Grocery Shopping Difficulties with MG
Grocery shopping with Myasthenia gravis (MG) necessitates the energy to get up and drive to the store. Even if you plan to use a store mobility scooter, it can still take a great deal of energy to set up and get situated.
Items are spaced around; finding things can take a lot of energy, and looking up and spinning your head can lead to neck strain.
Items are sometimes so high you may need help accessing them and thus have to wait for assistance.
Bathrooms can be problematic for many reasons. Urinary issues associated with MG can lead to stress, embarrassment, and uncomfortable situations when needing to find the toilet urgently. Getting out of a scooter can be a struggle and potentially dangerous without help. And I know the massive efforts required to sometimes get our legs to work properly when using the restroom. Disability stalls may also be occupied when we need them.
What are your biggest struggles and dilemmas while shopping for groceries with MG?
The mental fatigue is a struggle for me I get brain fog super easy! I do have to use a mobile cart and my husband is normally there to help as well. I do get stares and it can make me feel uncomfortable at times. I'm 48 so I get asked a lot about my "injury" or what did you do? I'm a goof ball so my husband and I make jokes or have races. Being safe of course.
Preach!! I hear ya; the brain fog is the worst! I completely understand being worried you are being stared at. I have social anxiety and always feel like people are analyzing my every move when I go back and forth and back with the aisles because I keep forgetting. Thanks for sharing! We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Jodi, Team MemberYou have a wonderful Holiday Season as well!
I know I struggle when it comes to trying to pick up the 40ct case of water. If there's an employee in the aisle, I will normally ask them for help. That's good you are able to have someone there to help. - Jazmin (team member)
I have definitely taken advantage of the grocery pick up option some stores have. I still like to go grocery shopping and look around. To answer your question the biggest struggle for me is definitely trying to get a bathroom quickly without running and or having an accident. My 2nd dilemma is pushing the grocery cart. The store mobile carts are way too small to fit all my groceries. Plus, I'm 29 and get mistaken for 21 all time so I also don't use it to avoid the stares. - Jazmin (MG team member) The biggest issue for me is trying to pick up groceries that are too heavy. However, I've learned over time that I shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask for help. I also always have someone come grocery shopping with me. This way, they can help out with the tasks I can not do. I also take rest breaks while walking and using handicap parking helps.
