Life with Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia Gravis Survival Guide
Nutrition and Myasthenia Gravis Safety and Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis the ACh Receptor Emergency management of Myasthenia Gravis
Safety with Myasthenia Gravis
· Studies show that most accidents with injuries occur in the home.
· The Myasthenia Gravis patient who may have double vision, trouble walking, andgeneral muscle weakness is at greater risk for injury.
· To assist the myasthenia gravis patient, following are suggestions for safety in thehome.
In the Bathroom
· Put grab bars by the tub or shower.
· Use a shower chair with rubber grips in the tub or shower.
· An elevated toilet seat and/or rails may be helpful.
· Put non-slip strips or a mat in the tub or shower.
· Use a hand-held shower head to make it easier to check the water temperature andto help in bathing and rinsing off.
· If unsure of yourself in the bath or shower, have someone on stand-by for help. Besure to mop up any water on the floor and have bath mats and rugs secured to the
floor with tape or a rubber gripper under the rug.
Other Rooms
· Remove area throw rugs.
· Tape down edges of large rugs.
· Have rails on both sides of staircases and check any rugs on the stairs to make surethey are securely attached to the stairs.
· Do not wax floors.
· Pad sharp corners on shelves and furniture by taping a small towel on the corners.
· Put furniture along walls and do not change the arrangement of furniture, if possible
· Repair holes and rough spots in floors and steps
· Keep clutter, toys, and any small items off the floor.
· Move electrical and telephone cords out of walkways.
· Mop up spills on the floor immediately.
· Provide bright lighting throughout the house.
· Keep small night lights on, especially in the bedroom, bathroom, stairs, and kitchen.
· Have emergency lighting, such as flash lights, in a convenient location in case ofpower outages.
· Remove wheels or casters from bed or chairs.
· Place the bed within easy reach of telephone. lights, and bathroom.
· Place a bell or whistle by the bed to use to call for help.
· Wear low heeled shoes with non-slip soles. Bare feet are safer than socks or softslippers.
· If you must hold onto furniture or walls, obtain a cane or walker and arrange to havea therapist provide training on how to use the equipment.
· Have smoke alarms on each floor of the house and make sure they work.
· Have emergency numbers and a fire extinguisher readily available.
Outside the Home
· Walk on hard surfaces where you can see possible dangers such as holes or toys.
· If possible, have hand rails on both sides of stairs.
· If stairs are a problem to climb, a ramp can be used or built for easy access.
· Have toys, tools, lawn equipment and other obstacles off the walk area.
· In monsoon, have all walk-ways and steps clear. Avoid trying to do ityourself.
DISCLAIMER:
All information is for educational purposes only. Contact your physician to make medical decisions .