I don't know if anyone has had a knee surgery specifically but many of us have had surgery with MG. There are many options for treatment before and after surgery. I don't know if I've ever heard about one during it though. That doesn't mean it isn't possible. It just means that I haven't heard about it. Preventive measures before and after surgery are very common and it sounds like she has a doctor that is looking out for her best interests. That is certainly a good thing. Make sure that you are there to help advocate for her in the event that she is unable to do so for herself.

It's very good that you have sought out what to expect. You are a good fiance for thinking ahead and educating yourself. Many spouses, family members and friends won't do that so I think you're a keeper.

We have a lot of members here with a ton of experience that can help when you have questions. Please feel free to read our posts and questions. It may be the key to helping you cope with what is going on with your fiance.

Good luck to her for the surgery and to you for helping her through it.

Three months after I had a total knee replacement I was diagnosed with MG. I am quite sure I had it in a mild version for some time -- maybe years before the surgery, but the actual eye shutting double vision poor chewing breath taking version came when my knee recovery was coming along well 3 months later--so I don't think knee surgery caused anything MG related.

I would never ever have knee surgery anywhere but the largest hospital in the area with the highest reputations -- like a University, Mayo Clinic etc.. You really need to get surgeons, hospitals, nurses etc., who have experience with MG folks and their special needs.

I have the greatest respect for Mayo Clinic Rochester where I go (and where I worked most of my career). My knee, complicated by some previous messy breaks and hardware, was perfectly done by a surgeon who specializes in the most difficult cases. It is worth it to get experienced doctors!!!!

Good Luck

I am 50 and have had MG since I was 6. Prednisone caused me to have both hips replaced in 2009/10. I was and still am on a treatment that consists of prednisone, mestinon, methyltrexate and plasma pheresis. When my hips were replaced, each time I was admitted to the hospital 7 days early and received 5 rounds of pheresis before the surgery and then 1 more before being released.

I never had any issue with either procedure. I'm not saying this is the answer, but it did work for me.

I had arthroscopic surgery on my hip in 2010 and did not have any issues. They numbed me with an epidural from the waist down and I believe they did not use the muscle relaxers they might normally use. I also had shoulder surgery in '12 without issue. the anesthesiologist should be well informed of her having MG beforehand, it is very important they know they are dealing with a patient with MG.
best wishes
Al

I had hip replacement surgery last July, caused by Prednisone . There were no MG problems, but it's necessary to let the anesthesiologist know you have MG prior to surgery. I think they use a different drug and monitor you,differently. It also helps to let your nurse know you have it...it explains a lot of recovery issues. And your PT for rehab should definitely be informed. Good luck with your surgery and recovery! I hope it goes well!!!

I'm new to this group. I was diag. with MCTD Jan 09 and diag. with MG Jan 2015. I.ve had IVIG every three months since the beginning of the MCTD. In Fall of 2014 I had a sever fall and had to have a neck surgery, but my doctor wanted me to have a IVIG before the surgery and then one every month after for a few months intel I was back on my feet, But to the great wisdom of the medicare system they have refused any future IVIG's because there is no scientific proof that it works on either MG or MCTD. So now the Doctor has no clue what to do next. Good luck on the Knee the IVIG really helped me on the neck operation.