Linda McMullen has been battling with a rare autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis (MG) for over two decades.
This chronic ailment causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for a wide range of body movements and breathing.
Those suffering from MG become exhausted and feel weaker following periods of activity or after performing everyday tasks.
Among other things, myasthenia gravis can affect various facial muscles, altering a personB次元官网网址檚 ability to smile, chew, swallow, and control their eye movements.
By noon, MacMullen admits that her energy levels often start to dwindle.
B次元官网网址淚 make all my appointments first thing in the morning because I know in the afternoon I might have double vision and not be able to drive or my legs might be weak, which would make me a menace on the road,B次元官网网址� says MacMullen.
B次元官网网址淚 know if I have a shower without any assistance, thatB次元官网网址檚 it for today. I can walk to the top of my driveway, but thatB次元官网网址檚 it. I canB次元官网网址檛 walk to the mailbox.B次元官网网址�
Unfortunately, this disease has no cure.
However, the prospect of new drugs on the Canadian market can help temper some of MGB次元官网网址檚 symptoms. This drug is Rituxan (rituximab) - a molecule used in cancer treatment.
Newly available in Canada, MacMullen started taking rituximab last year. Sadly, the expected results from the medication were not achieved.
B次元官网网址淢y neurologist thought it would put me into remission, but IB次元官网网址檓 not so lucky when it comes to that,B次元官网网址� adds MacMullen.
Despite not being a success, MacMullen said there were some positive results from the experiment.
B次元官网网址淚 did notice improvements. It made my other treatment more tolerable,B次元官网网址� says MacMullen. B次元官网网址淚t also gave me my smile somewhat back. I also feel a bit stronger. I noticed I still have to really plan my activities because I still will end up totally wiped out. But at least I feel like I have a bit more of a normal life.B次元官网网址�
Despite those disappointing results, MacMullen stays optimistic. As a director of the Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada, she finds solace in comforting others.
B次元官网网址淚 feel good. IB次元官网网址檓 doing a lot of advocacy work for people with myasthenia,B次元官网网址� adds MacMullen. B次元官网网址淚 feel like IB次元官网网址檓 making a contribution to helping improve other peopleB次元官网网址檚 lives.B次元官网网址�
The possibility of a new drug being approved by Canadian health authorities may also be a game-changer for MacMullen.
Currently available in most European countries and the U.S. a new drug called Vyvgart offers promising results. MacMullen is confident the new medication will be on the Canadian market in the following years.
In the meantime, MacMullen invites all Comox Valley residents to partake in a walk and to raise funds for research on June 11, as part of MG awareness month,
The event will start at 10 a.m. at CourtenayB次元官网网址檚 Woodcote Park.
Donations are appreciated and can be made on-site. To learn more about myasthenia gravis, visit
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