The Whispered Roar
— Shawna Barnes

Three years ago, after I had a thymectomy and before I started high doses of prednisone to treat my myasthenia gravis (MG), I weighed in at a comfortable 170 pounds. After I was…

It’s the last Monday of June. The last Monday of National Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. Last week, I shared some tips for both myasthenics and our friends and family on how you can…

“Hey, Shawna, I have a (friend/co-worker/family member) who was just diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Can I connect the two of you?” One of the advantages — and sometimes disadvantages — of being as…

I traveled a long road to finally put a name to the crippling symptoms I began experiencing after my medical retirement from the Army in 2011. Once my diagnosis was confirmed…

Yay for June! Do you know why I’m so excited about the sixth month of the calendar year? It never meant much growing up except for the end of another school year. It’s not…

“Will my insurance cover it?” That’s a question I thankfully don’t have to ask when discussing various treatments with my care team at Veterans Affairs (VA). Its healthcare clinics have definitely gotten some bad…

I want to do everything! Especially after a period of time when I’ve not felt well enough to do anything. So when the stars seem to align and I’m feeling good, I do all…

One common treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG) is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). I was initially treated with IVIG for my symptom flares and exacerbations. Thanks to detailed notes kept by my infusion nurses…

Hobbies can be a funny thing. It feels like some of us have many and could go broke supplying them, while others have no idea how to relax or do something for the sake…

“Stick a fork in me, I’m done!” “I don’t have enough spoons for this.” We’ve all heard various quips involving silverware. When one becomes part of the chronic illness family, they may adopt the…

Yee-haw, what a wild adventure that was! If you’ve read the last few columns I’ve written, you’ll know that starting in February, my husband and I were preparing for a cross-country move from…

We made it! Seven states, 35 hours, and five weather types later, we arrived at our destination. Moving cross-country is not for the faint of heart, but with a little planning and a…