Posts by: Retha De Wet

Around three years ago, I welcomed home an Italian greyhound puppy named Pablo. He changed my life for the better. Now, my boyfriend, Tom, and I have adopted another 1-year-old ... Read more

September 10, 2021September 10, 2021

A Tribute to the Thoughtful Boss Who Gave Me a Break When I Needed It

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I try to be honest about my shortcomings, but I have always struggled with asking for help. If you frequent my column, you may have realized that I’ve been missing ... Read more

August 13, 2021August 14, 2021

Comparison Prevents Me From Treasuring My Progress

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Life with chronic illness is a constant game of comparison. I either compare myself with my healthy peers, or with other medically complex young people. Recently, I’ve found someone new ... Read more

July 30, 2021July 30, 2021

My Pain Is Just as Real as My Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Pain is a big part of my life. I have been in daily pain for the last 10 years. The only medical reason I have for it is myasthenia gravis ... Read more

July 23, 2021July 23, 2021

How I Discovered My Inner Superhero

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I started working as a speech therapist at a large academic hospital in January 2020. I was excited to start, and my passion for the job was coming out of ... Read more

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

My Transsternal Thymectomy Was a Positive Experience

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Shortly after I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), the neurologist suggested I have a contrast CT scan of my chest. This would determine whether or not a thymectomy was ... Read more

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Laughter Helps Me Cope With Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I tend to laugh a lot, which can serve many different functions. A nervous giggle can indicate anxiety, a belly laugh may follow a moment of hilarity, and sometimes laughing ... Read more

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

Simple Ways I Make My Life Easier at Home

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

My boyfriend, Tom, and I are finally moving back in together after 15 months of being in a long-distance relationship. While that in itself is amazing, it involves one terrible ... Read more

June 25, 2021June 25, 2021

The Lessons I’ve Learned Since My Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Time has been my greatest teacher. She has taught me patience, resilience, and true commitment. She has taught me so many things I would love to share with my younger ... Read more

June 18, 2021June 18, 2021

Learning About My Personality Type Helped Me to Better Manage My MG

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

During a consultation with my psychiatrist, she told me I have a Type A personality. “Me?!” I thought. That can’t be right. However, I have tremendous respect for her as ... Read more

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021

Love Taught Me Strength Is More Than Suffering in Silence

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I often write about the beauty of life by sharing lessons I’ve learned from living with myasthenia gravis (MG). I tend to be optimistic in my approach to the hand ... Read more

June 9, 2021June 9, 2021

Why Raising Awareness for Myasthenia Gravis Is Important to Me

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

It’s difficult to explain to a 20-something in perfect health why raising rare disease awareness is important. However, I had just turned 20 when my entire life was turned upside ... Read more

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021

A New Treatment Combination Brings Me Hope for My Future

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

My health seems to follow a pattern: I’ll start a treatment plan, it’ll go well for a little while, and then I’ll suddenly experience an uncontrollable flare. I’ll stubbornly suffer ... Read more

May 19, 2020September 3, 2020

Myasthenia Gravis Has Made Planning for Motherhood Challenging

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Life with myasthenia gravis has taken some dramatic turns and created both challenges and opportunities. One of those dramatic moments was having to decide in my early 20s whether I ... Read more

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020

Myasthenia Gravis Has Made Planning for Motherhood Challenging

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Life with myasthenia gravis has taken some dramatic turns and created both challenges and opportunities. One of those dramatic moments was having to decide in my early 20s whether I ... Read more