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

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…

Honoring my boundaries and respecting my morning routine

Mornings and I have an understanding: If I allow myself the time I need to ease into the day, things go relatively smoothly. If I don’t? Let’s just say it’s a recipe for disaster. I know myself well enough to acknowledge that because of my myasthenia gravis (MG), I…

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…

The unexpected perks of living with chronic illness

Living with a chronic illness like myasthenia gravis (MG) is no walk in the park. Sometimes I roll. Some days, just getting out of bed feels like a herculean task worthy of a medal. Yet among the challenges that come with living with MG, I’ve discovered some unexpected…

Navigating the emotional ups and downs of life with MG

There’s no denying it: Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) can make a person feel insane. One minute I’m celebrating a new physical milestone achieved, and the next I’m lamenting and grieving how much I lost when I got sick. It’s these constant emotional ups and downs that make…

Learning how what I eat can fuel my body’s response

Six months can feel like forever. Using an elimination diet to detect food sensitivities can seem to last forever. Many such diets are restrictive at the start, which makes them difficult to stick with for long periods of time. But that’s sort of the point. In May, I started…