Monica Seles, former tennis star, addresses myasthenia gravis diagnosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for the disease, and it is more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60. More than 120,000 people are living with MG in the United States.
Seles, 51, was diagnosed three years ago when she says that she noticed the symptoms when hitting tennis balls with people and would sometimes see two balls coming her way instead of one.
"My MG journey over the past 5 years has not been an easy one. I felt isolated and defeated as many of the activities I enjoyed were no longer physically possible for me," Seles said on Argenx.com. Argenx is an immunology company located in the Netherlands.
"I've since realized that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness of this disease, empower patients to advocate for themselves and help them connect with the MG community for support."
The nine-time Grand Slam champion retired from tennis in 2008.
"I had to, in tennis terms, I guess, reset – hard reset – a few times. I call my first hard reset when I came to the U.S. as a young 13-year-old (from Yugoslavia). Didn't speak the language; left my family. It's a very tough time," Seles told the Associated Press. "Then, obviously, becoming a great player, it's a reset, too, because the fame, money, the attention, changes (everything), and it's hard as a 16-year-old to deal with all that. Then obviously my stabbing (in 1993) – I had to do a huge reset."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Time Business News
Fiebrigen: Meaning, Symptoms, and How to Cope
The word fiebrigen comes from German and refers to a feverish state — both physically and emotionally. It's that heavy feeling when your skin is warm, your body aches, and your mind feels trapped in a fog. The watercolor painting above captures this perfectly: a person looking down, weary, surrounded by cloud-like shades that symbolize confusion and illness. But being fiebrigen doesn't always mean you have a high fever. Sometimes it's the body's way of showing stress, exhaustion, or the early stages of sickness. Let's explore what fiebrigen really means, what causes it, and how to take care of yourself when you feel this way. In simple terms, fiebrigen describes: Feeling feverish or unwell Warmth in the body, sometimes without measurable fever Weakness, fatigue, or body aches Mental fog or restlessness It's not just a medical condition — it can also describe an emotional state of being weighed down, restless, or lost in thought. There are many reasons why someone may feel fiebrigen. Some are physical, others emotional: Infections – Cold, flu, or bronchitis often begin with feverish feelings. Stress and Anxiety – Mental strain can cause physical symptoms like fatigue and warmth. Inflammation – The immune system raises body temperature to fight infection. Exhaustion – Lack of sleep or overwork leaves the body feeling heavy and feverish. Dehydration – Without enough fluids, the body overheats and feels weak. Symptom What It Might Indicate Warm or flushed skin Early sign of fever or body overheating Aching muscles/joints Common with flu, cold, or physical overwork Headache and tired eyes Stress, dehydration, or infection Mental fog, confusion Lack of sleep, exhaustion, or high fever Chills or sweating Body regulating temperature during illness The image reflects not only physical fever but also the emotional burden of being fiebrigen. Many people feel sadness, irritability, or even a sense of being lost when unwell. Just as the watercolor blurs colors into clouds, feverishness can blur the line between body and mind. If you feel fiebrigen, here are simple but effective steps: Rest Deeply – Sleep is the body's best healer. – Sleep is the body's best healer. Hydrate – Drink water, herbal teas, or broth. Dehydration worsens fever. – Drink water, herbal teas, or broth. Dehydration worsens fever. Cool Compresses – A damp cloth on the forehead can soothe discomfort. – A damp cloth on the forehead can soothe discomfort. Eat Light – Soups, fruits, and vegetables are easier to digest. – Soups, fruits, and vegetables are easier to digest. Check Temperature – Monitor fever regularly. If it rises above 39°C (102°F), seek medical advice. Not every fiebrigen moment requires medical help, but you should see a doctor if: Fever is very high or lasts more than 3 days You feel extreme weakness or dehydration You experience chest pain, breathing problems, or confusion A child or elderly person has fiebrigen symptoms (higher risk) Trusted health sources like Mayo Clinic and WebMD recommend not ignoring persistent feverish states. Being fiebrigen is more than just having a fever. It's a condition that blends body, mind, and emotions. The image of the weary young man surrounded by cloudy colors mirrors the experience: heavy, restless, but also a reminder to slow down and care for yourself. Whether caused by flu, stress, or exhaustion, listening to your body is key. Rest, hydration, and mindful care can help you recover faster and prevent further illness. Q1. Does fiebrigen always mean fever? No, sometimes you feel fiebrigen without an actual rise in temperature. Q2. Can emotions make me feel fiebrigen? Yes. Stress, sadness, or burnout can cause fever-like symptoms. Q3. What's the best home remedy? Plenty of rest, fluids, and a light diet usually help. Q4. Is fiebrigen dangerous? Mild feverish states aren't usually dangerous, but persistent high fever should not be ignored. Q5. How do children show fiebrigen symptoms? TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Some seniors have a ‘fountain of youth' in their immune systems — but it comes with a major downside
