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Living with Myasthenia Gravis By Kim Anderson This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.
Eat Well, Rest Well • A well-balanced diet and plenty of rest can really help. When it comes to myasthenia gravis, the more you rest the more you can do. You may find relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can be useful as well as gentle exercise such as Tai Chi.
Exercise • When your myasthenia gravis is not well controlled, exertion weakens muscles. Therefore, people should exercise within limits that don't exceed their present capability. As you myasthenia becomes more controlled, you are encouraged to exercise as much as anyone else. There are examples of professional athletes who have been able to return to their former level of performance after diagnosis.
Pace Yourself • Many people learn to pace themselves and make choices on which are the important things for them to do and which are not. Plan for regular rest and spread activities throughout the day. It's better to take small steps to manage and mitigate the symptoms and improve your quality of life than it is to look for quick solutions. You can read more about pacing yourself here.
Focus Activities • Focus activities at your strongest time of the day. Make telephone calls first thing, straight after your medication kicks in. Then you know that you use your voice at its strongest.
Listen To Your Body • Don't push it too far. Learning to recognise tiredness is vital because this is when symptoms are likely to be triggered. It's hard to achieve a balance between doing something and doing too much but the stability is worth the effort. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
Accept That with myasthenia, there will be good days and bad days.
Keep An Eye On The Weather • Don't get too hot or too cold. Changes in temperature can have a noticeable effect on muscle function and extremes of temperature can exacerbate symptoms.
Keep In Touch With Other People Affected by Myasthenia Gravis Through Facebook page, Facebook group, Twitter page and Instagram page means that no one needs to feel alone with their myasthenia gravis. Family, friends and carers are also welcome to join our community.
Information Knowledge is power, read up on your condition and find out everything you possibly can.
Keep a Diary • It is useful to write down any questions or new symptoms that come up between appointments for discussion with the consultant and GP. A daily record of the effects of myasthenia gravis is also useful when applying for benefits or talking to an employer. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.
A Little Help From Your Friends • Always accept helps when offered. Having somebody to lighten the load and taking the opportunity for a rest in invaluable. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.
Stay Positive • A bright outlook can really help people with myasthenia gravis.
Stress Stress can worsen myasthenia gravis, so try an avoid excess emotional or physical stress. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC.
Swallowing If you struggle with swallowing, eat soft foods wherever possible. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
Home Adaptations Consider adapting your home to make life a little bit easier for yourself. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
Remember... • Having supportive, understanding and patient people in your life can really help. • Try to keep calm, you're not alone. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.
