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Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common early sign of Myasthenia gravis and should lead physicians to consider looking into MG testing.

Other than scary, uncomfortable, and personally trying, having difficulties swallowing in front of others can feel embarrassing. There is no reason you should feel ashamed. But, not everyone around you…[Read more]

In my latest column, I talked about my myasthenic crisis and how it affected my mental health.

After my experience in the hospital, it took me a while to realize how much it affected me not only physically but mentally.

Have any of your MG experiences affected you mentally? Have you experienced symptoms of PTSD after a traumatic MG-related…[Read more]

Knowing my thymectomy is arriving very shortly, I am preparing to have as much independence during my recovery as possible. Preparation has included making numerous freezable meals to have ready. I have cut everything into small pieces and used ice trays to freeze my soups in small portions.

I have had to space out the timing of preparation…[Read more]

Most of the time, myasthenia gravis can be overwhelming. And whenever I get overwhelmed, I try to use distractions to take my mind off my troubles. One activity that has always helped me change my focus is reading.

What is something you do to help take your mind away from your MG troubles? What are some things that have or have not worked for you?

When I first started experiencing symptoms of MG, I was in complete denial. I thought that if I ignored the signs, everything would return to normal.

In an earlier column, I wrote about how denial is never the answer when diagnosed with MG. If anything, it just postponed my treatment and made things more difficult.

How did you react when…[Read more]

Following years of being recommended by therapists to journal my thoughts, I determined that this would only lead to depressing chapter books. I would get caught up in journaling my burdens that it would only lead to a rant. My writing was always a downhill spiral that was heading nowhere beneficial.

Last year I decided to try to have a…[Read more]

Over-the-counter medicine, known as OTC or nonprescription medicine, is typically safe and effective when following directions on the label and approved by our MG health care professional.

Even for medications my healthcare team approves, I find I usually feel worse than better. I often think this is due to the high quantity of medicines in my…[Read more]

As an individual living with MG, you must prepare yourself for any event that may worsen symptoms or lead to a crisis, including dental visitations. Oral health professionals need to communicate with your MG doctor before treatment begins to ensure that the dental care is safe. Antibiotics should be approved as some types may exacerbate MG. Dental…[Read more]

For this week’s column, I discussed how my myasthenic crisis (and myasthenia gravis) has affected my ability to empathize with others.

Sometimes, I feel like I have trouble feeling bad for someone because I compare their troubles to mine. And when I do the comparison, it feels like their problem is much less severe than mine. I’ve actively…[Read more]

If you are a multitasker, you may discover an organization app to be beneficial. Consider making a list for to do, doing, and done for each section of life.

Having a grip on managing your tasks will guarantee you will remember what is on your brain to do later when your body indicates it needs rest. This pointer will also considerably assist MG…[Read more]

My neurologist currently works with student doctors at a teaching hospital. While it was strange the first time, I’ve now gotten used to having multiple student doctors in the room while my neurologist asks them questions about my MG.

Does your neurologist work with student doctors? Do you feel comfortable with student doctors treating and/or…[Read more]

As the weakness in my mouth and lips became progressively worse, eating became almost impossible. Chewing was always difficult and swallowing was a pain.

To help myself chew, I would prop my chin on my right fist and place my elbow on the table. I would then use my fist to push my jaw up so I could successfully chew my food.

How do you help…[Read more]

The feeling of a heavy head and difficulty to hold, and neck discomfort are not commonly recognized primary Myasthenia gravis symptoms. Medical professionals do not believe MG to lead directly to pain. However, they are often secondary effects endured by those living with MG. Head and neck strain is usually due to weakness of the neck…[Read more]