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.

香蕉视频直播淚f I have just had my IV treatment, I can walk maybe half a block, and if I haven香蕉视频直播檛, somedays, I can香蕉视频直播檛 walk to the top of my driveway,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淚 never know in the morning when I get up, what kind of day it香蕉视频直播檚 going to be.香蕉视频直播�

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.

香蕉视频直播淲e are trying to get the province to approve a medication that might put me into remission,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 very exciting. It香蕉视频直播檚 an FDA-approved drug - Rituxan (rituximab)香蕉视频直播� used for cancer. It香蕉视频直播檚 used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well.香蕉视频直播�

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

香蕉视频直播淲hen my neurologist said 香蕉视频直播榳e are going to try to get you into remission,香蕉视频直播� I said 香蕉视频直播楢fter 20 years, is that even possible?香蕉视频直播� Now my brain is going, 香蕉视频直播業香蕉视频直播檒l be able to do this, I香蕉视频直播檒l be able to do that.香蕉视频直播�

香蕉视频直播淢y family doctor was quick to point out that hopefully it would do that (result in remission), but it might not. But I wouldn香蕉视频直播檛 hesitate in trying.香蕉视频直播�

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

香蕉视频直播� The use of rituximab for myasthenia gravis is off-label and requires Special Authority (SA).

香蕉视频直播� SA grants coverage to a drug, medical supply or device that otherwise would not be eligible for full coverage.

香蕉视频直播� All SA requests must be completed by a medical prescriber.

香蕉视频直播� SA routinely approves rituximab for the treatment of MG.

香蕉视频直播� 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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