Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) has changed important parts of my life. It has taken things from me that I thought were permanent, such as my physical strength. My previous ability to plan my days with confidence no longer exists. Most difficult of all, MG has made me distrust…
Stefanie Shea and her husband, Dave Akers, attend a recent concert. Shea is in her power wheelchair, which enables her to leave the house and participate. (Courtesy of Stefanie Shea) This is Stefanie Shea’s story: I’m a musician, artist, advocate, and nerd who has lived with myasthenia gravis…
A six-week program that combines inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and aerobic exercise may improve respiratory function in adults with myasthenia gravis (MG), a study in Taiwan shows. Those who followed the training showed strengthened respiratory muscles, improved lung function, reduced breathlessness, and enhanced physical fitness over those who received…
I’ve been in survival mode for so long that I forgot what it felt like to just be. To breathe without panic. To cry without consequence. To feel without falling apart. But over the past couple of months, life gave me no choice but to feel everything. And wow, it’s…
Wayne Seward was diagnosed with generalized myasthenia gravis in 2024. (Courtesy of Wayne Seward) This is Wayne Seward’s story: I was officially diagnosed with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in February 2024. However, my journey began a few years earlier with four symptoms: chronic fatigue, shortness of breath…
My twin brother, Aaron, was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 1999. He told me that he wants to offer advice and ideas to those newly diagnosed with the condition. There was even less awareness about MG in the late ’90s and early ’00s than there is…
Joe Enders and his daughter, Jodi, smile at a Florida spring two months after her thymectomy surgery. (Courtesy of Joe Enders) This is Joe Enders’ story: When our daughter was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), everything changed overnight. Jodi was in crisis and could barely speak,…
Women who have surgery to remove their thymus gland to treat myasthenia gravis (MG) tend to have experienced symptoms earlier in life than men, but waited longer to receive a diagnosis, a study reports. However, after the surgery, called a thymectomy, female patients have higher rates of complete…
The funniest part about living with a chronic disease like myasthenia gravis is that everyone around you suddenly acts like an expert. They all seem to know a miracle treatment, a secret herb, a magical massage, or a doctor or guru who will surely cure you. I know these…
In the novel “The Lightning Thief,” Rick Riordan writes that “knowing too much of your future is never a good thing.” Five years ago this month, I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Back then, if I could’ve seen the emotional, physical, and psychological toll this illness would have…
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