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.

May 19, 2020May 15, 2020

Myasthenia Gravis Has Made Planning for Motherhood Challenging

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

Life with myasthenia gravis has taken some dramatic turns and created both challenges and opportunities. One of those dramatic moments was having to decide in my early 20s whether ... Read more

January 17, 2020January 15, 2020

A Small Thing that Brings Me Joy

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

I drink a lot of Coke. People have strong opinions about that. For example, “But do you know how bad it is for your health?” Or, “You should cut ... Read more

January 10, 2020January 8, 2020

Myasthenia Gravis Helped Me to Become a Better Healthcare Professional

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

I recently completed my university degree and became a speech-language pathologist. I’ve spent several years studying to become a healthcare professional because I want to help people. But little ... Read more

December 20, 2019December 18, 2019

I Found a Neurologist Who Gives Me Hope

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

A broken promise can often lead to immense disappointment. For someone with myasthenia gravis (MG), a failing immunosuppressive medication can easily lead to a broken heart. Immunosuppressive medications combat ... Read more

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