Shawna Barnes,  Writer & Small Business Owner—

Shawna N.M. Barnes is a writer, accessible website designer, and disabled veteran living in Cable, Wisconsin, with her husband. She was diagnosed with seronegative generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2018 after seven years of advocating for herself within the VA’s medical system. She hopes that through her transparency, bluntness, and no-nonsense way of writing about life with her disease that she can help others see that there is hope after an MG diagnosis. Sometimes, we just have to get out of our own way to live our best lives.

Articles by Shawna Barnes

Family, fatigue, and the fine art of showing up

A week ago, I packed up my cane, wheelchair, and excitement and hit the road for a cousin’s wedding. It was a six-hour drive each way, the kind of road trip that used to feel impossible when my myasthenia gravis (MG) was more unpredictable. But now that we’re settled…

How IVIG helps me as someone with myasthenia gravis

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with intravenous immunoglobulin. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Let’s be real: Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) can be a roller coaster. One day, you’re hunky-dory-peachy-keen, and the…

3 ways to practice self-love with myasthenia gravis

Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) can feel like riding an unpredictable roller coaster. Some days, we coast along smoothly, while on others, it’s like the track was built by a mischievous toddler with a love for loops. With fluctuating muscle strength and fatigue, learning to love and care for…

When pride stands in the way of progress

Pride. This short noun has many definitions, depending on its use. I’ve found two primary meanings repeatedly in various memes and articles online: a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that…