I’m starting to appreciate how MG seems to love gadgets

I went through a long phase in which I proudly followed a minimalist lifestyle. I was totally against gadgets, especially the small ones that seem unnecessary. Garlic crushers in the kitchen? Useless. Those mini massage tools advertised all over social media? Just clutter, or so I thought.

But somewhere along the line, I had to admit something: My myasthenia gravis (MG) is a huge fan of gadgets.

Lately, I’ve been falling into the trap of buying nearly everything that pops up on my feed. At first, I was really anxious about it. I worried I was becoming too materialistic or wasting money and space on things I didn’t need. But to my surprise, my life started getting easier.

I’m not here to encourage impulsive shopping, but I do want to shed light on how small, simple changes can make a big difference, especially for someone living with a chronic illness like MG.

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My favorite discovery so far is a wheeled backpack, which completely changed my daily routine. Walking from my house to the office used to feel like moving backward through mud. Carrying my laptop in a regular backpack felt like I was toting a pile of bricks, and my legs felt like they were dragging an elephant. But the wheeled version gives me total freedom. I now enjoy those walks. The difference is so simple yet so powerful that I wonder how I lived without it.

Another game changer is an electrostimulator for pain relief. I know, I know, MG isn’t supposed to cause pain, at least not according to many doctors. But the reality is different. I deal with soreness constantly. This device helps with massages and has pain-relief settings that I use almost every night. Since I started using it, I no longer spend my nights tossing and turning, trying to find a pain-free position to sleep in. I finally said goodbye to sleep deprivation.

Encouraged by these small wins, I’m now planning to invest in an ergonomic chair and a proper laptop mouse to help improve my posture and comfort while working. When I combine these tools with a more sustainable lifestyle, healthy food, yoga, long breaks, and better sleep, I notice that I recover from flare-ups more quickly. I feel like I have more control over my condition.

Living with a rare disease doesn’t mean we have to live small. I once thought less was more, but I’ve learned that “just enough” can be a very personal measurement. Sometimes, it includes gadgets I once mocked. Sometimes, it means saying yes to things that make life softer, easier, and just a little more livable.

And no, it’s not about collecting stuff. It’s about allowing myself the right to comfort and ease and exploring what makes my body feel supported — even if that means embracing the kind of tools I once labeled as “useless.”

As it turns out, MG didn’t just challenge my muscles; it also challenged my mindset.

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.