Hi all, I promised to compile the list we all created of ways to take care

of yourself if you have MG. I have done that and put the list into a

Microsoft WORD document. Anyone who wishes the document can email

me at CheriNQ@aol.com and I'll attach it in a file (I practice safe

computing so it's not dangerous!)

REMEMBER, not everyone will need to do all these things - this

challenge is very individualized.

In the meantime I will try to cut and paste the list below.

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

PACE YOURSELF

*Have frequent rest periods throughout the day.

*Don't overuse whatever the disease has attacked.

STRIVE FOR FREEDOM FROM STRESS

*Keep outside stress to a minimum. Protect yourself.

*Don't get too tired, too hungry, or too lonely.

*Minimize negative emotions. Try for calm. *Meditation and breathing

control exercises help.

*Remember this means physical stress too. Get professional advice

about MG and exercise.

*Don't make MG a focus of your life. Focus on something positive.

*Do something for someone else who needs you.

*Don't sweat the small stuff. So what if the house is dusty!

*Plan to do things on good days and don't feel guilty not doing things

on the less good days.

*Never eat large meals. It stresses your system.

*Remember positive stimulation can be tiring as well as negative.

Remember to rest.

WATCH CALMLY FOR CRISIS SIGNS

*Don't let symptoms get significant before you ask for help.

*Try to control fear reactions. They make things worse.

*Prepare ahead of time, just in case.

STRIVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CALM

*Don't let your environment get too wet, too dry, too hot, or too cold.

*Avoid hot showers/baths

STRIVE FOR EMOTIONAL CALM

*Keep your focus off yourself.

*Help someone who needs you.

WATCH YOUR DIET

*Food not too hot or too cold.

*Food may need to be thinned, liquids may need to be thickened.

*Avoid pastas, peanut butter, or other "difficult" foods

*Use a straw when drinking.

*Eat whole foods. Avoid processed foods. *Avoid additives.

*Some say to avoid foods in the nightshade family (tomatoes,

eggplant)

EDUCATE THOSE AROUND YOU

*Have one doc coordinate your medications.

*Have someone close know your medications and emergency

procedures.

*Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace.

*Keep a medical journal. It will help your doctor.

*Print a description of the symptoms, dangers, and treatments for MG,

make an appointment and open a file at every local emergency facility.

*Be sure your spouse, relatives, and work partners know what to do in

case of an emergency.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT NEW THINGS

*Be close to your resources if you are prescribed a new drug.

*Be careful about taking over the counter drugs. Some make things

worse.

AVOID ALLERGY ATTACKS

*Avoid allergens.

*Set up your environment so that allergens are eliminated.

AVOID EXPOSURE

*Avoid situations where you can be exposed to infections and other

diseases.

MAKE IT A HABIT

*Take your medicine on time, every time.

*Take Thyroid and Hormone Replacement drugs at a different time than

your MG medication.

*Take small sips and bites. Chew well.

*Sleep on your side or propped up if you have swallowing or breathing

problems.

*If you have swallowing problems, try turning your head to one side

when swallowing.

*Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before lying down.

*Keep a back-up written prescription with you at all times as back-up

especially for travel.

*If traveling, know where the nearest hospital or emergency medical

facility is.

*Keep a symptoms journal. It will help your doctor.

*Eat several small meals a day rather than three large ones.

SET UP YOUR WORLD FOR EASE

*"High-rise" toilets are a great help.

*Consider putting rails in areas where you need help with balance.

*Use rubber gloves to help you hold onto things and open jars.

*Put things you use where you can reach them easily.

*OXO "Good Grips" has a great product line to help people who have

various problems.

Hope this helps! Please feel free to give me more things to add to my

file.