Recently diagnosed with MG
 

Good morning everyone,
I was just diagnosed with MG three months ago, but my onset was April 23, 2012. On that day, I woke up unable to move my legs. As the day progressed, I discovered that my legs were really heavy and hard to move. For the last year, walking has been very difficult; when I can walk they get weak and give out. My neurologist put me on Mestinon, which has helped in that it gives me a little more time before my legs give out making it possible to do some tasks around the house. I have to rest a lot between activity and I get frustrated because much of the time I cannot complete a task :(. Last week I applied for disability, which was really hard for me to accept because I want to work. Has anybody with MG applied for disability and been approved? I know that everyone is denied the first time. I just don't want to pursue it if the government doesn't recognize MG as a disabling disorder.

My understanding is that disability is determined not by the name of the disease, but by the severity of the symptoms. So having MG neither guarantees nor rules out getting approved. Certainly there are many people on this forum who have been approved for disability because of their MG symptoms.

I'm glad that Mestinon helps. Has your neuro talked to you about adjusting the timing of the dose for maximum effectiveness? Most neuros will start you on 60mg every four hours, but some people do better taking the pills closer together. Mestinon doesn't stay in your system long.

Abby

Hello Shellbell, I am new here as well--welcome! With regard to disability, what can be vital--I'm going to pick on physicians--is how your physician presents your case. I suggest that MGers read their medical report, prior to submission, so as to ensure all symptoms and difficuties are well-stated.

Please see attached link. MG is one of the impairments of the SS disability list. I did this research when I was not sure I could go back to work. I am back to work now, but not sure I will make it through the summer heat while working. Good luck and let us know how you do.

kathie

http://www.socialsecuritydisability-...pairments.aspx.