Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition that makes your muscles tired and weak. The muscles usually get strong again after you rest them. Myasthenia gravis typically affects the muscles of your eyes, face, lips, tongue, jaw, neck, arms, and legs. This can make it hard to do things like chew, swallow, shrug your shoulders, lift your arm up, hold on to things, get out of a chair, or walk up the stairs. Symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day or after you exercise. Your eyes might get tired and your eyelids might start to droop, or you might see double or have blurry vision. When the muscles that help you breathe get tired, it’s called a myasthenic crisis and is an emergency.
It’s helpful to think of things to do to help you save your energy. For example, when you chew, you are using your jaw muscles. These muscles may get tired while you are eating especially if the food is hard to chew. You may need to rest the jaw muscles for a while and then start eating again. Here are some ideas to make it easier for you to eat:
- Eat small meals more often.
- Eat at times in the day when you have the most strength.
- Use things like gravies, sauces, or yogurt to moisten foods.
- Choose softer foods, like chicken or fish instead of tougher meats.
- Avoid things like sandwiches, bagels, or muffins.
- Take breaks between bites.
Try these other tips to get through your day a little easier:
- Try to do most of your activities during times of the day when you feel strongest.
- Rest often and whenever you need to. Do things in stages.
- Put handrails where you need (support) like the toilet or (getting up from) a chair.
- Let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer.
- Take warm baths and showers (instead of hot ones) since extreme temperature can trigger your symptoms.
- Put things you use a lot in easy-to-reach places.
- Use an electric can opener and electric mixer.
- Use lightweight plastic dishes and lightweight silverware.
- Use a neck collar to support your neck when you use the computer or make dinner, for example. Make sure it fits correctly.
- Wear an eye patch on one eye when you do things like watch TV. Switch the patch to the other eye and keep taking turns.
- Get plenty of sleep. Take naps.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Think about other ideas that might work for you. Talk to your doctor or others with myasthenia gravis to get more ideas.
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