Posts by: Retha De Wet

Retha De Wet

I'm a 24 year old from sunny South Africa. I've been dying with a twist since 2013 when I was first diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. I can speak four languages and I'm a lover of life and all things wild.

April 26, 2019April 24, 2019

Life with Myasthenia Gravis Has Taught Me to Find Joy in the Little Things

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Many things change when the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) start piling onto each other. I become physically weaker, mentally slower, and spiritually drained. I must spend my energy wisely, which ... Read more

March 29, 2019March 28, 2019

I Shouldn’t Doubt the Validity of My Illness, But I Still Do

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Living with myasthenia gravis means living in a constant state of doubt from myself and others. Fighting an invisible illness has taken a toll on my sanity. I have both ... Read more

March 8, 2019March 7, 2019

The Dark Horse of Depression that Followed My MG Diagnosis

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Editor’s Note: This column discusses the sensitive topic of suicidal ideation. The moment doctors diagnosed me with myasthenia gravis (MG), they prescribed me antidepressants. It didn’t make much sense ... Read more

February 22, 2019February 21, 2019

Finding Peace in My Friendship with Linda, Who Has Cystic Fibrosis

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Doctors diagnosed me with myasthenia gravis at the end of my first year at university. I was symptomatic the entire year and running from specialist to specialist begging for ... Read more

February 8, 2019February 6, 2019

Simple Ways to Support a Significant Other Living with MG

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

I might have been dealt an unlucky hand in terms of my general health, but I believe I was the luckiest of all when it came to assigning significant ... Read more

February 1, 2019January 30, 2019

The Changes I Made to Accommodate MG in My Life

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

A diagnosis of MG inevitably leads to several adaptations in daily life. These adaptations, in turn, result in functioning that is closer to normal. They also ensure a distance ... Read more

January 25, 2019January 24, 2019

I’m Accepting How MG Has Changed My Body

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) is a heavy burden to bear. In the years following my diagnosis, my medication dosages increased and I gained weight. I find it ... Read more

January 18, 2019January 17, 2019

Whatever the Weather, I Am Equipped

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Scientific literature clearly establishes that weather, particularly temperature, can influence the severity of myasthenia gravis symptoms. Cold weather is infamous for being worse for pain and hot weather results ... Read more

January 11, 2019January 9, 2019

A Day in the Life of a Person with MG

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? You might have answered, “I take a shower” or “I drink coffee.” However, the first thing everyone does when ... Read more

January 4, 2019January 3, 2019

Why I Am Not ‘Just Tired’

A Good Life with Bad Muscles - a Column by Retha De Wet, Columns

Sleeping is necessary to keep your body functional. Once deprived of it, you learn just how important sleep is to behave how you want to behave. Without it, you ... Read more

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