a Calathea ornata, or pinstripe Calathea, a beautiful plant with thin, pink-striped leaves.
2022 Will Be the Year I Leave Fear Behind
314860 2022 Will Be the Year I Leave Fear Behind https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/12/22/2022-will-be-the-year-i-leave-fear-behind/ New Year’s seems to hold a different meaning for everyone. Some see it as an opportunity to chug champagne, while others dedicate their time to brainstorming resolutions. I’ve never been very excited about the holiday. I’m not a big drinker, and have failed at too many resolutions to attempt any more.
How MG Changed My College Experience
314309 How MG Changed My College Experience https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/12/15/how-mg-changed-my-college-experience/ As a young teenager, I had a very specific vision for my college years. I imagined nonstop parties, long nights spent studying in the library, and failed attempts at trying to use the washing machine. But I couldn’t have imagined how different my college experience would be. My first year was pretty normal. Like most 18-year-olds, I was having trouble adjusting to college life.
Changing From a Negative to Positive Mindset
313749 Changing From a Negative to Positive Mindset https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/12/08/changing-from-a-negative-to-positive-mindset/ I’ve never been the most positive person in the world. I’ve discussed in previous columns how my negative tendencies have affected my life, but I’ve since made progress in becoming more positive. The journey has had its hurdles, though. In the early years after my myasthenia gravis diagnosis, I struggled to think positive thoughts.
How My Relationship With Alcohol Has Changed Due to MG
313160 How My Relationship With Alcohol Has Changed Due to MG https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/12/01/how-my-relationship-with-alcohol-has-changed-due-to-mg/ Throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy alcoholic drinks. But I’ve always felt that the holiday season offers the best cocktails and treats. I could blame it on the colder weather or the festive atmosphere, but the month of December always inspires me to look at the cocktail menu.
This Year, I’m Thankful for the Good and the Bad
312840 This Year, I’m Thankful for the Good and the Bad https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/11/24/this-year-im-thankful-for-the-good-and-the-bad/ After I’ve put away my Halloween decorations and watched my final viewing of the movie “Hocus Pocus“ for the year, my thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. As October becomes November, I always begin to ponder what I’m thankful for. It hasn’t always been easy for me to come up with things.
My Biggest Fear Came True, but I Survived It
312244 My Biggest Fear Came True, but I Survived It https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/11/17/my-biggest-fear-came-true-but-i-survived-it/ There’s always this weird period between getting tested for a medical condition and actually getting diagnosed with it. A person may be almost certain of their illness, but they can’t start treatment until it’s been confirmed. It’s like waiting to cross the most important street in your life; the path forward is right there, but there’s no getting to the other side.
I Was Surprised to Qualify for the COVID-19 Booster
311665 I Was Surprised to Qualify for the COVID-19 Booster https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/11/10/i-was-surprised-to-qualify-for-the-covid-19-booster/ I received two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, one in April and the other in May. With my limited medical and scientific knowledge, I thought those two shots would be the only ones I’d need for the foreseeable future, but I was wrong; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its authorization to allow for a single booster shot.
Captain America Made Me Rethink How to Show Empathy
311029 Captain America Made Me Rethink How to Show Empathy https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/11/03/captain-america-made-me-rethink-how-to-show-empathy/ It’s easy to get wrapped up in one’s own life. We can try to show empathy and understanding, and to see things through another person’s eyes, but sometimes it’s difficult. We all think we are the main character in every situation, even though we clearly aren’t. Sometimes we need to step aside and let someone else have the stoplight.
CellCept’s Benefits Were Worth Dealing With Its Side Effects
310450 CellCept’s Benefits Were Worth Dealing With Its Side Effects https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/10/27/cellcepts-benefits-were-worth-dealing-with-its-side-effects/ When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), I quickly became overwhelmed with all of the different ways it could be treated. I had no idea which treatments would work best for me, but I trusted that my doctor would choose the best course of action.
Baking Keeps My MG Anxiety and Stress From Rising
309770 Baking Keeps My MG Anxiety and Stress From Rising https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/10/20/baking-keeps-my-mg-anxiety-and-stress-from-rising/ Anxiety and stress have always been a part of my life. Both have swirled around in my head since I was a small child, years before I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). And they go hand in hand: I become anxious when I’m under stress, and I feel stress when my anxiety flares up. It can be like a never-ending loop; one always accompanies the other.
I Had a Negative Experience While Tapering Off Prednisone Quickly
309056 I Had a Negative Experience While Tapering Off Prednisone Quickly https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/10/13/i-had-a-negative-experience-while-tapering-off-prednisone-quickly/ I have a love-hate relationship with the corticosteroid prednisone. After I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2011, prednisone gave me back my strength almost instantly. It was like a miracle, and I was extremely grateful. But I never expected the side effects that came with it.
