Jodi Enders

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

MG can cause individuals to experience unpleasant symptoms even after a good night’s sleep. That means more effort is needed to be given by MG individuals in the self-care category from the morning.

Waking up from a night’s sleep and engaging in anything to promote a positive outlook for the day is very important.

Maybe set your alarm a few…[Read more]

Do you experience constant fatigue? Has your MG medical team acknowledged this as a probable effect of the disease?

Marisa Wexler MS published a news article presenting research that suggests fatigue to be highly prevalent even among mild MG patients.

Those with both pure ocular MG and generalized MG, even those in remission, commonly endure…[Read more]

Over the weekend, I began unboxing my old kitchen supplies at my new apartment. My mom came over to help me prepare a large quantity of soup to freeze for my thymectomy recovery.

I have not lived on my own since my issues with MG began almost a year ago, so it was my first time using the kitchen tools I had packed from my old…[Read more]

Throughout your MG treatments, have you noticed having issues concentrating? Is your memory not as sharp as it used to be?

Medications, especially certain combinations, can trigger memory impairment. As MG individuals, sometimes we have to advocate for ourselves when symptoms such as these are occasionally unknown to our medical team and…[Read more]

Unlike medical gaslighting, sometimes misdiagnosis of other diseases and health complications are unavoidable in the process of a correct MG diagnosis and needed treatment.

Medical professionals are statistically more inclined to suspect a more common health occurrence as the source versus a rare disease. For medical professionals to…[Read more]

Medical gaslighting is a global health dilemma where medical professionals determine their patients’ symptoms to be self-imagined, psychological, and unrelated to a genuine underlying health issue.

The term medical gaslighting may be new to you. Still, you are probably familiar with the complications that MG individuals experience…[Read more]

Think about your friends for a moment. Why are you friends with each person? Think about a few specific friends and then the characteristics that you admire most about them. These friends have been subconsciously allowing their good qualities to rub off on those they grant their energy to, such as yourself. However, you will gain even more if you…[Read more]

Do you find yourself feeling rushed and stagnant simultaneously? Are you constantly fighting that battle of wanting to advance in life, reach goals, switch up your routine, but your body and illness are getting in your way?

Considering I am now fully vaccinated, I have craved to get back out into the world. But, my social anxiety has…[Read more]

My thymectomy consultation on Friday went splendidly, and I will be getting the surgery in two to three weeks. Suddenly, I have become more anxious about the process over the weekend than I have yet to be. Not necessarily about complications, I feel confident in my surgery team. I am nervous that the length of the hospital stay will be too…[Read more]

I am currently waiting in the cardiothoracic surgeon’s office for my thymectomy consultation. With a view of the bay and downtown Tampa, I am surprisingly relaxed compared to my last surgery consultation and past procedures. I have been accepting that this surgery could help me fulfill my goals in the future and how that outweighs the…[Read more]

Dr. Forest Ray published an article with Myasthenia Gravis News, https://myastheniagravisnews.com/news-posts/2020/11/10/melatonin-supplements-may-worsen-mg-symptoms-case-series-suggests/, that overviews a case series that suggests melatonin supplements may intensify MG effects. Several studies indicate that the over-the-counter sleep…[Read more]

Taking your Myasthenia gravis medications on time is essential for their full effectiveness. Still, it can be troublesome to remember to take the number of medicines and doses that MG commonly necessitates. If you miss a dose, contact your medical team about the best options.

How do you remember to take your medications? Setting alarms,…[Read more]