Columns

For those of us living with myasthenia gravis (MG), the burden isn’t confined to the body. It relentlessly finds its way into the wallets of those who live with it. Checkbooks, retirement accounts, pensions, and daily expenses are all affected and often determine whether one lives with dignity. In…

Some days, living with myasthenia gravis (MG) feels less like managing a medical condition and more like trying to negotiate with a very moody landlord. That landlord owns the building you live in, the body you move in, and the energy you rely on, and they change the terms…

Understanding someone involves so much more than knowledge. I have been learning about myasthenia gravis (MG) and its symptoms over the years, but I don’t know if it’s brought me any closer to understanding my twin, Aaron. MG completely altered his personal life and ended his work life. I…

You should rest. You should sleep. You should take care of yourself. Lose weight. Don’t run. Don’t complain. It’s all in your head. You can fight it. These are comments I often hear from friends, family, and loved ones, and honestly, they are not helping. I know people mean well,…

We are told that stress, inadequate sleep, poor eating habits, and the lack of an effective medication protocol can contribute to flare-ups of myasthenia gravis (MG). Sleep, at least in theory, is manageable. We can adjust routines, sneak in naps, and pretend that going to bed at 9:30 p.m.

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Mestinon (pyridostigmine bromide). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. There’s a kind of math you learn to do when you live with myasthenia gravis (MG). It’s a quiet,…

My sister has been accomplishing incredible marathons and runs ever since the two of us failed a running attempt during an event with our yoga club. I can’t help but feel both proud and jealous of her accomplishment, but it hurts even more when I tell people I was there,…

I like to think of myself as a rational person. I try to meet each new challenge with calm and logic. But with myasthenia gravis (MG), fear has a way of quietly slipping in. For me, that fear has taken up residence at the dinner table. The MG crisis…

There’s a version of chronic illness people imagine: the one where you get a diagnosis, adjust a few routines, take your medications, and eventually settle into something manageable. And then there’s the real version, the one that unfolds slowly and quietly until one day you look around and realize your…

Chronic illness rarely announces itself with clarity. Instead, it unfolds quietly, often disguised as fatigue, stress, or temporary discomfort. My experience with myasthenia gravis (MG) began in October 2020, shortly after giving birth. It was a period I had expected to be defined by recovery and bonding. Instead,…