Life stories 23/10/2025 18:11

Two Lives Powered by Machines: Madzia and Nina’s Fight Against Myasthenia Gravis

⚡ Two Lives Powered by Machines: Madzia and Nina’s Fight Against Myasthenia Gravis

In a quiet Polish town, two women — Madzia and Nina — live lives shaped by resilience, technology, and an invisible battle against a rare autoimmune disease: Myasthenia Gravis (MG).

🧬 What Is Myasthenia Gravis?

MG is a chronic condition that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles. It causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, often affecting the eyes, face, throat, and limbs. For Madzia and Nina, it means relying on machines not just for comfort — but for survival.

🛏️ Life on the Edge of Fatigue

  • Madzia, 32, was diagnosed in her early twenties after experiencing double vision and difficulty swallowing. Her condition progressed rapidly, requiring a ventilator at night and a feeding pump during flare-ups.

  • Nina, 45, lives with a more generalized form of MG. She uses a portable oxygen concentrator, a mobility scooter, and a speech amplifier to navigate daily life.

Both women describe their bodies as “betraying them without warning.” A simple walk to the mailbox can trigger a collapse. Smiling too long can exhaust facial muscles. Speaking for more than a few minutes can feel like shouting into a storm.

⚙️ Machines as Lifelines

Their homes resemble miniature ICUs:

  • Monitors track oxygen levels and heart rate.

  • Timed medication dispensers ensure precise dosing of immunosuppressants.

  • Emergency buttons connect them to caregivers in seconds.

But these machines also represent freedom. With them, Madzia can video chat with her niece. Nina can attend virtual advocacy meetings. They are not just surviving — they are participating.

💌 The Power of Connection

Despite physical limitations, Madzia and Nina are active in online MG communities. They share tips, vent frustrations, and celebrate small victories — like a good day without double vision or a successful outing to the park.

Their stories have inspired others with MG to seek diagnosis, treatment, and support. As one follower wrote: “You showed me that machines don’t define us — they empower us.”

🌍 Raising Awareness

Though MG affects tens of thousands worldwide, it remains misunderstood. Public figures who share their MG journeys — like those highlighted by — help bring visibility to the condition. Madzia and Nina hope their story will do the same.

News in the same category

News Post