Health Literacy Month Is a Reminder That Knowledge Is Power
308376 Health Literacy Month Is a Reminder That Knowledge Is Power https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/10/06/health-literacy-month-is-a-reminder-that-knowledge-is-power/ It took almost a year to be diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), after months of suffering from weird symptoms and speaking to numerous medical professionals. It was such a disorienting experience for me, but I felt complete relief at finally being able to put a name to the thing that was causing my body to become so weak.
Fall Brings a Welcome Break From Heat Exhaustion
307690 Fall Brings a Welcome Break From Heat Exhaustion https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/09/29/fall-brings-a-welcome-break-from-heat-exhaustion/ On my side of the world, we are beginning to see temperatures drop. I’ve never been a big fan of summer. I don’t enjoy sweating, and I like mosquitoes even less. For someone like me, who lives with myasthenia gravis (MG), summer also means heat exhaustion. So, I’ve been looking forward to fall. Even before MG, the hot summer months were a nuisance.
Falls Prevention Awareness Day Has New Meaning for Me
306916 Falls Prevention Awareness Day Has New Meaning for Me https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/09/22/falls-prevention-awareness-day-has-new-meaning-for-me/ Many years ago, my grandfather ended up in the hospital due to a bad fall. Luckily, he didn’t break any bones and was released after a brief stay. I don’t have strong memories from this experience, but one thing I do recall is the bright yellow “FALL RISK” wristband he had to wear.
How MG Has Made Me a Better Person
306127 How MG Has Made Me a Better Person https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/09/15/how-mg-has-made-me-a-better-person/ Growing up, for lack of a better term, is very weird. I no longer understand what’s cool or not, I now repeat phrases my mother says (“All of these rappers sound the same!”), and my lower back can’t handle my odd sitting positions anymore. I didn’t think I would stay young forever, but I never thought time would move this fast.
Asking for Help Is Never a Sign of Weakness
305337 Asking for Help Is Never a Sign of Weakness https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/09/08/asking-for-help-is-never-a-sign-of-weakness/ I’ve never been great at asking for help. Ever since I was a kid, I always thought that asking for help meant I wasn’t as smart as everyone else. I was also petrified to ask a question that others would laugh at. There wasn’t a certain event or moment that made me feel this way, it’s how I’ve always been.
How Myasthenia Gravis Changed the Way I Define Success
304060 How Myasthenia Gravis Changed the Way I Define Success https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/08/25/how-myasthenia-gravis-changed-the-way-i-define-success/ For as long as I can remember, my definition of success hasn’t wavered much. It didn’t matter if I was playing in a Little League game or preparing for a job interview, success always meant having the most, conquering others, and being the best. I could argue that my definition of success was a product of my environment.
Years Later, I’m Learning How MG Affected My Family
303347 Years Later, I’m Learning How MG Affected My Family https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/08/18/years-later-im-learning-how-mg-affected-my-family/ I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) at the self-centered age of 19. Ah, 19, that beautiful age when we think no one else in the world has worse problems than we do. While I wasn’t a total monster at that age, I was handling my problems in unnecessarily dramatic ways.
Making the Tough Decision to Sit Out the School Year
302575 Making the Tough Decision to Sit Out the School Year https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/08/11/making-the-tough-decision-to-sit-out-the-school-year/ For the past three years of my life, August has been one of the most stressful months of the year. For others, August often is the beginning of that weird time between summer and fall. But for teachers like me, it’s the start of a new school year. From lesson planning to classroom decorating, I was always in panic mode.
How I Learned to Avoid Letting My Emotions Affect My Health
301800 How I Learned to Avoid Letting My Emotions Affect My Health https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/08/04/how-i-learned-to-avoid-letting-my-emotions-affect-my-health/ Doctors’ appointments aren’t among my favorite activities, but they are necessary when weird symptoms occur. Before I had myasthenia gravis (MG), doctors’ appointments were rare for me. Except for physicals for school, I didn’t go that often.
The Olympics and Golf Helped Me Find Hope Despite MG
301018 The Olympics and Golf Helped Me Find Hope Despite MG https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/07/28/the-olympics-and-golf-helped-me-find-hope-despite-mg/ While I have never been the most athletic person in the world, I’ve always enjoyed playing various sports. I am a veteran of top leagues, including YMCA basketball and Little League softball. I dabbled in volleyball and had a long, two-day career in track.
