My Battle with MG

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & HOW IT IMPACTS MY WORK

More than likely, we don't really know each other beyond what you've seen on my website or social media feeds.

Every once in awhile, I share a bit about how I'm feeling or give a small glimpse into the chaotic life that is work-from-home motherhood.

But while all those are authentic moments and real experiences, for the most part, they are fairly generic slices of my life – the things we can all relate to at one level or another.

Today, I wanted to share something that is unique to me and not only affects my daily life but my photography sessions, as well. 

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia graves about 20 years ago. It is a neurological disorder. It causes fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscles of the body and can include a drooping eyelid, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty chewing and swallowing, weakness in the arms and legs, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can change from day to day—even hour to hour. For me, night time is the worst, and hot weather aggravates my symptoms.

Every MG patient is different. During our session, you’ll notice that I have slurred speech. When I was nursing my children and unable to take the medication necessary to keep my disease under control, I was almost impossible to understand. These days, however, people can understand me and my directions/prompts, although I might need to repeat myself to make sure I’m clear.

Also when I blink, I can’t shut my eyes all the way. So sometimes I might roll my eyes unconsciously so that I can keep them lubricated.

I promise, it’s not a sign of disrespect :)

If you have any questions about my MG and how it could affect your session, shoot me an email. I’m very open about my diagnosis.