[WLDL330]

Hello, I'm new. I was diagnosed with MG 2 years ago. I'm 39, no kids, separated shortly after my diagnoses. I live in the md/dc/va area. I usually only search for these networking type forums when I'm having a 'crisis'. And this time is no different.

I was on vacation for a week and I did more walking than usual. I took my cane as a precaution, but I ended up relying on it and my left leg began to drag by the end of the week. I left a msg for my doctor once i got back in town last night. but I was curious to know if any other people with mg have experienced this? my legs have been weak before and i don't/can't wear heels anymore. but I never experienced the dragging leg before.

I'm also experiencing self esteem issues that are are getting worse at an exelerated rate because the muscles in my face has caused me to stop wearing contacts and has taken away my beautiful smile. I'm beginning to feel old and 'crippled' before my time.

Let me end this gloomy introduction by saying that I am generally an optimistic person, even though my friends label me as a worry wort. I do believe in God. and I do believe that He won't put more on me than what I can bare. but sometimes there is a disconnect between what I believe and what I feel..you know. and I look to forums like this (and my journal) to help me through the bad times.

[redtail]

Hi WLDL330

I to find I come to forums, especially this one, particularly when I'm down. Which is good because there is always someone to help pick you up. I also visit to see if anyone else needs help!!

I certainly know all about dragging legs, when I'm tired I tend to drag my legs. I stopped wearing anything that resembled a heel a long time ago.
I've learnt that if I'm having a "bad mg day" I walk slower, thus helping me to not drag my legs or trip over things. My familly and friends have learnt to keep up with me rather than the other way round.

Yep self esteem issues tend to rear thier ugly head with me to, especially when I'm not well and my MG is playing up. I just turned 36, and some days I'm as bad as my 72 year old Dad, and I think "this just is'nt right". I try to come visit this forum when I'm feeling really bad, as everyone here knows what you're going through, I think it helps.

I hope you are feeling a bit better, and continue to come here for some support.
take care
redtail

[Scots Kat]

Hi and welcome to the forum!
I too have retired my heels - although to be honest I was always more of a sneaker person (I wore sneakers at my prom way before MG reared it's ugly head and had special white sneakers with pink laces at my wedding - but my Mom did make me wear "proper shoes" for the church service). I haven't noticed a dragging leg per se, but definitely don't raise my leg as high when I'm tired and walking which often causes me to trip over the slightest of inclines. This is dangerous because I don't really have the strength in my legs to catch myself when I start to fall.

I can really empathise with the loss of self esteem. This has been my hardest year so far with MG. No crisis (thank God) - but near enough. I too am a religious person but I really was MAD at God this year at several points. Around christmas was my lowest point and for the first time in my life I actually thought the world would be better off without me. I have NEVER felt so low and useless - definitely depressed. Thankfully I worked through it and now things are really on the right track, so try to stay positive and look forward! In December I had to crawl to get on a bus because I couldn't step up and needed my husband to dress me - now I'm back to doing everything independantly. I still carry my cane too, but haven't needed it in weeks!

I recently had to go for a job interview and I was SO nervous because of my wonky smile and terrible eye (my ptosis is one of my worst symptoms). Eye contact is so important and I just felt I couldn't maintain it! Anyways, in the end the interview itself was good (I didn't get the job though - countdown to unemployment 8 days) but I still felt my confidence took a blow. I was so worried about what I looked like I couldn't focus on the questions.

Anyways, sorry I'm rambling on about myself. I guess I just wanted you to know that even though right now things seem bad there is light out there!! I am so grateful for every one of my good days now! All that's left is to get rid of some of my steriod weight gain.. granted I'd rather be chubby and able to walk up a flight of stairs! I just wish I didn't look like an oompa loompa! Hee hee.

Take care of yourself and Be Happy! A wonky smile is better than none at all!
~Kathy

[Byteryder]

WLD, welcome. I'm not yet diagnosed, and my symptoms are minimal. I may or may not have a lot to face..I just don't know yet.

I take it, from the "heels" comment you are female. I cant begin to imagine how this would impact a woman when the symptoms affect the appearance. It's going to take a lot of introspection and acceptance, but I feel sure you can "be there" in time.

Your body is only the Cover of Your Book. Your appearance only the art work on the Cover. The story of You is written in plain black and white on the pages within. Once someone opens your Book to read ..you, the cover and its art work are no longer visible.

[Scots Kat]

Originally Posted by Byteryder

Your body is only the Cover of Your Book. Your appearance only the art work on the Cover. The story of You is written in plain black and white on the pages within. Once someone opens your Book to read ..you, the cover and its art work are no longer visible.

I love this Byteryder!! My husband said (when I read this out to him) "I love your book." How sweet right?!? My cover art is definitely messed up at the minute - what with the droopy eyes, wonky smile AND all the terrible side effects from the steroids but I'm struggling through. It's nice thoughts like yours that keep me going!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!
~Kathy