"Everything I can do to manage my gMG better is my priority."

Greg, living with gMG for 18 years 

Greg, living with gMG for 18 years
Greg, living with gMG for 18 years
Patient Portrayal

UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF UNCONTROLLED gMG

How does gMG affect you?

If you are having difficulty with walking, eating, or doing daily chores, just know that others with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) are too. See how gMG impacts their lives, and the importance of speaking up about your experiences.

THE IMPORTANCE OF
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR DOCTOR

gMG can disrupt many aspects of your daily life—physically, personally, and professionally. These symptoms may not always be easy to see, so over time, you may come to accept them as your new normal.

It is important to recognize what isn't normal and share how your condition is impacting your daily life. This should especially include simple activities (such as walking, chewing and swallowing) to major events (inability to work, do chores, or be with family).

 

Are you making modifications to make everyday tasks simpler?

While you may have to do some things differently while living with gMG, it is important to share with your doctor the modifications to your daily activities like grooming or cleaning. An example of a modification is using a hair dryer stand because your arms are weak.

Your doctor will also need to know if these modifications continue to change over time to identify if your gMG is uncontrolled.

My neurologist knows me the best, and I trust him completely.

Dale, living with gMG for 5 years

See the impact of gMG: Physically, Personally, & Professionally

7 out of 10 people have difficulty walking

7 out of 10 people have difficulty walking, which can affect things like climbing stairs

4 out of 10 people have difficulty chewing and swallowing

4 out of 10 people have difficulty chewing and swallowing, which can lead to nutrition and weight issues

Up to 7 out of 10 people have trouble doing household chores

Up to 7 out of 10 people have trouble doing household chores like cleaning or vacuuming

gMG can cause people to rely more on a caregiver

gMG can cause people to rely more on a caregiver to help with daily activities

Over a quarter of people experienced unemployment

Over a quarter of people experienced unemployment

gMG is known as a "snowflake" disease because no two people experience the same symptoms.
Be sure to track your unique experiences in order to share them with your doctor.

Many different clinical studies are used to show how gMG affects people with the condition.

Help finding doctor
Help finding doctor

Need help finding a doctor?

Finding a doctor you trust is key to better managing your gMG.

This tool can help you find one in your area.

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Glossary

  • Acute

      Occurring suddenly and lasting for a short time. An acute disease is one with symptoms that only last for a short period of time. People with myasthenia gravis often experience both acute and chronic symptoms.

  • Antibodies

      An antibody is part of your body's immune system that protects you by attacking foreign proteins.

  • Autoimmune disease

      A disease in which the immune system, which normally protects the body, attacks it instead.

  • Chronic

      Long-lasting, persistent, or constant. A chronic disease is one with symptoms that occur over a long period of time. People with myasthenia gravis often experience both chronic and acute symptoms.

  • Complement system

      Part of your immune system that enhances (complements) the ability of your immune cells to do their jobs in protecting you against disease.

  • Exacerbations

      An exacerbation is an acute (short- term) worsening of gMG symptoms.

  • Fluctuations

      A fluctuation in gMG occurs when you experience a change in muscle strength.

  • Generalized myasthenia gravis

      A chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which can worsen after periods of activity and improve after periods of rest. This weakness can affect moving, eating, and breathing.

  • Immune system

      A system that protects your body from foreign invaders by producing a response to fight infections and other threats.

  • Myasthenic crisis

      A medical emergency where the muscles you use to breathe get very weak, leading to respiratory failure.

  • Neuromuscular junction (NMJ)

      The meeting place of nerves and muscles. When the NMJ is destroyed, your muscles get weaker.

  • Uncontrolled

      As gMG affects each person differently, uncontrolled disease can also vary person to person. The most common signs and symptoms that may indicate uncontrolled disease include:

      • Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Profile (MG-ADL)—a tool your doctor may use to assess the extent of your symptoms)—greater than or equal to 6

      • Some but not all of the following: Ongoing weakness, difficulty speaking, problems with chewing or swallowing, impaired vision or drooping eyelid, shortness of breath, or difficulty with activities such as brushing your teeth or combing your hair—which can impact your daily quality of life

      • Progression of symptoms requiring frequent treatment changes and/or increase in treatment dosing

      It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing these signs and symptoms of gMG to understand if your disease may in fact be uncontrolled.