My new workout plan is reminding me to take ‘messy action’
My husband, Justin, works in fitness. Six months ago he opened a small-group personal training gym in our little…
Articles by Shawna Barnes
My new snowflake tattoo is sparking conversations about MG
Snow in September? Last week I got a new tattoo. The session was my husband’s gift for our…
What to consider when choosing a hairstyle with myasthenia gravis
When living with myasthenia gravis (MG), sometimes even the simplest tasks, such as choosing a hairstyle, can feel like…
In an unpleasant surprise to me, wasp stings provoke an MG flare
I’ve never been one to be afraid of insects of any kind. Growing up as a farm kid and then…
‘I’m not ignoring you’ (bulbar symptom edition)
I’m not ignoring you. I’m just ignoring the chance to talk to you on the phone. Cue phone ringing beside…
My summer tricks to tame MG and heat intolerance
I’ve never understood how other people with myasthenia gravis (MG) can live in warm climates. One of the things…
A new round with an elimination diet to check my food sensitivities
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone tells you they’re “doing the carnivore diet”? If you’re like…
A cautionary tale about the medical uses of artificial intelligence
“Review scientific articles only and summarize the content to explain what treatments are available for a person with…
Hard truths about my MG are pointing us to consider the future
The past 12 months have been eye-opening for me, bringing opportunities to accept hard truths about my mortality and…
10 things I wish I knew after my diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
The first time I heard those dreaded words, “You have myasthenia gravis” (MG), I felt such relief. That was…