My Bitter & Best Friend: MG — Sarah Bendiff

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various alternative therapies. Not everyone will have the same response to these methods. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. During a myasthenia gravis flare-up in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I completely lost the ability to…

I discovered my love of cooking when I was 12. While I enjoyed every part of my learning journey, my mom didn’t fully trust me in her kitchen, so I didn’t get to cook very often. I still live with her, so cooking for me is a rare occasion, which…

Seventeen years of living with myasthenia gravis (MG) has made me a pro at navigating daily life. I’ve learned how to handle both routine tasks and high-pressure days because being sick doesn’t mean I get to sit out on life. Over the years, I’ve worked on big projects, organized…

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…