Courtenay resident Linda MacMullen was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2001, after 10 years of showing symptoms.

The fact that it took health care providers a decade to determine her condition is a testament to the rarity of the disease.

MG falls under the muscular dystrophy umbrella and there is no cure.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website (), MG causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs.

The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often (but not always) involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.

MacMullen says by lunchtime, she is often already tiring.

B次元官网网址淚f I have just had my IV treatment, I can walk maybe half a block, and if I havenB次元官网网址檛, somedays, I canB次元官网网址檛 walk to the top of my driveway,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 never know in the morning when I get up, what kind of day itB次元官网网址檚 going to be.B次元官网网址�

Her days may soon be getting better.

The recent news of a possible medical treatment has her dreaming of a more independent life for herself.

B次元官网网址淲e are trying to get the province to approve a medication that might put me into remission,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very exciting. ItB次元官网网址檚 an FDA-approved drug - Rituxan (rituximab)B次元官网网址� used for cancer. ItB次元官网网址檚 used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well.B次元官网网址�

While MacMullen has not been given a start date yet for the program, she said it would be life-changing for her.

B次元官网网址淲hen my neurologist said B次元官网网址榳e are going to try to get you into remission,B次元官网网址� I said B次元官网网址楢fter 20 years, is that even possible?B次元官网网址� Now my brain is going, B次元官网网址業B次元官网网址檒l be able to do this, IB次元官网网址檒l be able to do that.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淢y family doctor was quick to point out that hopefully it would do that (result in remission), but it might not. But I wouldnB次元官网网址檛 hesitate in trying.B次元官网网址�

The Ministry of Health confirmed to Black Press that coverage of rituximab for myasthenia gravis is available, under certain conditions.

B次元官网网址� The use of rituximab for myasthenia gravis is off-label and requires Special Authority (SA).

B次元官网网址� SA grants coverage to a drug, medical supply or device that otherwise would not be eligible for full coverage.

B次元官网网址� All SA requests must be completed by a medical prescriber.

B次元官网网址� SA routinely approves rituximab for the treatment of MG.

B次元官网网址� Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. To learn more about MG, visit

terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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