My daughter was 19 when she had her thymectomy; a month after her diagnosis. They had told us 24 hours in icu and 3 days in the hospital. It didn't work that way for her. She was on a ventilator in icu for 6 days and home after 10. She did well after that. It was also a full sternum split. About a year ago the neurologist talked about the possibility that the thymus had grown back and she might have to have another thymectomy. He ordered a CAT Scan. While we were waiting, Mary Michele decided that if she needed to she would undergo the thymectomy again. I wasn't sure that she would do that, but her attitude was that she would undergo whatever on a short term basis (a couple of months) if it would help long term.
As for the depression it has been intermittant. She had some difficulty while she was in college. It was very frustrating and depressing when she could not keep up with what her friends could do. At times she would get very discouraged, but for the most part she just kept chugging along at her snail's pace. She has had more depression problems recently. It really bothers her when she is unable to do her house work, cook meals, and do the things necessary for her 2 and 5 year old. Those are the things that seem to cause more of her depression. Depression also needs to be included in any social security disability applications if it is applicable. With Mary Michele, she gets quiet when she is depressed and withdraws.

Depression is very scary to see in your children. Is she on any meds for it? I was very against meds and tried many holistic things with my son. When it got really bad, we tried a very low dose of Luvox and the results within a couple of weeks were miraculous. His brain is definitely deficient in whatever the Luvox provides. Must be so hard to have MG as exercise is so important in treating the depression. You describe the "not keeping up" well. My daughter used to be nonstop energy and now moves slowly with almost everything. Must be so hard to parent with that lack of energy. I worry that parenting will be hard for my daughter, too. Thanks for the response. Sarah

Dear, everyone. i just wanted to check in and let everyone know how im doing. i have to have surgery to remove the thymuse in two weeks. im really not looking forward to it. there going to be doing it kinda like open heart, so im really nervouse. the Dr's seem great so i know im in good care im just worried about the after pain and the scar. ive been doing pretty good, my meds work sometimes but others it dont. i have mood swings like crazy. i guess because i just feel everything at once and im not sure what to feel at the same time. im hoping things will gett better. im keeping everyone in my prayers. thank you guys and girls for helping me threw this.
lots of love.

I believe the best way to judge someone is by the feeling you get when you are with them. It sounds like you and your mom really like the surgeon so that's good. I'm sure you are still worried about how everything will go. With all the surgeries they do now on the brain and the heart etc. this surgery is probably pretty simple to them. They have great pain drugs and you are so young that you will heal quickly. My daughter felt much better soon after getting her thymus removed. I think it was putting a lot of "bad" stuff into her body. Keep us posted! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sarah

Hi my name is crystal and i found out when i was fifteen that i had myasthenia gravis. My weakness had varied through out the years. I noticed that the weakness got worst over the last couple months. I noticed that i couldnt hold a blanket or even a soda can. And im not on any meds. if you have any questions you can get back with me. thanks

Crystal- Why no meds when your weakness is so bad? Have you been on meds in the past? Have you ever been in remission? Were you able to attend high school? I would love to hear any thoughts you have in case I can pick up something that would make my daughter's path easier. Thanks. Sarah