In This Corner

“In this corner” are the words you typically hear before a fight when the announcer introduces each combatant. I’m about to enter a fight of my own, so it’s only appropriate that I introduce you to who is fighting.

“In this corner, wearing no trunks at all, is “The Common Cold” (CC). CC has a record of a few wins and millions of losses (it’s caused a few deaths, but most people are able to fight off a cold). CC is known for its stealth, swift attacks and the way it sneaks up on its opponents without any forewarning. Known to be deadly if it can quickly get the upper hand, CC’s fights can get ugly in the later rounds. Hailing from Hades, the Common Cold weighs in at nearly nothing and has a reach that is almost unbelievable. Ladies and gentlemen, the Common Cold”

“CC’s opponent for tonight’s match is MG Greg, “The Blog Writer” (BW). BW is wearing white trunks and has a record of hundreds of wins and zero losses, although he has sustained scars and some severe damage in previous bouts. He is known to be tough in the early rounds, but can be vulnerable if the fight goes on for any length of time. Originally hailing from Nebraska, BW now fights out of Louisiana. He weighs it at a little more than he should and has a reach that is not impressive. Ladies and gentlemen, the Blog Writer!”

“Our referee for tonight’s match is God. There are no rules in this match. Everything goes and winner takes all. Good luck, have a dirty fight and may the best entity win!”

That’s often how I have to think about a common cold and I’m getting one as we speak. For the normal person, a common cold is no big thing. It’s inconvenient and a nuisance, but that’s about it. For me, or anyone with Myasthenia Gravis, a common cold can be extremely difficult, dangerous and even life threatening. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the communication between nerves and muscles. It often causes severe muscle weakness. In fact, that’s how Myasthenia Gravis got its name. “Myasthenia” means weakness and “Gravis” means grave or severe, so Myasthenia Gravis (MG) means “grave weakness”. When someone with MG catches a cold, their immune system is already compromised and can result in both the symptoms of the cold and MG getting worse.

According to my old friend, ChatGPT, here’s what may happen when a person with MG catches a cold and why it can be so problematic:

1. Increased Muscle Weakness: A cold can cause fatigue and inflammation, which often worsens the muscle weakness associated with MG. This can make routine activities, like speaking, swallowing, or even breathing, much more difficult.
2. Risk of Respiratory Complications: Since MG can impact the muscles involved in breathing, any respiratory infection (even a mild cold) can make it harder for someone with MG to breathe. This can lead to respiratory distress, choking and even a myasthenia crisis.
3. Exacerbation of MG Symptoms: Infections, including colds, often act as triggers for MG flare-ups, leading to more severe symptoms. The immune system’s response to the infection can worsen the body’s response to its own nerves and muscles, making weakness worse.
4. Medication Interactions and Adjustments: Many cold medicines, especially those containing muscle relaxants (like cough suppressants), should be avoided in people with MG. Some may worsen muscle weakness, so it’s essential for those with MG to consult with their doctor before taking any over-the-counter cold treatments.
5. Longer Recovery Time: People with MG may take longer to recover from illnesses, as their immune system is now fighting both the cold and MG.

So, what should a person with MG do if they catch a cold? They should rest, stay hydrated, and seek advice from their healthcare provider about safely managing symptoms, and above all, heed their doctor’s advice.

I’m currently in the early stages of this cold. I’ve felt off for the last couple of days and have experienced worsening MG symptoms. I’ve felt much more fatigued, my eyelids drooped worse than normal and I’ve had bouts of sweats and chills. I woke up this morning with my nose running non-stop. If this cold follows the path of my previous colds, soon congestion will set in and the cold will move down to my chest. Once that happens, I will not only have difficulty breathing, but I’ll find it difficult to cough forcefully enough to expel the mucus from my bronchial tubes and lungs. This can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia and even a myasthenia crisis. A myasthenia crisis is a severe, potentially life-threatening complication of MG characterized by sudden and severe muscle weakness that can lead to respiratory failure and require a ventilator in order to breathe.

I’ve been through this battle before, many times. I have protocols established by my doctor. If it goes down into my chest, I’ll start breathing treatments using a nebulizer and I’ll take the medications my doctor has me keep on hand for just such an occurrence. I can do this.

It’s not going to be a fun fight. It’s not even going to be fair fight, but I’m up for it. Wish me a lot of luck and please keep me in your prayers. Prayer is powerful. Most important of all, cold season is upon us, so if you have MG and feel a cold coming on, make sure you’re following your doctor’s advice and seek medical attention if your condition worsens.

I promise to keep you posted.

Together we are #MGStrong!