Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Cathy and I left very early yesterday morning (March 05) for an 8:00 AM surgery consultation with Dr. E.L. at Vanderbilt. He asked a lot of questions, explained the pros and cons of thymectomy, and spent a lot of time with us. We were very impressed. I am scheduled for a transcervical thymectomy April 3. Because I am a large man, he may also need to do an incision in my side to aid in the surgery as needed. Either way, this is much less invasive than fully opening my chest--which he was against. There is considerable medical debate whether this surgery will help or will not help my condition. In my opinion (and my neurologist and surgeon) it is worth the chance.
I was able to have my preoperative exam yesterday and a complete set of pulmonary function tests which Dr. E.L. wanted before my surgery. Getting all of this done in one day saved us another trip back to Vanderbilt.
To prepare my body for surgery and reduce the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, Dr. C.L. (my neurologist) has order five days of plasma exchange just before the thymectomy. It looks like I will be in the hospital over a week. This will be my ninth hospitalization.
On a side note. Just before we reached Nashville, we drove through an area where a heavy ice fog had coated the trees and they glistened liked diamonds. It was beautiful!
Thanks for your prayers and concerns everyone!
--Kerry
I was able to have my preoperative exam yesterday and a complete set of pulmonary function tests which Dr. E.L. wanted before my surgery. Getting all of this done in one day saved us another trip back to Vanderbilt.
To prepare my body for surgery and reduce the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, Dr. C.L. (my neurologist) has order five days of plasma exchange just before the thymectomy. It looks like I will be in the hospital over a week. This will be my ninth hospitalization.
On a side note. Just before we reached Nashville, we drove through an area where a heavy ice fog had coated the trees and they glistened liked diamonds. It was beautiful!
Thanks for your prayers and concerns everyone!
--Kerry
Anyway, if I had to do it again, or knew what I know now, I would have done the plasma exchange as an outpatient. Being in the hospital 5 days before, getting interrupted sleep and unable to rest on my schedule was physically and mentally draining, which I didn't need before major surgery and with MG.
My Red Cross nurse who did my next plasmapheresis, told me I should have had antibiotics before, during and after surgery to avoid the chance of infection taking over. I tried to think of everything prior to surgery, but this was one thing I missed and I paid for it.
Hope you do well and keep us posted.
You are definitely covering all the bases.
Sending - both prayers and good wishes!
Please keep us posted. - Ross
Amanda
I pray God's peace for you and wisdom for the medical staff.
Glad to hear you had the exchange pre-op. Please update us
when you feel up to it. Praying for nothing but the best for you!
Carly