My twin works hard to stay active, despite the challenges of MG
Even MG flare-ups don't diminish Aaron's enthusiasm for exercise
One thing that always amazes me about my twin brother, Aaron, is his drive to stay as positive and active as possible. Aaron was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 1999 at the age of 24.
It was a heartbreaking diagnosis. Aaron was a young and very active man, while I exercised erratically. At the time, VHS exercise programs were a big thing and Aaron was notorious for taking over the living room for 30 minutes or more to exercise to his favorite videos. He also lifted weights. I used to tease him.
Exercise and physical fitness were an integral part of Aaron’s personality. While MG limits his body now, he is still positive and still exercises when he can.
Aaron is always enthusiastic about exercise
MG stopped him from doing many things. He was a manual laborer for a while, but had to leave that vocation behind. For the first decade after his diagnosis, exercising regularly was almost impossible.
Aaron was young, stressed, and frustrated by MG. He still gets frustrating flare-ups of muscle weakness, but they were terrible back then. I was there, I saw it; sometimes it looked like his limbs were paralyzed.
Aaron learned over time not to give in to negative emotions. He told me there’s no better alternative for coping with MG than staying positive. After all, stress, anger, and frustration only make MG flare-ups worse.
Aaron chooses positivity. Also, although he can’t exercise as frequently or as intensely as he did before his diagnosis, he strives to stay active and exercise whenever possible. I wish I could match his enthusiasm. I’m fortunate to not have any major medical issues, but I struggle to match my twin’s passion for regular exercise.
Aaron recently had strabismus surgery to correct his badly misaligned eyes. While the surgery was a success, he was told by his doctor that he couldn’t exercise for a month.
He rarely complains — not as much as I do, anyway — yet he complained openly about not being able to exercise after his surgery. Aaron often takes walks and runs errands to stay active. When he’s not recovering from surgery or experiencing an MG flare-up, he likes to exercise at a local gym.
He told me that while the side effects of the strabismus surgery — such as redness, itchiness, and fighting the impulse to rub his eyes — were hard to bear, not being able to exercise was harder. He said he was going stir crazy just sitting at home while his eyes healed.
I love sitting at home.
I’m happy to report that Aaron is finally back at the gym and enjoying working out two to four times a week. He works with a trainer who knows about his MG and makes sure Aaron doesn’t overexert himself. Even if he has to miss a week or two due to a flare-up, he always stays positive and plans for his next gym visit.
Aaron told me that, while MG took away a lot, he still strives to control his health as much as he can through regular doctor visits and exercise. It keeps him positive, healthy, and optimistic.
I don’t have a disability and am in moderate health, and I wish I could match his energy. I’ll try.
Note: 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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Tasha
Thank you for this! My husband has MG and sounds so much like Aarons case it's scary! Also has a passion I cannot match for exercise and stays positive. I would love to connect more and maybe see what balance Aaron and his trainer have found for exercising with MG. Before MG my husband did Muay Thai and K1 Kick boxing as well as worked as a trainer. Since MG he took has struggled to find a balance and pushing through the frustration of not being able to work out like he wants. We suspect he may have also put himself into a relapse a couple of times from pushing too hard too long during times of feeling good. He has a mental fortitude and drive that is unmatched which sounds so much like your brother! I'm glad that he took is able to stay positive through it all and appreciate you sharing your story!