Convenience products help my twin defy the daily limitations of MG
From tieless shoelaces to electric toothbrushes, Aaron is holding his own
My twin brother, Aaron, and I are getting older and looking for ways to make our daily lives more convenient. I didn’t see him turning to an electric scrub brush to make washing dishes easier, however.
I called him the other day and watched him using one, a small appliance with circular, rotating bristles on its end. I had no idea such a thing existed.
Aaron was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 1999 and experiences regular flare-ups, especially during heat waves. So, while we are both turning into older men worried about our health, I understand that he might have a more pressing need for convenience products that can help make his life and chores easier.
Electric this and that, and tieless shoelaces, too
Along with an electric scrub brush, Aaron uses an electric toothbrush and electric nail clippers. He said his toothbrush is one of the most helpful devices he owns, and his electric nail clippers are much safer. While our relatives help Aaron a lot, he prides himself on doing as much as he can on his own.
Aaron told me he recently bought tieless shoelaces — also something I had never heard of before. He said he can’t wear heavy boots anymore, and tying his shoelaces is often difficult. Tieless shoelaces are short laces with tabs or elastic anchors on the ends that you can anchor or remove from the lace holes. They allow him to slip his foot into or out of footwear easily. Aaron said he found them by chance while shopping online, and they’re now one of his favorite things.
MG has altered Aaron’s life. A few years ago, he got trapped in a public restroom because he couldn’t grip the doorknob to turn it. So he exercises with hand vises to improve his grip strength. Still, being able to turn to products to make his life more convenient is a big help. He’s turned into a pretty thrifty homebody consumer.
I might even have to try those electric nail clippers and tieless shoelaces myself.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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