With MG, even getting a pedicure requires careful consideration
Balancing self-care and symptom management can be tricky
During a recent weekend, I did something special: I took my son’s girlfriend out for her very first pedicure as a birthday present. It was a treat for her — and for me. It was my first pedicure since my myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis in 2018. With MG, trying something new always comes with a bit of uncertainty.
For many of us with the condition, certain products or experiences can trigger symptoms. Some folks have issues with lavender essential oil, Epsom salts, or even prolonged exposure to heat and massage. So, as much as I wanted to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the experience, a little voice in the back of my head whispered, “Will this make you feel worse?”
But I decided to go for it. And let me tell you — it was amazing! The warm water, the gentle exfoliation, the massage — it all felt so good. I left feeling pampered and refreshed. It was a perfect addition to my self-care routine.
And then the fatigue hit. Crap.
Within about 30 minutes of getting home, I was sprawled on the couch, snuggled up with my critters, feeling like I had just run a marathon. I’m pretty sure I dozed off for a bit, too. Was it the pedicure? The products they used? Or just coincidence? There was really only one way to find out. I’d have to schedule a few more — all in the name of science, of course!
This is life with MG. Every decision comes with trade-offs. Some activities are worth the fatigue, while others aren’t. If it turns out that the products used during the pedicure are contributing to my tiredness, I’ll have to weigh my options. Do I keep going, knowing I’ll need a nap afterward? Do I ask them to use different products? Or do I stop altogether?
And then there’s the bigger question: Is a little extra fatigue worth the relaxation, improved circulation, and reduced swelling in my legs?
These are the types of calculations those of us with MG make every day. It’s not just about getting a pedicure; it’s about assessing the risk of symptom exacerbation with every decision. Do I run that extra errand or will it leave me too drained to make dinner? Do I push through a social gathering or will I regret it for days afterward? The balance between enjoying life and managing symptoms is a never-ending dance.
One thing I’ve learned is that self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a quiet cup of tea and a good book. For others, it’s a walk in nature or a warm bath. For me, I think pedicures might just become part of my regular self-care toolbox. Sure, they might make me a little extra tired, but the benefits of relaxation, improved circulation, and the simple joy of feeling pampered outweigh the temporary fatigue.
That’s the thing about MG: It forces you to be intentional. It forces you to listen to your body and weigh every choice. But it also teaches you to savor the little moments, the small wins, and the simple joys.
So will I keep getting pedicures? Absolutely. I’ll make sure to schedule them on days when I don’t have a ton of commitments afterward, so I can rest if needed. I’ll pay attention to which products are used and see if adjustments need to be made. Most importantly, I’ll enjoy every minute of it — because MG may be part of my life, but it doesn’t get to take away my ability to enjoy it.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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Sharon Hawe
Great article! I've found that almost any self-care appointment can result in fatigue, e.g., dental, haircut, gym, physio, etc., as well as social engagements. As you've correctly pointed out, spacing out the commitments to allow recovery time is critical. Massages are particularly tiring. The following is probably too much info for most readers and simply offers an alternative for foot care that I've discovered... I use an in-home foot care nurse instead of going to a spa for a pedicure. I am on immune suppressants so it's safer for me - she wears an N95 mask in my home and uses autoclaved tools. She cleans and trims my nails and smooths my feet, then moistures using medical grade products that podiatrists use (which I also use after I shower now). The nurse does what is medically necessary, which means no foot soak, cuticle trim or paraffin. My feet have never been healthier. No split nails, less ridges on stronger nails, no dry skin on feet and lower legs. The nurse found and treated a plantar wart that my previous aesthetician said for years was "a patch of dry skin". Foot care costs less than a pedicure and my private medical benefits cover most of the cost as in-home nursing. It may not be pampering and the nurse won't apply polish, but for me, it's quicker, healthier and I don't need recovery time afterwards.
Lynn Trahan
I have Myasthenia Gravis, and I get pedicures every three weeks. I have not had symptoms related to MG that I can think of. Sometimes I am fatigued, and sometimes not. So it could be that everyone is just different, or it could be the smells. There are nail polish smells and nail remover smells that might bother people.
I cannot do my own toenails any more because I no longer have the energy to do the bending that is required.
I hope that you will find that the pedicures aren't related to the fatigue. It is such a nice feeling to have someone work on your feet, clean up the dry skin and massage them.
Happy Pedicures.
Elizabeth
Thank you for this article. I've been feeling guilty for considering changing my hair stylist. I adore her and she does an amazing job but she's a perfectionist so a basic cut and color easily takes 3 hours. I used to consider it an afternoon of pampering but lately I leave so weak after enduring the process and a 3 hour conversation that I can't even respond when my husband compliments my haircut. If I don't lay down as soon as I get home I start to stutter and have shortness of breath. You inspired me not to give up and go grey but instead to plan my days around this every 8 weeks ritual. Maybe I'll go once a month instead for a cut one time and color the next... divide and conquer gMG style
Duncan Black
It is the hot water! Everyone of us reacts differently to certain stimulus but I have found hot tubs, hot weather, hot showers, and wool clothing in an overheated room can ruin a day or a weekend. I have also discovered that a swim in cold water ( live in North Florida) guarantees a pleasant day ahead and I now do a completely cold rinse after every hot shower...hope this helps somebody...it works for me.
Thomas Ruden
Great article, thanks! Did I miss something, but I did not see any comments about Vyvgart and others. Are these on a different treatment path ?