MGA News Autumn 2004

I recently passed one of life's milestones, I 'turned sixty'. I had decided to ignore it and just be fifty plus ten, but Mrs. Gravis' Cousin and family had other ideas and so we had a meal out and I managed to open all the kind presents without spilling the tiny 60s glitters which Cousin's daughter (whom I think should be more properly described as a Cousin x times removed) had carefully booby trapped the card and parcels with. This I had thought was it, I had enjoyed it and could go back to being my usual GOM self; no, not a grumpy old man, but a 'Gravis Old Man'.

The impact of this momentous birthday does in fact go further, even for men. I had not realised that I was now entitled to free NHS prescriptions by virtue of age; I discovered it in the following way. When I was first diagnosed with MG one of the helpful bits of information which the MGA gave me was, that as the sufferer of a chronic condition I was entitled to exemption from NHS prescription charges. In those days one applied to the local Family Health Services Authority for an exemption certificate which was valid for five years. What I had not noticed was that the last certificate I had applied for expired after four years and eight months. I was about to go and collect a repeat prescription and noticed that the certificate had run out, big panic on my part and the usual 'comforting comments' from Mrs Gravis.

I rang the Family Health Authority, who now seemed to have a new name. There I spoke to a kind lady who, recognising my grey hairs and fragile mind, carefully explained that responsibility for all prepayment and exemption certificates had been transferred to an NHS office in Newcastle. She gave me their number, a local call rate number (0845 601 8076) and advised me to talk to them. I rang and was put through to the appropriate desk where I explained my problem to a most helpful lady who asked for my name and date of birth. Just for once the computer was working and in a trice there I was, or at least there were my details. "Oh," she said, "There's no problem, you've turned sixty, you are now automatically exempt from the charges". I thanked her for being able to give me some good news about being sixty. She laughed and said "That's good, and don't let the Chemist demand proof of your age, it's printed on each NHS prescription form". So I have even been shielded from the embarrassment of public disclosure of my passing years. If you are one of those striplings under sixty, then do remember that as a Myasthenic you are entitled to exemption from NHS prescription charges. To apply you need form FP92A, available from doctor's surgeries. You are required to complete parts 1 and 2 and your doctor (or an authorised member of the practice staff) is asked to sign to confirm the information given by you is correct. For further information ring the helpline (0845 601 8076) or visit the Prescription Pricing Authority's website at www.ppa.org.uk/ index.htm and follow the link to 'Medical Exemption Certificates (MEDEX)'.

I have just come back from the doctor's surgery rather bleary eyed and blinking. Some weeks ago I received a letter inviting me to attend a special clinic for a retinal scan. This is part of a very welcome Government initiative to catch diabetic related eye problems at an early stage. This sort of thing will, of course, only affect patients with diabetes, but I mention it because it resulted in my being able to further spread the word about MG. First of all the nurse told me that I would have to have drops in my eyes, to dilate the pupils. My MG training sprang into action at once and I said "I have been advised that I should always mention that I am a Myasthenic". The person doing the scan immediately replied, "There are no contraindications for Myasthenia". I was impressed, he knew about us. The nurse was less well informed and so I gave her a copy of the MGA's Volume 1, 'Facts about MG for Patients and Families' (I always carry a copy when meeting new medical folk) this was very well received.

To perform the scan it was necessary for me to have my eyes wide open. Unfortunately I was having one of those MG days, when my eyelids do their own thing. I could not get them open and so the nurse had to hold them open for me. Both of them were interested in the fact that MG can first show itself in the ocular form and they began to consider other patients that they have under their care. Both my retinas having been declared A1, I staggered blindly out to Mrs Gravis who had been shopping and was waiting in the car. The procedure had taken about forty five minutes. I had been warned that I would not be able to see to drive for two hours after the drops had been put in. In my case it was three, but then as I am continually being told, I am odd.

MGA NEWS Autumn 2004

	Notices	Search	Publications	What's New?	Myasthenia Gravis	Research	Top
	Organisation	Fundraising	Branches	Regions	Contacts	Newsletter	Home Page
		MGA Forum	Press & Publicity