A columnist with myasthenia gravis reflects on shifting from a life centered on rest to one that carefully embraces movement and new experiences. By listening to her body while pushing perceived limits, she’s reclaiming a sense of freedom and choosing to live beyond fear of flare-ups.
Columns
I don’t enjoy going outside now as much as I did in my youth. I’m a homebody and I like it. This transition made me think of my twin, Aaron, who has myasthenia gravis (MG). Before MG, Aaron was a manual laborer who was very sociable and…
I haven’t had a disease flare-up recently or a full physical and mental breakdown. Still, this year has been a roller coaster for me. Each month seems to follow a rhythm: For one week I’ll feel almost healthy, for two weeks I’ll feel extremely disabled, and then for another week…
Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) doesn’t always involve big, cinematic moments of triumph. Instead, progress often comes in small victories. Some days, just finishing the laundry or making a grocery run that doesn’t necessitate a nap constitutes a major achievement. Once upon a time, I wouldn’t have considered such…
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with the dietary supplement huperzine A. Not everyone will have the same response to it. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Before I got my diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG), I had a whole lot of questions…
I always try to keep a good attitude toward my myasthenia gravis (MG). I often say it’s a bit like having a clingy best friend who follows me around, whether I’m celebrating a win or collapsing in exhaustion. But there are days when MG isn’t just a shadow in…
Carole King gave them a tune. My closet bears witness to their different requirements. Winter, spring, summer, and fall divide our years and give rhythm to our lives. But I’d like to add a fifth season, one that those of us living with chronic illness know too well.
I’m a New York City native now living in Manila, Philippines. I enjoy living here, but the infrastructure is lacking, and the streets aren’t always physically safe. Once I went on a long-distance walk and badly twisted my ankle. It took about two weeks before I could comfortably walk on…
Despite being a key figure in early American history, his story isn’t taught in most American history classes. His name was Chief Opechancanough and he played a pivotal role in the struggle between the Native Americans and English colonists. Even without his military and political accomplishments, he still deserves a…
Heat and cold are some of the most common triggers for flare-ups in people living with chronic illnesses. For me and my myasthenia gravis (MG), summer has always been the toughest season. Almost all of my breathing difficulties have happened during hot months. Over time, I realized I couldn’t…
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