How MG Changed the Way I Travel

Michelle Gonzaba avatar

by Michelle Gonzaba |

Share this article:

Share article via email
problems making decisions | Myasthenia Gravis News | banner image for the

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.

However, since my myasthenia gravis diagnosis, my vacations have changed drastically. My plans include more than just finding the cheapest tickets to a must-see play or the museums I want to visit.

I must now keep my MG in the forefront of my mind and make sure I am prepared for anything. I learned this important lesson on the first trip I took after starting treatment for my MG.

I was taking CellCept, prednisone, and Mestinon, and was about six months out from my thymectomy. My weakness was under control, and I was finally able to (mostly) get back to my normal routine. My family noticed my improved health and suggested we go on a family summer vacation to celebrate my current state and future surgery. I immediately agreed with the idea and started to plan our trip.

While searching for hotels and booking flights, I realized I couldn’t handle this trip the same way I’d handled others before. Those trips were pre-MG, which means they happened before I was diagnosed. I now had to figure out my new reality in a post-MG world. 

Firstly, I needed to focus on my most important tools: my medications. I made sure to pack enough for the trip, plus extras just in case. What if I accidentally dropped a pill into a gutter? What if it flew from my hand and out of a car window while I was exploring? Yes, I know, all very logical situations. 

The easiest way for me to store and keep track of my medications was by using a pillbox. It would have been way too difficult to juggle multiple pill bottles while traveling.

Next, I did a quick check for hospitals near my hotel. Although the odds of a crisis were low, I didn’t want to take any chances. Luckily, I was visiting a major city, so there were a few hospitals in my area. 

Finally, I checked out the cancellation rules for both my flight and the hotel. There was always a chance of a flare-up right before the trip, which could have made it difficult for me to even attempt it. I double-checked and confirmed that I could receive refunds or credit for the different things I had booked. 

MG may have put the brakes on some of my former hobbies, but it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying everything, including traveling. Like when anyone hits a roadblock, I had to learn how to readjust and figure out a new strategy. I didn’t let MG stop me — I simply looked at what I had to work with and took it from there.

***

Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Comments

David Riklan avatar

David Riklan

My Myasthenia Gravis (MG) symptoms started at the age of 51, I have had countless plasma exchanges as my veins are bad. I also needed Hickman lines inserted. I have been on azathioprine, mycophenolate (CellCept), methotrexate and none have worked. I'm currently done with my herbal remedy I purchased from multivitamincure. org which has totally cured my condition with a surprise after almost four months of their usage, I was discouraged and never thought I would be myasthenia gravis (MG) free today,to me the best way to get rid of this condition is multivitamincure. org herbal recommendation because all medications I used never worked include mycophenolate (CellCept).

Reply

Leave a comment

Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.