Columns

Snowflakes never meant much to me. As a kid, I would catch them in my mouth as they fell from the sky and cut their shapes out of construction paper. Now, after my myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis, I look at snowflakes with a newfound admiration and wonder. A miraculous…

During a consultation with my psychiatrist, she told me I have a Type A personality. “Me?!” I thought. That can’t be right. However, I have tremendous respect for her as a medical specialist, so I took her word for it. The more I read about Type A personalities,…

If I asked 10 people to describe what being a “good friend” means, I would probably hear 10 different responses. But while these responses would be diverse, I’d guess that most would think a good friend needs to be empathetic. Throughout my life, I’ve tried to be as empathetic…

In friendly relationships, I always try to remain compassionate and remember that people’s past encounters and experiences shape who they are. In order to grow, people need to be open-minded and teachable. In certain uncomfortable situations, I let unintentional offenses slide, I attempt to teach, and I move on…

I often write about the beauty of life by sharing lessons I’ve learned from living with myasthenia gravis (MG). I tend to be optimistic in my approach to the hand life dealt me. However, one other thing MG has taught me is that being strong by yourself isn’t…

It’s difficult to explain to a 20-something in perfect health why raising rare disease awareness is important. However, I had just turned 20 when my entire life was turned upside down by a myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis. Illness does not discriminate — anyone can be affected by it at…

When I discuss myasthenia gravis with new acquaintances, I usually get shocked faces and confused looks. I don’t blame them — MG isn’t exactly one of the most well-known rare diseases. I would even say it’s the Jan Brady of rare diseases: It’s always been there, but no one…

It is entirely typical not to feel fearless during health tribulations. I am confident in my decision to have a thymectomy in a few short weeks. Nevertheless, I am incredibly anxious and hyperfocusing on multiple days in the hospital and an unpleasant recovery. Myasthenia gravis warriors are brave…

Exercise and I have never been the best of friends. I would make a commitment to work out more, which included buying new sneakers, workout gear, and equipment that I absolutely did not need. And what did I do with all of these new purchases? I completed four…

At the end of last June, I began experiencing a health crisis provoked by hydroxychloroquine. I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in the emergency room after a month of worsening symptoms, including double vision, sudden slurred speech, a drooping eye, difficulty swallowing, and overall weakness. Three weeks before my…