New Year

It’s 2025. Gary was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in May 2020. We have had this extra blessing now for 5 years. I say 5 years; however, it took us 2 to get a diagnosis, so that actually is 7 years! Blessing might be an odd way of describing MG. While the road has without a doubt been rocky and the future unknown, it is because of MG that we have expanded our “family”. Not the traditional family, but one that feels and acts just like it. All the doctors, nurses, secretaries, physical therapist, friends who check on him, and so much more have not only become part of Gary’s team, they are part of our hearts – our family which continues to grow.

We had quite the ride in November and December. Gary developed a bad sore throat along with nasal drainage – no fever, but MG symptoms were yelling much like the robot yelling, “Danger, danger, Will Robinson”. We first went to his PCP who ruled out flu, covid, and strep and sent him home with an antibiotic. A week later – no change. Another call to the doctor who called in yet another antibiotic. Now – I have mentioned before that there is a cautionary list of drugs for people with MG. I give this handout to EVERYONE Gary deals with . Unfortunately not all pay attention. The antibiotic given was on this list. A call to the doctor about this and yet another antibiotic was called in. (I put a link to the cautionary drugs below)

Click to access Cautionary%20Drugs.pdf

Several weeks later with no improvement we decided to see a dentist. It was discovered he has an impacted wisdom tooth which “could” be the cause of his sore throat. Off to the oral surgeon we go who said this was a case for the med center in downtown Houston. That appointment is scheduled for March. We did find out that the wisdom tooth is not infected and therefore more than likely not the cause of his severely sore throat.

Enter NEW pcp who looks in his nose, his ears, and his throat and says he needs to see an ENT.

During this time he had numerous blood from sinus cavities and spit up blood from his throat. I was giving him hot tea (throat coat, Breathe Easy, with honey and sometimes whiskey). This seemed to help a lot. He tried MANY nasal sprays the BEST being Cofix.

Yesterday, Jan. 10, he saw the ENT. He has an ear infection and swelling of the nasal cavities and vocal cords. No major infections were seen. He was prescribed ear drops and a new nasal spray, Azelastine to go along with his Flonase. He will go back in 2 weeks for a CT. He is already seeing a difference! Fingers crossed we continue to see improvement.

During this time, we had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and Christmas with family. Gary made the perfect Santa! ❤

While his MG symptoms still are giving him fits, he doesn’t let them stop him from living. He has gone to the mall, to meetings, gotten his permanent disabled license plate, celebrated our 40th anniversary, and much more – and of course he still continues to work! I continue to say that when God comes calling, I honestly think Gary will respond, “I have one more contract to get signed and a few trucks to figure out. I’ll be ready by 5”. HA! ❤

So much more has gone on, but I do believe this catches everyone up for the most part. My new year’s resolution is to update this more often.

For now Gary and I continue to count our blessings – having each other for this ride called life being the biggest blessing of all. As Gary always says…

I AM BLESSED