Myasthenia Gravis Condition
It all started when I visited SNEC to check on my cataract. At that time, I noticed that my right eye was droopy and causing me to see less clearly, so I asked the doctor about it. After some tests, the doctor diagnosed me with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a condition I learned was quite rare, only 20 out of 100,000 people might get it.
I started on a course of medication and it worked immediately. My right eye was no longer droopy. The doctor did not treat the cataract as MG was a more pressing issue. A few weeks later, I underwent a chest CT scan. After the scan, I went for dinner at a coffeeshop. I could only down less than half the bowl of fish ball noodles because I had problem swallowing the food. I thought it was some reflux or caused by the dyes of the CT scan.
The next day, I was back to eating normally. But the following day, while having dinner at home, I struggled to swallow again. Later that night, I had trouble urinating. I decided to go to the A&E at SGH because my MG diagnosis and medical records were at SNEC.
At the A&E, we waited for about three hours before seeing a doctor. They inserted a catheter to drain my bladder, but their focus was on treating the MG, not the urinary issue.
I was admitted to Outram Community Hospital for one night. A speech therapist taught me how to swallow: avoid exercise before eating, don’t talk while eating, eat softer foods, and hold drinks in my mouth for three seconds before swallowing.
Eventually, a doctor from the Neurological Department transferred me to Block 7. There, they started me on IVIG therapy, a treatment using a mixture of antibodies. I had to sign a blood transfusion form. The IVIG is a transparent liquid, not a bag of red blood. The treatment takes three hours per session over five sessions. I asked why it couldn’t be done in one session, and the nurse mentioned that some people can’t tolerate it.
Many JCC members and Rev Anthony came to visit me at SGH. For those who had to take more than 3 hours travel time from Jurong to SGH due to the breakdown of the EW line, thanks for the special effort.
God’s Gracious Intervention
I believe God might had signalled the onset of MG through my neck muscle weakness about 2 years ago and during my trip to Japan this year, but I didn’t notice it. Then He provided another signal through the drooping eyelid. Finally, He directed me to the hospital through the urinary issue, ensuring I received the necessary care from the Neurology Department.
Derrick Lee’s observation of these signals as God’s gracious intervention and care has been a source of comfort and reflection.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
- Drooping of one or both eyelids
- Double or blurred vision
- Weakness in arms, hands, fingers, neck, face or legs
- Difficulty in chewing, smiling, swallowing or talking
- Excessive fatigue in exercised muscle groups
- Shortness of breath, difficulty taking a deep breath or coughing
The church’s support has been a tremendous comfort during this challenging time. The get-well wishes and prayers from the community have lifted my spirits and given me strength. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey, and I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve received.
Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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