My Bitter & Best Friend: MG — Sarah Bendiff

When I was a kid, I had a list of things I wanted to do when, as the adults used to say, I’m “old enough.” I haven’t forgotten that list, because now I am old enough. At 26, I’m still young, but I’m an adult, and plus, I have my…

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast from dawn until sunset, meaning no food or drink for anywhere between eight and 12 hours, depending on the region. It’s the holiest month in the Islamic calendar — a time for dedication, reflection, and sharing. But what does…

When I was a kid, still waiting for my diagnosis, I remember overhearing doctors say, “It might be an orphan disease,” “It could be rare,” “This might be a special condition.” At that time, and even shortly after my diagnosis, I didn’t understand what they meant. I was confident…

Here we are again: I have new symptoms. And no, I am not excited about seeing more doctors. After spending 10 years searching for a diagnosis before finally finding out I have myasthenia gravis, I now limit my medical appointments to only the most urgent and important ones.

Whether it’s a work meeting, family gathering, or friendly meetup, I always feel the need to mention that I might have to cancel due to my chronic illness. But most people don’t seem to fully understand this. I remember watching a discussion on French TV where a woman said something…

For the longest time, I thought the biggest obstacle to driving would be my foot pain. I never considered that myasthenia gravis (MG) would affect my ability to drive. My foot pain — unrelated to MG — would come and go, so for a while, I avoided driving because…

Like many others, being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis was a turning point in my life. Before my diagnosis, school sports were a nightmare. Running, basketball, and other physical activities left me exhausted and discouraged while everyone else seemed to thrive. After my diagnosis,…

I often talk about strength and resilience because I feel a deep need to share these traits with others who are navigating chronic illnesses or invisible disabilities. Motivating and inspiring others is a blessing that gives my own struggles with myasthenia gravis (MG) a purpose. But let’s turn the…

Some people think disabilities are just excuses and free-pass cards that come with countless advantages. After a recent experience, I’ve realized they might be right sometimes — but not in the way they think. Before you think I’m crazy, let me explain. I’m not talking about financial aid or priority…

Traveling was one of my biggest fears after my myasthenia gravis diagnosis in 2019. If I got tired at home easily, what would navigating an airport and exploring a bustling city feel like? A few years ago, when my father suggested my sister and I visit a European country…

I must be transparent with you from the start: I’m not writing this because my cat isn’t cuddly and doesn’t love me the way I love her. I’d like you all to meet Philotte, the Persian cat I consider my daughter. I never used to be a cat person, or…

The day I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), the doctors briefed me on the essentials: symptoms, treatment plans, and what to expect from life with a chronic illness. But what no one mentioned is that one autoimmune disease often acts like a magnet, attracting other conditions like uninvited…