How I’m living with the fear that accompanies myasthenia gravis
Fear. Whether it stems from uncertainty over myasthenia gravis (MG), a lack of support from friends and family, the…
Articles by Shawna Barnes
Marriage, communication, and intimacy in life with MG
How well do you really know your partner? Do you know their food or medication allergies? How about their…
How I respond when people ask me, ‘How do you do it?’
“How do you do it?” I’m asked this question a lot by friends, family, and even new acquaintances. I have…
Being a business owner while living with myasthenia gravis
H.I.T. Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. These are three values that I use as principles in my personal and professional lives. They…
How grief is helping me measure my progress with myasthenia gravis
I cried. All day. Usually, no matter the level of sadness or grief, I can shut off my emotions…
Surprisingly, exercise with MG also requires a bit of mental resilience
“Breathe in. Hold the ball. Breathe out. Stroke the horse’s mane. Breathe in. Repulse the monkey.” OK, so maybe it…
Words matter, especially to loved ones living with a chronic illness
“Maybe if you just exercised, you’d feel better.” “You look tired today.” “I don’t know how you do it.”…
How I’m navigating symptoms of both early menopause and MG
Feeling so, so tired — the kind of fatigue that makes me wonder if I’m going to fall asleep standing…
How I maintain independence in my personal hygiene, despite MG
People tend to take certain abilities for granted, refusing help even if the need arises. Call it pride, embarrassment, stubbornness, or…
Why it’s important not to downplay or ignore new symptoms
Do you ever just sit there, staring into space, wondering which diagnosis you can attribute your latest symptom to? Maybe…