Hack that MG

•  Ask for help! Everyone needs help in life. You are not alone. It's okay to seek help.

• Electric toothbrushes 

• Cooling Car Seats

• Cooling clothes including vest and neck wraps

• Carry an extra eye patch in your car and   purse

• Apply for a disabled parking pass.  If you need it, don't be afraid to use it.

• Keep a cane in your car in case walking becomes unsteady. 

• Wear a face shield if a mask cases you to have difficulty breathing. 

• Take your  supplements and medicine at the same time each day to avoid throwing your body out of sync.

• Carry a straw

• Invest in a blender.  This allows you to make your own smoothies, purees and soups when you are having difficulty chewing.

• Keep electronics like mobile phones out of the bedroom

• Invest in a dehumidifier to help pull moisture out of the air.  

• Consider a neck brace when you are having trouble controlling your neck muscles

• Keep a shower stool in your bathroom

• Chill out in the shade during the summer.  Get under that umbrella to help avoid over heating.

•  Wear a medical alert device.

• Let people know when you feel like you are in a stressful situation.  Don't let it brew into a crisis.

• Make a list of questions ahead of time for your medical/wellness team to ensure you get the most out of each visit with them.

• Don't be afraid to change providers or seek a second option if your wellness needs are being met. 

• If you are the only MG patient a physician has find another physician.  

• Ask someone else in your house to do your hair if your arms are too weak.  If your hair is long there is nothing wrong with rockin' a ponytail.  If your hair is natural consider a protective hairstyle that will last a while.  If  your hair is short go wild with it! 

• Get a wellness buddy.   Reach out to your friends, family or MG support groups for someone you can personally connect with.  Keep track and encourage each other along this unique journey. 

• If  you are  unable  to  go  to  the  grocery  store  use  the  shopping  app  InstaCart.    You  pick  out  what  you want  and  someone  else  shops  and  delivers  your  groceries  to  you..

• Cooking  can  be  a  breeze  with  an  InstaPot  or  Ninja Foodie

• Use  a  cooling fan  around  your  neck  

• Plan  activities around  your  highest energy time  which  may  be  in  the  morning or  after  you  have  had  a  chance to  rest.

• Add  a  step  stool next  to  your  bed.  This  will  help  you get/out  of  bed.

• Consider  having  your  bedroom downstairs. 

•    If  you  are  renting  or  looking  for  a  place  to  live,  look  for  places  little to  no  stairs.  

• Put  a  bench  or  chair  in  your  bathroom 

• Add  an  I.C.E.  Contact  in  your  mobile  phone  (  in  case  of  emergency)

• Make  a  list  of  all  medications,  supplements and  questions prior  to  your  doctors  appointment..

• Consider  a  Roomba  to  help  with  cleaning  your  floors/carpet  just  remember to  stay  out  of  its  way!

• Get  mindful  of  your  MG  triggers  such as stress, heat, humidity, cold chemicals or environmental.

• Because myasthenia gravis can be unpredictable we recommend getting the CANCEL FOR ANY REASON travel protection.  This helps to protect your travel investment in the event of flare up or MG crisis prior to your trip.  Some cruise lines have non-refundable deposits.
  
  
• Give a copy of your travel plans to family or friends in event of an emergency or as a precaution.
  
  
• Take as many rest breaks as you can during your vacation.
  
  
• Stay hydrated when you are out in the sun and wear your sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat.
  
  
• If you are on a tour let the tour operator know you are a slow walker.  It is perfectly okay and they understand.
  
  
• Do not select excursion that will require repetitive motions like canoeing if you are experiencing weakness.
  
  
• Wear comfortable shoes at all times.
  
• Wear a life vest when snorkeling or doing water activities.
  
  
• If you are traveling to a theme park or resort a scooter rental is recommended.
  
  
• Make sure someone traveling with you is aware were your medication is stored in the event of an emergency.
  
  
• Pack an electric toothbrush and back-up medication.
  
  
• Remember to bring your medication and take it as scheduled. 
  
  
• Use a lightweight back pack or even consider a hydration backpack to give you quicker access to water.
  
  
•  Use a cooling vest or towel to help you avoid getting over heated. They are available on Amazon.
  
  
• Make sure you have a medical alert bracelet or necklace on at all times.
  
  
• Consider adding a medical alert to your backpack.  These are also available on Amazon.
  
  
• Get a hotel room close to the elevator.  
  
  
• Try to book only one excursion per day to help conserve your energy.

Airline:

• Contact your doctor before flying or traveling period.
  
• Make your reservations well in advance. 

• Purchase travel protection for all travel.

• Inform the airline if you need assistance boarding. 
  
• If you are a slow walker order the wheelchair assistance to help you navigate the airports.  This will help to conserve your energy. Some of the airports are very large and can drain your energy before you have a chance to enjoy your trip.
  
• Request a seat with lift-up arms for easier transfer from the aisle to your seat if you are in a wheelchair. 
  
• Check your wheelchair or scooter at the boarding gate and label equipment with your name and address. 
  
• Pack a mask and a face shield.  Use the face shield on the plane as wearing the mask for too long may cause breathing problems. 

• Ask for help putting your luggage in the overhead bin if your arms are feeling weak.

• Sanitize your tray table and arm lift to avoid picking up harmful germs that cold impact your immune system.

• Before landing, remind flight attendants that you need your equipment brought to the plane.