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Greetings and a HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL:

 We met on Wednesday December 19th, one week before our regular 4th Wednesday meeting date, to avoid the hectic rush of Christmas. Probably because of the Christmas season, we did have a sparse turnout. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed the presentation by

Health Link's resident physical therapist, Michelle McGravan. Her topic was Exercising & MG. She pointed out some benefits of exercising:  1) decreased stress, depression and anxiety, 2) boosts immune system, 3) decreased fatigue/increased endurance, 4) increased cardiovascular health,  5) decreased blood pressure, 6) increased bone density and 7) weight control. She emphasized not to overexert when beginning an exercise program and to pay attention to what your body is telling you. She also stressed to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program or starting a new exercise routine. Overall, the talk was very interesting and informative. I told her that perhaps she could come back again at our January or February meetings when we had a larger attendance.

 Carl was a newcomer to our group and this was his first meeting. He has been recently diagnosed with MG and his problem is mostly with his eyes. After some discussion with the rest of the group, he thought perhaps he had other MG symptoms mostly in the throat and face area. It is a small world indeed as I came to find out that Carl lives in our former subdivision and we were practically neighbors for years>>>>but never knew each other. 

That makes three people in the same subdivision that have MG.

Lani was in attendance and seems to have her MG under control as long as she sticks to her medication. She is one of our regular attendees. Lani, we appreciate your regular attendance and input at our meetings.

 Buzz and Bette were with us again too and we appreciate their being here and contributing to our meetings. Buzz appears to be doing OK too. After some discussion, I found out that they do not live very far from where we meet.

 Dean and Mary Nell joined us again. At the last meeting Dean informed us that he was having an MRI for a possible tumor on his thymus and to determine if surgery was necessary. He was happy to report that the test was negative and he was not going to have surgery. He still struggles to find the proper dosage and combination of medicine. He is very pleased with his new neurologist.  

 I had to wing this meeting alone as Gail came down with a stomach bug at the last minute and was in no shape to participate. I'm happy to report that after a couple of days she was fine and we had a great Christmas and New Year's and really enjoyed our toddler grand kids >>>> both almost two. Now I know why God gives children to young parents. WOW, they are active.

 We started this support group last March so we will be approaching our first anniversary. We do hope that it is what you are looking for and that you will continue to come to the meetings and participate. If we can get a larger number of regular participants at our meetings, we will do our best to find interesting and informative speakers. Your input and ideas for the meetings are encouraged and appreciated.  Also, finding speakers is always a challenge so if you can help in this area, please let us know. All of us are in this together.  We need to get the word out to other MG patients about our Support Group and to learn as much as possible about MG to help ourselves and others. Thanks for your help and participation!

 Wishing you peace, good health and happiness in the new year--

Elroy & Gail

Good morning everyone,

We had a good turnout last evening with three new couples - Pablo and Margaret from Floresville, Dean and Mary Nell from Helotes,  Richard and Mary from San Antonio plus regulars Lani and Xavier. Pablo, Dean and Mary are MG patients. as are Lani and Xavier.  Sharon, our daughter-in-law who is a Dr. of Pharmacy, also joined us to give us some insight into the drugs we are taking to combat the disease. A list from the members was compiled and written on the board.  She also gave us some information about  vitamins for MG patients.  Our son Toby is a pharmacist as well and alternates with Sharon in attending our meetings.  We appreciate their presence at our meetings and their sharing their knowledge with us.

Each MG patient present was asked how many doctors they had to see to be diagnosed and how long they searched to find the right diagnosis. We found that several doctors had to be seen in order to get the right diagnosis and the wrong diagnosis was not uncommon.  Self-diagnosis and information from the internet were common factors also.

The Heimlech Maneuver was demonstrated as it was during our last meeting.

We received word from one of our Support Group members that the shingles shot was denied for her because she is taking 20 mg. of Prednisone and, therefore, her immune system is already being compromised by the drug.  Checking with your doctor is a must before getting the vaccine. 

Gail reported that she continues to contact various media, especially the Express-News, to try to get publicity for our Support Group.  So far she has  been successful with two community newspapers.  It is in the North Central News today on page 8.  The article is not all correct but the important information is there.  She is trying to convince the SA Express-News that this is a "rare, misdiagnosed" disease and the public needs to know about it as a lead-in for an article. 

In the meantime, the Support Group members were given fliers to take to their churches or to distribute wherever they go to inform the public about our Support Group.

Everyone was thankful for being able to talk to someone else that is in the "same boat" so to speak. They were glad to see a support group in San Antonio.  

The next meeting will be on November 28.  Please mark it on your calendar and bring someone with you to the meeting.

Elroy & Gail

SA/South Tx MG Support Group Coordinators