Managing Daily Life and MG: Tips and Tricks from Blaise Huck
- MGA
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read

Written by Blaise Huck
Hello, my name is Blaise Huck, and my mom was diagnosed with MG when I was in high school. She started off with drooping eyelids and double vision that eventually progressed to generalized MG. I have seen how it impacted her as she needed help with some of the most basic tasks in life. For example, dropping silverware while eating, feeling unbalanced when walking across the yard, having difficulty brushing her hair, and struggling to get in and out of the bathtub. I am finishing my doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) and decided to complete my capstone in this area to further explore OT's role with individuals diagnosed with MG.
OT can help not only with basic daily tasks but also with navigating social participation, hobbies, and any daily life activities that are meaningful to the individual. After researching MG further to understand the different ways it can present, I found that the best ways to address MG symptoms are through energy conservation techniques, adaptive equipment, fall prevention strategies, and mindfulness techniques that promote participation in meaningful daily life activities.
Energy Conservation
One way to conserve energy is by planning out your week, as well as each day, due to the fluctuating fatigue and muscle weakness often experienced. Scheduling rest breaks will also help manage fatigue and allow for more independence in daily tasks. Rest breaks should be implemented before fatigue sets in to prevent overexertion. Alternating heavy and light tasks throughout the day is another effective way to combat fatigue.
A helpful tip is to gather all necessary supplies before starting a task and to complete it in a seated position to reduce physical strain. Trying to rush through a task will only cause fatigue more quickly, so remember to pace yourself. It’s also important to save energy for the things you enjoy. You can do this by asking for help with difficult tasks or hiring someone to assist with activities that are challenging to complete.
Modifications to the Environment
Some ways I would recommend modifying your home environment include removing clutter to ensure adequate walking space, rearranging furniture so that it does not block walkways, and tacking down or removing rugs. Another helpful modification is adding grab bars in your bathroom around the toilet and tub to assist when muscle fatigue is high. Installing a ramp at your home’s entrance is also beneficial for those with muscle weakness who have difficulty navigating stairs, providing a safer way to enter and exit.
Ensuring that your home has adequate lighting (not too dim or glaring) is another key area, especially if you experience double vision. Motion detector or night lights are great options for safely navigating dim or dark areas. Another simple but effective modification is replacing circular doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to use for those with hand weakness, as gripping and twisting can be difficult.
Adaptative Equipment
Adaptive equipment includes useful tools that assist with participation in daily life activities. There are many options available to support work tasks, cooking, dressing, gardening, and various hobbies. For example, if you have difficulty dressing due to buttons but enjoy wearing button-up shirts, you can try shirts with magnetic buttons for days when hand weakness is present.
If your job requires you to work outside or you enjoy outdoor activities, consider using a cooling vest or cooling cloths on hot days. Wearing a hat or using an umbrella can also help manage heat. For cooking, there are many helpful appliances such as a food processor, crockpot, air fryer, mandoline slicer, electric stirrer, or electric can opener. I recommend searching for adaptive equipment for the activities you want to do more independently. You can also ask your doctor for a referral to OT to help identify adaptive equipment or strategies to make meaningful activities more manageable. Consider visiting an assistive technology access site to explore various devices that might benefit you.
Overall, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay if you can’t accomplish everything you planned. Give yourself grace and take time to recognize what you have accomplished.
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