Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

May 5, 2021May 5, 2021

How I Became an Advocate for Myself and My Healthcare Needs

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Today, May 5, is widely celebrated in the U.S. as Cinco de Mayo. As a proud Mexican American, I never ignore this particular day. While I don’t party hard like ... Read more

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021

IVIG Replacement Therapy Was Rough, but Worth It

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Those of us with myasthenia gravis have several treatment options to help us get our lives back on track. My road to remission consisted of prednisone, Mestinon (pyridostigmine), CellCept (mycophenolate ... Read more

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021

I’ve Learned a Few Pandemic Lessons, but Not How to French Braid

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Like most people with myasthenia gravis (MG) and other health conditions, I’ve been spending a lot of time at home over the last year. During this time, I’ve tried out ... Read more

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021

Managing My Health Depends on Keeping Stress and Anxiety in Check

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Before I ever knew what myasthenia gravis (MG) is, I had a normal amount of stress in my life. I was used to dealing with different types of anxiety each ... Read more

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021

Checking for MG Symptoms Is Part of My Daily Routine

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I consider myself incredibly lucky. While I’ve had a couple small flare-ups from myasthenia gravis (MG), I’ve been mostly symptom-free for the past five years. It’s a weird feeling — ... Read more

March 31, 2021March 31, 2021

Random Reminders of Old Memories Can Trigger Powerful Emotions

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Memory is a funny thing. From vivid recollections to those we barely remember, the most random memories can invoke the strongest emotions. Sometimes a certain image or noise will prompt ... Read more

March 24, 2021March 24, 2021

Denial Is Never the Answer When Facing New Symptoms

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

While it’s not a positive emotion, we have all experienced denial. I’ve denied so many things in my life, from major events to inconsequential moments. And when I say inconsequential, ... Read more

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

Letting Go of the Anger, Many Years After Diagnosis

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

On the inside of my right arm, just above the bend of my elbow, I have a small, circular scar. It’s a shade lighter than my skin tone and about ... 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

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

March 25, 2020September 3, 2020

I Got Tested for COVID-19 — Here’s What It Was Like

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

I started coughing last week. Really coughing. The kind that hurts your ribs after a while, and wakes you up during the night. It’s the kind of cough that makes ... Read more

March 18, 2020September 3, 2020

Fighting to Live During a Nationwide COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

On March 15, South Africa waited with bated breath for its president to address new measures to fight COVID-19. Countless messages of anticipation cycled between family and friends in those ... Read more

March 11, 2020September 3, 2020

Let’s Work Together to Stay Safe During the Coronavirus Crisis

COVID-19 Columns, Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Last week, we had the first COVID-19 diagnosis in South Africa, and everyone immediately dashed to their panic stations. People flocked to pharmacies to buy all of the masks, hand ... Read more

March 4, 2020September 3, 2020

Expressing Gratitude: Being ‘Rare’ Has Positive Attributes, Too

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Being diagnosed with a rare disease is heart-wrenching and difficult, and something one usually never expects. It changes the course of a person’s life, leading them down a path filled ... Read more

February 26, 2020September 3, 2020

Being Told Your Symptoms Are ‘All in Your Head’ Has an Emotional Toll

Myasthenia Gravis News Columns

Receiving a diagnosis for a rare disease takes an average of 4.8 years, according to one study. That means almost five years of daily struggles with an unknown cause. It ... Read more