MGnet The Internet Chapter of the MGFA
  
 

From Cheerleader to Wheelchair
by Breeana Johnson
January 2005

 
 
 
My name is Breeana Johnson and I am 15 years old. I was diagnosed with MG 2 years ago and the adjustment has been difficult. I went from being an active teenager where all I had to worry about was school and what cheers we were going to do at the next game, to barely being able to do my hair, or walk to class. I am currently enrolled in home studies through my high school. The common symptoms of MG such as weak legs, arms, droopy eyelid, double vision, and trouble chewing have all affected me. I now have to take Prednisone and Mestinon and 6 months after being diagnosed, I had a thymectomy. Family and friends have provided me with a great deal of support, with my mom being the biggest help of them all. Fortunately, she works for a company that lets her be there for me, for anything I need. She is able to get me to all my visits with the doctors and when I had my surgery she stayed at the hospital. I have been able to get some things to make it easier for me to get around, such as a handicap plate and wheelchair.


The handicap plate has really come in handy for those days that I am too weak to walk very far. I now have a better understanding of why people get the plate even though they don't look like they have a problem. I am sure that sometimes when I get out of the car and don't use the wheelchair that there are people giving me dirty looks thinking "what are they doing parking there?" when in reality if it weren't for the handicap plate, I might not be able to go out as much. The wheelchair has also helped make dealing with MG easier. I was able to get it through our insurance to use until I don't need it anymore. The wheelchair has given me the confidence to go out more then I did when I was diagnosed. For example, I am able to go out and spend more time doing things then I did without the wheelchair. Before I got the chair, I would have to stop every couple of minutes or I would feel like I was going to fall.


Having MG has changed my life and it has taken a lot of adjustment, these are just a few examples of things that have made this change a little easier.

  
      

 

       
 
©2005 by Breeana Johnson