Living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) presents unique day-to-day challenges, from managing muscle weakness to coping with fatigue and swallowing difficulties. While MG is a chronic autoimmune disease, it’s also a highly manageable condition. With the right strategies and support, most patients can regain confidence and lead fulfilling lives.
At Suite Life, we specialize in administering physician-prescribed infusion therapies for people managing neuromuscular and autoimmune conditions like MG. Located in Fall River, MA, and serving patients throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, our spa-inspired infusion center offers a calm, professional environment where patients can receive IVIG or Vyvgart with confidence. If you're looking for ways to manage MG more effectively, we’re here to support your care plan, every step of the way.
Here’s how to build a daily routine that supports your physical strength, energy, and peace of mind when living with MG.
Understanding Your Condition
Knowledge is one of the most important tools in your MG journey. Understanding how Myasthenia Gravis affects the neuromuscular junction and the muscles involved in daily tasks can help you better manage symptoms. Because MG often targets voluntary muscles, including the mouth and throat muscles and those involved in breathing or eye movement, tracking symptoms like double vision, fatigue, or difficulty swallowing can guide care decisions.
Keeping a journal of symptom fluctuations and fatigue levels, noting dietary triggers, and observing how treatments affect energy levels can help your medical team fine-tune your plan. Always communicate these changes with your provider and follow their guidance when adjusting treatment.
Managing Symptoms Through Daily Routine
Fatigue and muscle weakness can interfere with everyday activities, so energy conservation becomes essential. These strategies can help you maintain muscle strength while navigating daily tasks:
- Conserve energy by pacing your day, building in rest periods, and prioritizing essential tasks.
- Use mobility aids or assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, or tools for personal hygiene, to maintain independence while reducing strain.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and consider applying for a handicapped parking sticker to minimize unnecessary exertion.
- Engage in gentle physical activity or an exercise routine approved by your doctor or physical therapist to promote circulation and support muscle tone.
Nutrition Tips to Support Muscle Health
Diet plays a key role in overall wellness. A well-balanced diet supports physical health, improves energy, and helps manage weight gain that can result from steroid medication.
- Nutritious foods rich in lean protein, calcium, and vitamins help maintain bone and muscle health.
- Soft foods and smaller meals may be easier to swallow, especially if you experience mouth or throat muscle fatigue.
- Avoid foods that are hard to chew, dry foods, or hot liquids that may trigger difficulty swallowing.
- Reducing spicy foods or very salty meals can also help limit irritation or muscle strain.
If you have concerns about fluid retention or increased appetite, common side effects of steroid therapy, speak with your provider or a dietitian about adapting your meal plan.
Managing Stress and Mental Health
Stress can be a major trigger for MG flare-ups. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is as important as managing your physical health. Try these approaches:
- Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to potentially relax and reset your nervous system.
- Limit overstimulation and multitasking, which can lead to mental fatigue.
- Build in downtime for activities that restore your energy, whether it's reading, listening to music, or going for a walk.
Managing stress can lead to more stable energy levels and fewer symptom disruptions.
Building a Strong Support System
Living with Myasthenia Gravis doesn’t mean going it alone. Whether it’s help with everyday tasks or emotional encouragement, support from family members, friends, or support groups can improve mental and physical health.
Suite Life offers helpful resources for MG patients, and we encourage you to explore communities like the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America for peer support, education, and advocacy.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important things MG patients can do is recognize when symptoms may require immediate attention. Signs of a myasthenic crisis include sudden difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, and may require hospitalization or intensive care. Don’t wait—contact your provider or call emergency services if symptoms escalate.
For routine care, scheduling regular check-ins with your prescribing specialist ensures that your treatment plan evolves with your needs. If your provider recommends IVIG or Vyvgart infusions, our team at Suite Life is ready to coordinate your infusion therapy safely and comfortably.
Strengthen Your Routine with Expert Infusion Support
Living with Myasthenia Gravis involves flexibility, planning, and the right medical support. At Suite Life, we help MG patients regain balance through expert infusion therapy in a setting built around healing.
If your doctor has recommended IVIG, schedule an infusion consultation or call (508) 567-5666 to learn how our care team can support your treatment plan, so you can focus on living your life with more ease and strength.
