Regaining control over life when MG weighs me down

I met someone who looked ravishing and well put together, with great posture, beautiful hair, and impeccable makeup, and I had my usual thought: “That’s what I would’ve looked like if I didn’t have myasthenia gravis.” But this time, something clicked, and I told myself: “This is not a valid excuse.”

I know many great-looking disabled people who wear colorful, crazily attractive clothes and do everything possible to look good, from their hair to their makeup. I chose to hide behind the complaint that it’s too hard and tiring to do so. This resulted in me gaining weight. The reality I didn’t want to face was that I chose to prioritize rest over my looks.

This thought extends to almost every complaint I make about myasthenia gravis, such as saying that I can’t cook, while the truth is I can take the time to do small meal preparations during the weekend or on mornings when I have more energy.

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Being tired all the time made me a grumpy person and a procrastinator, and it’s difficult to rid myself of the thought that going out with friends is exhausting. I forget that most of the time, my body would probably enjoy sharing a coffee more than lying down all day.

Of course, I can’t do this every day, but if I organize myself, I can start living again and regain control over my life.

So, today, I am reclaiming accountability from myasthenia gravis and telling myself that this disease is only part of the equation. It is my job to add or remove other parts to influence the result.

My life deserves to be joyful, even with double vision, heavy legs, and uncooperative arms. I just have to find the right balance between naps, planning, and most importantly, a good mood.

A good mood might actually be the most powerful solution to getting better, so over the past two weeks, I decided to push myself to make better choices for myself.

I started a diet, I cook for myself every day, and I even went to the gym yesterday. I’ve never felt happier, although I am a bit sore. I’m learning to listen to my body and slow down when needed, but also to stop hiding behind what feels easy.

I’m still figuring all of this out, adjusting, and learning how far I can go without hurting myself, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m choosing myself again.

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.