Tenacity keeps me going amid the symptoms of myasthenia gravis
I was caught off guard recently when a friend asked me what one word describes my ability to cope with the ups and downs I’ve had since my 2020 myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis. I…
Together — Mark Harrington
A Boston native, Mark has spent 25 years on the faculty of the Dallas Independent School District. A believer that what Hanna Arendt termed “the life of the mind” is the richest gift we give the young, Mark continues to find inspiration and joy in teaching. Mark has been published in The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, and various professional publications. His classes have been featured on KERA, the local public television station. Mark knows the MG journey is not solitary. Blessed with wonderful, loving family and friends, he hopes his writing will assist others as they navigate life with myasthenia gravis.
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Life with an invisible illness can still be fun
I’m not the first guy to discover that myasthenia gravis (MG) deserves membership in the select group known as invisible illnesses. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the impact that life with such an illness…
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Navigating uncertainty in life with myasthenia gravis
Every year, I reflect on my diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) on June 24, 2020. As I look back on the past year, I see that MG forced me to reconsider my understanding…
When living with a rare disease threatens your financial stability
June 25 marks four years since I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Looking back brings to mind the ancient Greek dramatist Aeschylus, who observed that “he who learns must…
The treatments for myasthenia gravis are nothing short of a miracle
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. “I dabbled in…
Among the benefits of having a pet is unconditional love
Four years ago, I met up with a cousin who had recently moved to Texas. I hadn’t seen Margi since a Fourth of July celebration three years earlier. I’ve gotten to know her better…
Changing the darkness of medical trauma into gold
Note: This column includes thoughts about suicide. Resources for help are listed at the end of the column. This week I did a self-inventory, as I’d become concerned about a few things. I noticed…
Life taught me that nothing is guaranteed, so I live in the present
“Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh.” — Matthew 25:13 These words have been at the forefront of my thoughts in the past few…
Living with MG showed me ‘there are worse things’ than time alone
One of my catchphrases, stolen from my father, is “there are worse things than being alone.” I’ve always known these were borrowed words, but yesterday’s Rare Disease Day provided the impetus I needed…
Myasthenia gravis can be easier with a positive outlook
I’ve learned that I have my best days when I maintain an optimistic, positive outlook. Some days the challenges of life with myasthenia gravis (MG) make such an outlook almost impossible. Emphasis…
Why reducing stress is important for MG patients
When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2020, I decided to find out all I could about the disease. I love to read, so I started with the written word.
The importance of patience on the MG journey
I’ve always considered myself a patient man. One doesn’t succeed as a teacher without some degree of the trait. But the past four weeks have shown me that life with myasthenia gravis (…
3 tips for enjoying the holidays while living with myasthenia gravis
Take away any religious connections, and the period from the end of November through the start of January is still the most festive time of the year. Decorating our homes, hosting and attending holiday…
