Living with MG – Helpful Tools
Source: Living with MG – Healthy Living with MG section of the MGF of Illinois website, http://www.myastheniagravis.org.
When your MG is active, these ideas might be helpful:
Getting Around
· A lightweight cane can offer support
· Use a city shopping cart or wheeled luggage cart, either on the street or to bring things
from the car inside
· A handicapped parking sticker or decal can make walks shorter when doing errands in the car.
· Use shopping scooters if available
· Consider a chair lift in your home if necessary
In the Kitchen
· Invest in new electric appliances ie, can openers, hand blenders.
· Put things you use regularly within easy reach. Avoid getting down to the floor or going up on a chair or stool when possible.
· Choose smaller containers for storing food items
· Try to use lighterweight pot and pans as well as dishes
In the Bathroom
· Install hand rails and grab bars if your can.
· Use a plastic shower chair.
· Try a flexible hose attachment on your shower head, so you can sit while bathing
For Yourself
· A properly-fitted cervical collar can help support your neck, while writing, reading or using a computer
· Tape up your eye lids when necessary. Your eye doctor may have light adhesive tape that temporarily keeps eyelids from drooping. Or you may try silk tape that is used in hospitals
· If your breathing is weak, your doctor may prescribe the use of a C-PAP (or Bi-PAP) machine. While you wear a mask, the machine forces regulated puffs of air into your lung, giving your breathing muscles a well needed break. You may even be able to sleep with the C-PAP.
Myasthenia Gravis Association of British Columbia 