How Meditation Helped Me Manage Anxiety
300190 How Meditation Helped Me Manage Anxiety https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/07/21/how-meditation-helped-me-manage-anxiety/ For most of my life, I’ve been wary of meditation, which involves various mind exercises that help to build happiness and shrink stress. Perhaps I could blame my negative attitude about meditation on other factors, such as how it’s portrayed on TV. In reality, I never took the time to research it.
I Grieved for Both My Past and Future After My MG Diagnosis
299420 I Grieved for Both My Past and Future After My MG Diagnosis https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/07/14/i-grieved-for-both-my-past-and-future-after-my-mg-diagnosis/ When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), it took me a few months to accept that my body would never be the same again. It took even longer to understand what that really meant. I went through stages of denial, anger, sadness, and every other negative feeling a person can imagine.
How MG Taught Me to Put Kindness Before Judgment
298687 How MG Taught Me to Put Kindness Before Judgment https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/07/07/how-mg-taught-me-to-put-kindness-before-judgment/ Myasthenia gravis (MG) really enjoys hiding from other people. While a droopy eyelid is easy to observe, most of the other symptoms are not noticeable to outsiders. Weakness in the arms, legs, face, and other areas may only be detectable after someone with MG attempts to complete certain tasks.
Some Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms Scare Me More Than Others
298196 Some Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms Scare Me More Than Others https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/06/30/some-myasthenia-gravis-symptoms-scare-me-more-than-others/ When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I did what most people would do: I Googled my new rare disease and came to the instant conclusion that I would die within the next 48 hours. Dramatic, yes, but Google searches rarely lead to encouraging news.
How a Myasthenic Crisis Affected My Ability to Empathize
296887 How a Myasthenic Crisis Affected My Ability to Empathize https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/06/16/how-a-myasthenic-crisis-affected-my-ability-to-empathize/ If I asked 10 people to describe what being a “good friend” means, I would probably hear 10 different responses. But while these responses would be diverse, I’d guess that most would think a good friend needs to be empathetic. Throughout my life, I’ve tried to be as empathetic as possible.
MG Awareness Month Helps to Inform Those Looking for Answers
296290 MG Awareness Month Helps to Inform Those Looking for Answers https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/06/09/mg-awareness-month-helps-to-inform-those-looking-for-answers/ When I discuss myasthenia gravis with new acquaintances, I usually get shocked faces and confused looks. I don’t blame them — MG isn’t exactly one of the most well-known rare diseases. I would even say it’s the Jan Brady of rare diseases: It’s always been there, but no one really knows or understands anything about it.
When Exercise Became More Than a Workout
295616 When Exercise Became More Than a Workout https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/06/02/when-exercise-became-more-than-a-workout/ Exercise and I have never been the best of friends. I would make a commitment to work out more, which included buying new sneakers, workout gear, and equipment that I absolutely did not need. And what did I do with all of these new purchases? I completed four or five workouts and never touched my new stuff again.
How MG Changed the Way I Travel
295153 How MG Changed the Way I Travel https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/05/26/how-mg-changed-the-way-i-travel/ Unlike most people, I’m torn between loving and disliking the summer months. On one hand, as a teacher, I enjoy the time off. On the other hand, temperatures in my home state of Texas are almost unbearable. But my favorite thing about the summer is travel. While I have taken vacations at other times of the year, something about a summer trip makes it more special.
911 Recap: Buck Goes Rogue in "Survivors"
By Michelle Gonzaba 911 picks up right where we left off, with Eddie bleeding out on the streets of Los Angeles. Buck and his fellow firefighters are able to drag Eddie to safety and get him to the hospital. After contacting the rest of Station 118, Buck heads to Eddie’s house to break the news to Christopher. Buck has a hard time telling Chris about his dad’s injury; he’s so torn up about it, Chris has to comfort Buck instead of the other way around.
Diagnosis Opened My Eyes to the Importance of Community
294608 Diagnosis Opened My Eyes to the Importance of Community https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/05/19/diagnosis-opened-my-eyes-to-the-importance-of-community/ I’ve always been a bit of a loner. Even before I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), I tended to keep to myself. As I stated in a previous column, privacy has always been important to me. We could dive into my psyche and analyze why I prefer to keep parts of myself hidden, but that’s a far more appropriate job for a psychologist.
I Used to Hide My Disease From Others, but Now I Proudly Talk About It
294145 I Used to Hide My Disease From Others, but Now I Proudly Talk About It https://bionewsfeeds.com/2021/05/12/i-used-to-hide-my-disease-from-others-but-now-i-proudly-talk-about-it/ For most of my life, I have been a private person. Most of the time, I keep things close to my chest, because some people tend to be nosy. I purposefully keep parts of me closed off from others, and one of these is myasthenia gravis (MG).
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