The Fun Thing About Life: How I Find Humor in MG

By Sally Farrier

2 min read

There is nothing fun about having myasthenia gravis (MG). It has a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns. You never know from one second to the next what you're in for.

I have lived with it most of my life. Even before I was diagnosed, I knew I had an unknown neurological disorder. Although I have never had a complete breathing crisis, I have come close with a single breath count of 5 and all the fatigue that goes along with that. I have also experienced the major swallowing issues ... and you know, just all of it.

What I need for my mental health

To keep mentally healthy, I had to learn to laugh at myself, and I actually encourage other people to laugh right along with me. But all the people close to me know that if I say, "please don't laugh today," it means I'm having a very challenging day and they are there to support me, while I get my head screwed on straight! They are waiting for me to start laughing at myself again before they join in.

Things I laugh about

Hilarious words

Some of the words that come out of my mouth are just hilarious. I am not always able to get my mouth, tongue, and lips to form words and word finding can be difficult. I'm so surprised at how many words I can think of that don't actually fit in a sentence, but yet I can't figure out how to say the word I want to. And when you can't even pucker your lips to give a kiss it's more like kissing fish, lips smacking and all.

Experiencing symptoms in public

When my eyes sag ... well, let's just say I see why people may think I am stoned or had a stroke, along with how much drool is coming out from the corner of my mouth, hanging low.

The other day we were at the grocery store and I just fell over sideways - no advance warning or anything. I am so glad I was kind of squatted down looking at the bottom shelf when this happened or it could have been serious.

My husband on the other hand was a little upset and worried. Laughing I said, "I just decided to sit down on the floor!" or possibly it was, "I was ready for a nap!" Quite serious and almost ready to cry, he replied. "No, you didn't. You fell, I saw you!" I did take him seriously, gave him a big hug, and assured him I was fine.

Bladder and bowel issues

Just when I think it's safe to go without an adult diaper ... I'm here to tell you I won't ever go anywhere in public without one ever again! And it only took me 25 years to figure out I needed diapers!

I find the humor where I can

I have decided there is so much really hard stuff to live with when it comes to myasthenia gravis. Therefore, I do try and find the humor where I can. I am hoping my experience brings a smile to someone today!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Myasthenia-Gravis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Shelbie Brown Moderator & Contributor
This is extremely important! As much of a struggle as our lives can be, it is always good to smile and laugh and have our good times! -Shelbie( Team member)
CommunityMemberebf466 Member
Sally Farriers story was so honest I just wanted to say kudos to you. Finding humor in this disease is hard to do, but sometimes that’s all you can do! I’ve been a people watcher all my life, since being diagnosed in 22 my attitude about human behavior has mellowed a lot! Now I wonder what people attribute my odd behavior to. Since I’m 74 I can just see the sigh of resignation that it’s just something old people do and ignore her! Let me say though , inside this old gal is a healthy , bright , energetic, smart woman kicking and screaming to be let out of the confinement! Keep smiling! Connie
CommunityMembere539f5 Member
I just read about the way a woman handled her symptoms of mg with humor. I have experienced many things that she points out about having myasthenia.
Spirspong Member
oh and sometimes when off balance in walking, I say "I was just surfing the air"
Spirspong Member
What helped me early on was an MD friend who was trained during the Vietnam war. I was ahead of him going into church one Sunday and missed grabbing the doorknob by a few inches! He laughed and laughed which made me laugh about my journey. It reminded me of friends who returned from the Vietnam war with injuries who laughed at themselves - and they were the ones who survived their ordeal. This MD friend told me that on days off the medical staff in Vietnam would smoke marijuana, then play basketball due to the fact that MJ causes diplopia, laughing at all the mistakes they made like getting hit by the ball in the face and missing the basket by a mile due to the double vision.
CommunityMemberbea1e2 Member
I completely get this
1. Jess.Hall Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberbea1e2" user-id="8613037"/> glad to hear you found the article relatable. Infusing life with a little bit of laughter can really be helpful. How has this week been going for you? -Jessica, Team Member 
2. CommunityMemberbea1e2 Member
 Pretty even keel. Thanks
EveningSkye Member
Having MG is paying tribute to the late, great Pee-wee Herman (Paul Rubens) on a daily/hourly basis. "I meant to do that!"
CommunityMembera1b85c Member
One day my wife and I were out shopping. I had done way too much walking and my wife knew it, mainly because she told me so but I sometimes don't listen. She had me get into the car, she was driving, while she put the groceries in the back. I stood by the passenger side trying to left my leg into our Honda CRV without success I may say. She looked up when she heard me laughing. She had to help me into the car and all we could do is laugh at it. Laughter is the best medicine in those moments.
1. Jess.Hall Community Admin
 Laughter really can be excellent medicine for the soul, <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera1b85c" user-id="8423301"/>! I am so glad you have your wife there to support you and laugh along with you. How have you and your wife been doing this week? I hope it is kind to you both. -Jessica, Team Member 
2. CommunityMembera1b85c Member
 Everyday is a new challenge and everyday brings new hope. I want to go, go, go and she reminds me to put the brakes on. This has been a challenging week following a great weekend. I will be having my IVIG treatments this coming Monday and Tuesday which will give me the pick-me-up I need. With out my wife I would struggle with it, we all need that person by our side to lift us up. Thanks for asking and I hope you are doing well.