Self-diagnosed man thanks doctors

Mr Haverson's doctor ruled out a stroke or Bell's palsy

A man managed to diagnosed himself with a rare disease after watching a soap opera about doctors.

Rodney Haverson, 62, diagnosed Myasthenia Gravis, a neurological problem, after seeing an episode of Australian soap The Flying Doctors.

He was then treated by specialists at Southampton General Hospital's Wessex Neurological Centre in Hampshire.

The Myasthenia Gravis Association has praised the way Mr Haverson was treated and donated £12,000 to the hospital.

Shortly after Christmas in 1993, the former communications engineer woke to find that he had lost control of his facial muscles.

His condition worsened, and eventually he suffered slurred speech, problems with swallowing, tiredness and weakness in his arms and legs.

After his GP ruled out a number of common ailments, Mr Haverson was left searching for an answer.

Then in March 1994 Mr Haverson watched an episode of The Flying Doctors which featured a character suffering from Myasthenia Gravis.

Without the skill and care of the doctors, nurses and support staff, I should not be here today Rodney Haverson

He realised the character had all of his symptoms.

Mr Haverson told his doctor who referred him to Southampton General Hospital.

Following his treatment there, though his disease is not cured, it is now under control.

Mr Haverson said: "There is no doubt that without the skill and care of the doctors, nurses and support staff, I should not be here today.

"I feel that as well as looking after me, they have in a very real sense become my friends."

Mr Haverson is now director of the Myasthenia Gravis Association.

His donation will be used to fund a plasma exchange machine.

The machine is used to remove antibodies from the blood, which can help improve muscle strength.