Category: My Journey
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Summer Heat and Hydration
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsIt’s August 3. We’re halfway through summer. Kids will be returning to school soon. Days will become progressively shorter. The best part for all of us with Myasthenia Gravis is that we’ll probably only experience a few more weeks of extreme heat. Heat, coupled with humidity, is the nemesis of people with MG. It is…
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You and Your Doctor
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsThe importance of establishing a good relationship with your doctor cannot be overstated. It’s a mutualistic symbiotic relationship where both of you depend upon each other. You rely on your doctor’s expertise, experience and professionalism to guide you through your journey with Myasthenia Gravis. Your doctor relies on you to provide accurate and concise information…
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What’s It Like?
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsFrom those who are unfamiliar with the condition, I’m frequently asked, “What’s it like having Myasthenia Gravis?” Before I begin, allow me to issue a disclaimer. I’m not a physician or medical professional. The symptoms I describe below are the symptoms I experience, some of which could possibly be as a result of age or…
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Prayer Is Powerful
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsI ran into a neighbor and his wife this morning. I usually see him when I’m walking the dogs, but this morning his wife was also with him. She has been diagnosed with cancer and continues treatment. We talked about trivial things this morning, avoiding the elephant in the room. Before leaving, I told her…
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Medical Alert
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsAre you wearing a medical alert insignia? When I was first diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, my neurologist recommended I wear some type of medical alert insignia. He explained that people with MG should not receive general anesthesia. In the event of an emergency, where a person with MG may be unconscious, the medical alert insignia…
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Family and Friends
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsFamily and friends play a huge role in our fight against Myasthenia Gravis. Sometimes we need their physical assistance, but all of the time we need their love and understanding. The best way to do that is in person. I realize that’s not always practical for some. Careers have pulled our family to different regions…
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Laughter… the Best Medicine
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsI’ve been writing this blog for a little over two months now. It’s therapy for me and hopefully helpful for you. Whether you’re someone who suffers from Myasthenia Gravis or a caregiver, a family member, or a friend, I hope there’s been something in my messages that you’ve found helpful. One thing I’ve noticed about…
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Good Days and Bad Days
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsEveryone with Myasthenia Gravis has good days and bad days. Today I want to write about how to best deal with each. Let’s start with the good days. We usually recognize a good day soon after waking in the morning. We feel well-rested. Our symptoms are in check, We feel like we may have a…
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The Dreaded Fall
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsWell, it happened. The dreaded fall. It actually occurred a weekend ago, but I haven’t had time to write about it. We had taken our two dogs for a walk. Since my wife was still in that crazy sling that patients of rotator cuff surgery wear, I was handling the leash for both dogs. That’s…
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Hallmark Christmas Movies… Are You Kidding Me?
Greg Olsen
in ThoughtsI admit it. I like Hallmark Christmas movies. There, I said it. For all the times I’ve complained about them, for all the times I’ve teased my family about them, I enjoy them. In fact, I even subscribe to an additional streaming network just to add the Great American Movie Channel to our televisions so…