Courtenay resident Linda MacMullen was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2001, after 10 years of showing symptoms.

The fact that it took health care providers a decade to determine her condition is a testament to the rarity of the disease.

MG falls under the muscular dystrophy umbrella and there is no cure.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website (), MG causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs.

The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often (but not always) involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.

MacMullen says by lunchtime, she is often already tiring.

91裸聊视频淚f I have just had my IV treatment, I can walk maybe half a block, and if I haven91裸聊视频檛, somedays, I can91裸聊视频檛 walk to the top of my driveway,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淚 never know in the morning when I get up, what kind of day it91裸聊视频檚 going to be.91裸聊视频�

Her days may soon be getting better.

The recent news of a possible medical treatment has her dreaming of a more independent life for herself.

91裸聊视频淲e are trying to get the province to approve a medication that might put me into remission,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 very exciting. It91裸聊视频檚 an FDA-approved drug - Rituxan (rituximab)91裸聊视频� used for cancer. It91裸聊视频檚 used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as well.91裸聊视频�

While MacMullen has not been given a start date yet for the program, she said it would be life-changing for her.

91裸聊视频淲hen my neurologist said 91裸聊视频榳e are going to try to get you into remission,91裸聊视频� I said 91裸聊视频楢fter 20 years, is that even possible?91裸聊视频� Now my brain is going, 91裸聊视频業91裸聊视频檒l be able to do this, I91裸聊视频檒l be able to do that.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淢y family doctor was quick to point out that hopefully it would do that (result in remission), but it might not. But I wouldn91裸聊视频檛 hesitate in trying.91裸聊视频�

The Ministry of Health confirmed to Black Press that coverage of rituximab for myasthenia gravis is available, under certain conditions.

91裸聊视频� The use of rituximab for myasthenia gravis is off-label and requires Special Authority (SA).

91裸聊视频� SA grants coverage to a drug, medical supply or device that otherwise would not be eligible for full coverage.

91裸聊视频� All SA requests must be completed by a medical prescriber.

91裸聊视频� SA routinely approves rituximab for the treatment of MG.

91裸聊视频� Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. To learn more about MG, visit

terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
Like us on and follow us on