Sometimes myasthenia gravis whispers, ‘You’re not enough’
I always try to keep a good attitude toward my myasthenia gravis (MG). I often say it’s a bit like having a clingy best friend who follows me around, whether I’m celebrating a…
My Bitter & Best Friend: MG — Sarah Bendiff
From the heart of North Africa, Sarah Bendiff shares her journey with myasthenia gravis. Diagnosed in 2019 after 13 years of searching for answers, she had to step away from her physics studies as her body resisted treatments. The digital opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 crisis in Algeria allowed Sarah to rebuild. Through digital marketing and content creation, she found strength and resilience, channeling her creativity to thrive in a remote, connected world.
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A fear of being paralyzed makes me push myself too hard
Note: This column was updated July 31, 2025, to clarify that the author fears temporary paralysis caused by severe muscle weakness, as opposed to a permanent paralysis. Yesterday, my brain and body collapsed because…
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For surviving summer heat, the basics work wonders for me
Heat and cold are some of the most common triggers for flare-ups in people living with chronic illnesses. For me and my myasthenia gravis (MG), summer has always been the toughest season. Almost…
Applying various personality types to my life with myasthenia gravis
Last weekend, I attended a training course on a psychological model that explains how each of us has different personality types depending on the situation we’re in, with one usually being predominant. As I…
After decades with MG, I finally know what I want from others
Last week, I went outside almost every day, often to go to the office. It’s something I usually try to avoid. I like to keep a routine — one day off after two days…
Working through myasthenia gravis, one story at a time
It’s been 10 months since I started writing this column, and I can honestly say that it’s changed my life. My mindset, my emotional health, and even my relationship with myasthenia…
There’s no sugarcoating it when MG leads to stolen dreams and sorrow
June was an intense month for me. With the rising heat, my muscles are growing weaker, and with a packed work schedule, my mental health is starting to fall apart, too. Recently, I shared…
The weight of asking for help; the difference an act of service makes
Algerian people are known for their oversized pride and ego. Asking for help — whether it’s about health or financial struggles — is often seen as shameful in our country, or at least it’s…
Sometimes myasthenia gravis makes me feel like a disappointment
Every parent, partner, and friend wants the best for their loved ones. We hold high expectations for them, wanting to see them become president of the world! But I’ve often felt like I’ve failed…
Combining different treatment philosophies in my life with MG
The funniest part about living with a chronic disease like myasthenia gravis is that everyone around you suddenly acts like an expert. They all seem to know a miracle treatment, a secret herb,…
Identifying 5 key triggers has helped me better manage flare-ups
This spring has been brutal. The allergy season hit me harder than ever, and it felt like my body was being torn apart from the inside. I always wonder if other people with…
I’m grateful to MG for teaching me how to live life fully
There’s a French saying I’ve always loved: “croquer la vie à pleines dents,” which literally means “to bite into life with full teeth.” It’s used to describe someone who lives passionately, who devours every…
