Tennis Legend Faces New Challenge
Monica Seles, one of the renowned tennis players, has come out to tell her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) which is a long term neuromuscular disease that affects the autoimmune diseases. According to Seles, she initially experienced the same symptoms of the condition three years ago when she played casually. She publicly spoke of her experience in an interview on Good Morning America, the first to discuss it publicly and she said she was doing it in connection with the 30th anniversary of her 1995 return to the US Open, marking a new period in her life and career.
Tennis Legend Monica Seles reveals Myasthenia Gravis diagnosis
Early Signs and Life Adjustments
Seles described experiencing extreme weakness in her legs and arms alongside double vision. She first detected changes while on court, noting how she sometimes saw two balls during play. These symptoms, she said, were “very unusual” for her body. The diagnosis brought both relief in naming the condition and challenge in adapting daily living. Routine actions like blowing her hair out became difficult, and travel now involves greater preparation. She stressed the importance of advocating for oneself and recognising symptoms early.
Partnership To Raise Awareness
As a spokesperson for pharmaceutical company Argenx, Seles is actively involved in campaigns promoting MG awareness. These initiatives coincide with the US Open, increasing visibility for those affected by the disease. She expressed hope that sharing her experience would help others avoid feeling isolated and encourage timely medical attention.
]Monica Seles serving the ball at Women’s Singles of the U.S. Open
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a weakness in voluntary muscles such as muscles of facial expression, swallowing and breathing. It is an autoimmune disease that may affect any individual at any age, however, it mainly affects women below the age of 40 and men above 60. Careless eyelids, diplopia or blurred vision, weakness in the limbs, problems in articulating and troubles in swallowing are symptoms. Others also undergo severe myasthenic crises, involving a group of muscles that conduct breathing and need emergency treatment. During approximately 1520 cases, these crises arise and they could be caused by the infections or by the stress.
Myasthenia Gravis explained
Diagnosis and Treatment
Physical examination, neurological examination, blood tests, and tests using electrodiagnostics like nerve stimulation tests are used in diagnosing. Although no cure exists, the treatments seek to relieve muscle weakness. These consist of drugs that increase nerve-muscle interaction and immunosuppressants. Respiratory or swallowing issues call for immediate attention as otherwise, the condition is likely to be accompanied by a crisis, which needs intensive care.
A Career Marked By Resilience
Seles was the holder of nine Grand Slam singles titles and held 178 weeks as the world number one. The only grand slam she did not win was Wimbledon, but she got there in 1992 when she got to the final. After her last game in 2003, she retired professionally in 2008. There are a number of notable resets in her life story such as going to the United States at the age of 13 by herself and then being stabbed in 1993. She attributes the help of her fans, especially in the 1995 US Open, as boosting her through rough times.
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Embracing a New Normal
With myasthenia gravis, Seles faces another reset. She likened it to the adjustments required throughout her tennis career. “You’ve got to always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust. And that’s what I’m doing now,” she said, sharing advice she gives to young athletes she mentors.
Staying Connected to Tennis
Seles has been an avid tennis fan and she has hailed the vibrancy of new sensation Coco Gauff in the recent events. Lots of interesting games are ahead, and she wants to entertain the fans and motivate them.
By sharing her story, Monica Seles strives to raise MG awareness in the population, encourage early disease symptom detection, and make people with the condition understand that they are not alone. Her message encourages every woman to be confident in her body, seek help when needed, and remain flexible in life’s toughest situations.