Staying young might not be all it's cracked up to be. While most people experience a decline in immune function with age, new research has found that a fortunate few maintain a powerful defense thanks to rare immune cells that stay active well into their senior years. But this 'fountain of youth' effect comes at a cost. The same immune strength that helps ward off infections may also increase the risk of serious diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Advertisement 3 New research suggests that seniors with youthful immune systems might be more prone to autoimmunity. lordn – Mayo Clinic researchers discovered cells linked to what they call 'immune youth' while analyzing data from more than 100 older patients being treated for giant cell arteritis. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation and narrowing of arteries — especially those in the head and neck — restricting blood flow and potentially leading to significant complications if left untreated, like vision loss. Advertisement In the affected tissue of these patients, the team found specialized immune cells called stem-like T cells. Usually, these cells function like young stem cells that support healing and growth, but in this instance, they were fueling the spread of the disease. 'We observed that these patients have very young immune systems despite being in their 60s and 70s. But the price they pay for that is autoimmunity,' Dr. Cornelia Weyand, a rheumatologist and lead author of the study, said in a statement. 3 Malfunctions in the immune system can cause immune cells to mistakenly attack the body's own healthy tissues instead of targeting foreign invaders. Design Cells – Advertisement Autoimmunity occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This can lead to a range of autoimmune diseases, with symptoms varying from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating. The researchers also found that immune checkpoint inhibitors — proteins that act as 'brakes' on the immune system — were not functioning properly in the giant cell arteritis patients with stem-like T cells. 'Contrary to what one may think, there are benefits to having an immune system that ages in tandem with the body,' said Dr. Jörg Goronzy, a Mayo Clinic aging researcher and co-lead author of the study. Advertisement 'We need to consider the price to pay for immune youthfulness,' he continued. 'That price can be autoimmune disease.' 3 Studies show that autoimmune diseases are on the rise, particularly among adults ages 50 and older. Nadia L/ – Across the country, an estimated 50 million Americans — about 15% of the population — live with autoimmune diseases, and research indicates these numbers are increasing. Some of the most common autoimmune disorders include Crohn's disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease and psoriasis. Conditions like giant cell arteritis and Sjögren's syndrome, which attacks the body's moisture-producing glands, are especially prevalent among older adults. 'We want to learn from them,' Weyand said, referring to those with a 'fountain of youth' in their immune systems. Building on this discovery, the researchers are developing new diagnostic tests to identify patients — and even healthy people — who carry high levels of immune stem cells and may be at greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases later in life. Timely identification is crucial because patient outcomes can be significantly improved with early intervention, helping to prevent or slow disease progression, reduce long-term complications, and enhance quality of life.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Fox News
Tennis champion Monica Seles reveals incurable disease as doctor shares what to know
Tennis champion Monica Seles is speaking publicly for the first time about her battle with a rare, incurable muscle-weakening disease. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in "voluntary muscles," according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes. Voluntary muscles are the ones that connect to the bones, face, throat and diaphragm. They contract to move the arms and legs and are essential for breathing, swallowing and facial movements. "My MG journey over the past five years has not been an easy one," Seles said in a press release announcing her collaboration with the immunology company argenx. "I felt isolated and defeated, as many of the activities I enjoyed were no longer physically possible for me." Seles' partnership with argenx aims to raise awareness and understanding of MG, and to connect those affected with available tools and resources. Myasthenia gravis is classified as an autoimmune disease, according to Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. This means the body's own defense system attacks the connection between the nerves and muscles. "I felt isolated and defeated, as many of the activities I enjoyed were no longer physically possible for me." "Myasthenia gravis is different from other neuromuscular diseases in that oftentimes, patients' symptoms fluctuate throughout the day," Murray told Fox News Digital. Overall symptoms range from very mild double vision and droopiness of the eyelids to difficulty walking, breathing and swallowing. "Some patients who start with only mild eye symptoms can progress to more severe symptoms in the first few years of their diagnosis," the doctor added. However, some patients only experience eye issues. Heat, such as from summer weather or hot showers, can make symptoms worse, according to experts. As physical exertion can also exacerbate symptoms, Murray noted that patients must pace themselves. Certain health conditions — like COVID-19, the flu or urinary tract infections — can trigger a serious worsening of symptoms, called a "myasthenic crisis," which often leads to hospitalization for closer respiratory monitoring. It's important for patients to let their physicians know they have myasthenia gravis before starting a new medication, Murray said, as some drugs, including antibiotics, can worsen symptoms. "If there is a question, patients can always check with their neurologist," he advised. Doctors typically manage MG in two ways. First, they may prescribe a medication like pyridostigmine, which can temporarily reduce muscle weakness, according to Mayo Clinic. They may also prescribe medications that calm the immune system to stop it from attacking the nerves and muscles. In the past, this immune suppression was done with steroids like prednisone. Now, there are newer medicines that target the disease more directly. These targeted treatments can work well and may cause fewer side effects, according to Murray. While MG can be serious, the doctor stressed that it's not the end of the road. "Most patients live a fairly normal life, both personally and professionally," he said. "With close management and a neurologist familiar with MG, treatments can be tailored to optimize patients' quality of life." For more Health articles, visit Anyone who experiences occasional double vision, eyelid drooping or weakness that gets worse with fatigue should talk to their doctor about getting tested, Murray recommends. Diagnosis usually involves blood tests, nerve tests and a neurological evaluation. Symptoms like trouble breathing, swallowing or holding the head up require immediate emergency care, Murray said.
