Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

Stefanie Shea-Akers lives with her husband and cat in central California. She has BA and MA degrees in English literature and is a musician and an artist. She has a refractory form of myasthenia gravis, as well as chronic respiratory failure, dysautonomia, and other conditions. Since having to leave her career as an English professor, she has been doing patient advocacy online for 7 years.

All articles by Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

myasthenia gravis therapies

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

Our Patient Columnist With MG Reflects on Making Goals

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

January 30, 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) can vary from day to day and year to year.

Myasthenia Gravis

Finding Joy in the Holiday Season Takes Work When Living With MG

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

December 20, 2022

Managing MG takes nearly all of my energy, especially appointments and my constant infusion schedule.

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

Patients With MG Must Be Aware of Problems With Chewing and Swallowing

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

December 6, 2022

Struggles with chewing and swallowing are common experiences for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients.

medication

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

From Diagnosis to Daily Management of My MG: Take Control

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

December 5, 2022

One of the most important topics myasthenia gravis (MG) patients need to know is that some medications can have complications.

Music in brain

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

Living With a Serious Disease Requires Creative Releases

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

November 7, 2022

Finding creative outlets while living with myasthenia gravis (MG) can be difficult because of limited energy, mobility, or even accessibility.

thymus gland

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

The Process of Deciding Whether to Have a Thymectomy for MG

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

October 17, 2022

In my last column, I discussed how thymectomy surgery is an important part of myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis and treatment.

operating staff

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

Considering Thymectomy Surgery for Myasthenia Gravis

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

September 19, 2022

Most myasthenia gravis (MG) patients will hear or read about thymectomy surgery not long after diagnosis.

Myasthenia Gravis diagnosis

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

For This Patient With MG, Shared Decision Making Is a Game Changer

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

July 26, 2022

Recently my myasthenia gravis (MG) specialist said something that changed how I view my role as a patient and gave me more agency.

Myasthenia gravis symptoms

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

Living With MG Is Especially Challenging During the Summer Months

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

July 12, 2022

Intense heat can be dangerous for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, making their systems worse if not managed properly.

IV feeding

MG Columns, Patient Perspectives

For This MG Patient, Getting a Port Was a Game Changer

By

Stefanie Shea-Akers, MG Contributor

June 21, 2022

I was in my local hospital so often dealing with my myasthenia gravis (MG) that I was known for how difficult it was to get an IV in me.

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Myasthenia Gravis Types

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