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J. Steven Gaines
A New View From the Pulpit
Dr. Steven Gaines has a remarkable story. A high-profile Baptist
minister and MG patient, Dr. Gaines immediately shared his diagnosis
with his congregation. With strength and determination he continues
to deal with the challenges of this disease while leading an active
life as senior pastor. By continuing his ministry he shows by example
what can be accomplished by focusing on the future and accepting
a condition such as MG.
The Diagnosis
At age 42, Dr. Gaines led a very active life with his family and
congregation as well as frequently traveling for his ministry.
His symptoms began with increasing fatigue and loss of physical
stamina. During a family vacation the symptoms worsened with difficulties
with his eyes. His eyes crossed, he had double vision and his left
eyelid drooped. He sought help immediately and was told that he
should see a neurologist. Upon his return home the diagnosis was
confirmed as Myasthenia Gravis.
Altering a Lifestyle
Dr. Gaines had surgery right away to remove his thymus gland, a
common surgery for MG patients. He also went on a regimen of medications
intended to control his symptoms. Once on board with his treatments
he decided that his disease is indeed “life-changing” but
certainly not “life-threatening.” Early on he had to
cut back on his heavy work schedule – he had to learn how
to delegate some of the day-to-day administrative duties he handled
before. And he enjoys and appreciates his life every day. He continues
to preach three full services on Sunday mornings, one Sunday evening
and another on Wednesday nights. He views his ability to continue
as a blessing, that in spite of MG he can carry on with his ministry.
Lessons Learned
Dr. Gaines can identify not only with other MG patients, but those
who have any chronic disease. He has seven tips to pass along to
patients with similar health problems:
1. Don’t become reclusive. It’s important that you
continue to interact with other people. Get out and participate
in family or community activities. If you can’t get out,
let others come to you and visit.
2. If you get tired, don’t be shy about telling people around
you that you have to rest. Managing a chronic disease requires
that you maintain a balance – that you rest and take care
of yourself. Don’t feel embarrassed or guilty if you have
to sit down or lie down. Just do it.
3. Set realistic goals for your life. Take inventory of your life
and your activities and priorities. Make changes and choices. Delegate
tasks to others or discard tasks you don’t need to do at
all. Make the most out of your time and energy.
4. Find competent doctors you trust and then do what they
tell you to do in managing your disease. Even if some treatments have
undesirable side effects, take them anyway. You need the treatment.
And if your doctor suggests you avoid something – avoid it!
Even if it is something that is hard to give up. Take it easy and
take care of yourself
.
5. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you think you
will benefit. Speak up and get another evaluation.
6. Enjoy every day – every minute of your life. Take nothing
for granted
.
7. Depend on the Lord for support, guidance and strength. I don’t
say this just because I am a minister of the gospel. I say this
because it is proven to me again every day of my life how much
the Lord means to me.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Gaines began to discover that he could function and be a strong
person even with a chronic disease like MG. He did not have to
do so much travel and possess the stamina to work 50 to 60 hours
each week with preaching, teaching and speaking engagements. By
turning to God he found more inner strength than he’s ever
had at any time in his life. |
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"A Key
in the Battle Against Autoimmune Diseases"
Dr. Ronald E. Henderson, M.D .
Buy This Book Online! Click Here! |
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