MGA News Summer 2006

"You Me and Myasthenia Gravis"
Third Edition
ISBN 0-9693955-2-3
Author: Deborah Cavel-Greant
Medical Editor: Professor Michael Nicolle

Deborah Cavel-Greant is a Canadian author and journalist who became interested in MG when it was thought that she had the condition. In fact it was later shown that she had the inherited condition Hypokalaemic Periodic Paralysis (another of Dr Mary Walker’s interests, by the way). First published in 1988, this third edition has been revised to bring the reader the latest information on MG and its treatment. The medical editor is Michael Nicolle, MD FRCPC, D. Phil, Associate Professor in Neurology, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, and Director of the MG Clinic and EMG laboratory at the London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario Canada.

The book is well laid-out and readable, and provides something for everyone – whether you are looking for a detailed medical explanation or a simple guide to coping with MG. Reflecting the Author’s own background, it is strong on the underlying science, especially for the inherited myasthenias, even describing the first known family with one of these syndromes. On the other hand, it is slightly short on MG with thymoma and on anything historical (eg, no mention of Mary Walker), and it has no index.

The book is particularly good from the Patient’s point of view, and for women/mothers. With the help of myasthenic patients, who shared their stories with her, there is a wide range of handy hints and ways of living round MG. There is even a recipe for a fruit smoothie, ideal when you are having swallowing problems and need a healthy food.

Of particular help to the newly diagnosed is the chapter, ‘What do I do now?’ It deals with reactions, both personal and family; ways of coping and equally importantly what not to do. There is a deep understanding of how it feels to have MG, I particularly empathise with the words, “It is sometimes disheartening for the myasthenic to hear, ‘But you look so well!’ No one wants to look sick, but somehow it’s hard not to feel defensive when it’s subtly implied that you couldn’t possibly be as sick as you let on. Because myasthenics do tend to look better than they feel, it’s easy for others to assume that they are capable of more than they are.”

‘You Me and Myasthenia Gravis’ is a valuable handbook for patients learning to adjust to and manage MG. It is available from the publisher via the internet, the address is - www.youmeandmg.com. The price, mailed to the UK, is $19.99 + $12.50 postage.

You can also order by post by sending a cheque or money order to:

If you have any problems getting a copy please let Support at Derby know.

MGA NEWS Summer 2006

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