myasthenia gravis

Now that I am older, I can more easily understand how helpless they must have felt in not being able to find a definitive cure. They offered their emotional support throughout my medical journey and gave me the ability to try a variety of treatment options.

The more time I continue to spend in Berkeley, the less I care about censoring my experience with MG. My intention is never to make someone uncomfortable when I bring up my physical and emotional struggles but instead, to exercise my identity in a way that is liberating.

Now, I wish I had remained positive throughout the years, although it is difficult when a physical condition erodes the emotional capacity to do so. I’m grateful for my family and team of doctors. They all fought for me to have more than just a normal life but rather, an extraordinary one.

I never once considered myself lucky. I had worked hard through IV and breathing treatments to prepare for all my exams. I had no choice but to push through the dull aches and the sleepy side effects. Classmates couldn’t understand my struggle and often mocked me for “privileges” by stating that I was lucky.

I agree that it is simpler to cover up the physical evidence of a battle that sits on my chest. But showcasing my scar has allowed me to look at it as a sign of victory.