Posts by: Michelle Gonzaba

Michelle Gonzaba

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022

How Caring for a Houseplant Reminded Me of My MG Journey

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Like many others in the past two years, I’ve become a first-time houseplant owner. After “extensive” research, which involved perhaps a couple Google searches, I bought a Calathea ornata, or ... Read more

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

2022 Will Be the Year I Leave Fear Behind

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

New Year’s seems to hold a different meaning for everyone. Some see it as an opportunity to chug champagne, while others dedicate their time to brainstorming resolutions. I’ve never been ... Read more

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

How MG Changed My College Experience

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

As a young teenager, I had a very specific vision for my college years. I imagined nonstop parties, long nights spent studying in the library, and failed attempts at trying ... Read more

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021

Changing From a Negative to Positive Mindset

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I’ve never been the most positive person in the world. I’ve discussed in previous columns how my negative tendencies have affected my life, but I’ve since made progress in becoming ... Read more

December 1, 2021December 1, 2021

How My Relationship With Alcohol Has Changed Due to MG

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy alcoholic drinks. But I’ve always felt that the holiday season offers the best cocktails and treats. I could blame it ... Read more

November 24, 2021November 24, 2021

This Year, I’m Thankful for the Good and the Bad

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

After I’ve put away my Halloween decorations and watched my final viewing of the movie “Hocus Pocus“ for the year, my thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. As October becomes November, I ... Read more

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021

My Biggest Fear Came True, but I Survived It

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

There’s always this weird period between getting tested for a medical condition and actually getting diagnosed with it. A person may be almost certain of their illness, but they can’t ... Read more

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

I Was Surprised to Qualify for the COVID-19 Booster

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I received two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, one in April and the other in May. With my limited medical and scientific knowledge, I thought those two shots would ... Read more

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021

Captain America Made Me Rethink How to Show Empathy

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

It’s easy to get wrapped up in one’s own life. We can try to show empathy and understanding, and to see things through another person’s eyes, but sometimes it’s difficult. We ... Read more

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021

CellCept’s Benefits Were Worth Dealing With Its Side Effects

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), I quickly became overwhelmed with all of the different ways it could be treated. I had no idea which treatments would work best ... Read more

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021

Baking Keeps My MG Anxiety and Stress From Rising

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Anxiety and stress have always been a part of my life. Both have swirled around in my head since I was a small child, years before I was diagnosed with ... Read more

October 13, 2021October 13, 2021

I Had a Negative Experience While Tapering Off Prednisone Quickly

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I have a love-hate relationship with the corticosteroid prednisone. After I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2011,  prednisone gave me back my strength almost instantly. It was like ... Read more

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021

Health Literacy Month Is a Reminder That Knowledge Is Power

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

It took almost a year to be diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), after months of suffering from weird symptoms and speaking to numerous medical professionals. It was such a disorienting ... Read more

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021

Fall Brings a Welcome Break From Heat Exhaustion

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

On my side of the world, we are beginning to see temperatures drop. I’ve never been a big fan of summer. I don’t enjoy sweating, and I like mosquitoes even ... Read more

September 22, 2021September 22, 2021

Falls Prevention Awareness Day Has New Meaning for Me

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Many years ago, my grandfather ended up in the hospital due to a bad fall. Luckily, he didn’t break any bones and was released after a brief stay. I don’t ... Read more