Ask the Health Leader: Comforting Someone After a Diagnosis

Processing a myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis takes time. You might also worry about the impact on your relationships. Friends, family, and caregivers may wonder how they can help you adjust to your new diagnosis, or just "be there."

To understand how loved ones can offer support during a challenging time, we asked our health leaders, "What’s something a friend or family member did that has comforted or helped you with your diagnosis? (Even a small gesture!)" Read how they responded.

Willing to understand

"I am fortunate to have an incredible amount of support in my life. I think the small gestures though are what always pleasantly surprise me. For example, my 2 friends were going on a walk and invited me to go with them. I told them I didn’t want to hold them back because I was feeling slightly fatigued from one of my infusion treatments the day prior.

Without hesitation, they supported my decision but also said they would be more than happy to walk at the same pace as me. I ended up walking with them for a little bit instead of feeling discouraged that I couldn’t join them.

It is little things like that, that make me realize life with MG doesn’t always have to be so doom and gloom and the people that care about you are way more understanding than you give them credit for." – Meridith O'Connor

Helping with meals and cleaning

"I’ve had friends arrange a meal train or they’ve all pitched in to have my house cleaned during really bad exacerbations. Those simple things mean a world of difference for someone who doesn’t have the strength to get them done on their own.

It’s also very hard to concentrate on healing and resting when you’re hungry or your house is a mess and you feel guilty ... like you should be doing something productive even though we know deep down resting is productive for us because it helps us feel better." – Mallory San Nicolas

Babysitting

"After my diagnosis, a few friends offered to come to my house and help with babysitting and cooking. When my symptoms were flaring, the pandemic had started and I felt exasperated at the thought of being home with my children all day.

The presence of my friends gave me the courage and strength to push through. Simply being with my children for a few hours made a huge difference. I could shower or take a nap and not worry about what my children needed." – Jessica Liao

Just being there

"My friends and family comfort me just by being there! My husband asked me to marry him during a bad flare while I was still undiagnosed. My kids have lived with me going in and out of flares for so long, they are always willing to help.

My daughter, who lives closest to me, takes me to many medical appointments. I have a friend who calls on a regular basis just to check in.

Our dog Oliver (who actually adopted us) just showed up at the house one day. He never left and no one claimed him. He is an oversized black lab who thinks he's a lapdog. Oliver is very protective of me and always knows when I'm not doing well.

Sometimes he will not let me do anything if he feels I'm not stable enough. For instance, one day I went to take a nap but my breathing was not good. He kept bugging me and I could not actually go to sleep. He continued to bug me even after my husband got home until my breathing was more stable." – Sally Farrier