Yes, it is common because there is another autoimmune disease that many MG patients have called Hashimoto's Disease. It is an underactive thyroid. There is a support group on this same site that has a lot of information on it concerning thyroid issues. Go to the "Groups" section and then go to the support group for Hypothyroidism. NOT HYPERthyroidism but HYPOthyroidism. There is a world of information there and one member is very knowledgeable and can tell you how to read your numbers.

I was diagnosed with hashimotos a year after I was diagnosed with mg. I do not have hypo or hyperthyroidism but they keep an eye on my levels. It is common and autoimmune diseases happen together.

Before I was diagnosed with MG, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (high thyroid) around 7 years prior to that. It is another autoimmune disease and you can have one, two or more autoimmnune diseases along with MG. You will find there are a lot of people here on DS that have thyroid problems, so it doesn't surprise me at all that you do.
Cathy

I had hyperthyroidism and after five radioactive treatments became hypothyroidism, which is easier to treat. I was diagnosed with thyroid problems a year before MG.

If you have thyroid problems with your levels it is best to see an Endocrinologist as this is totally their territory. Local doctors don't always test for everything related to thyroid. There is a numerous amounts of tests and usually the local or general doc just test for a couple which can not be an accurate look at what is going on.

I have a high Thyroid and Diabetes with MG not sure is MG is the cause of it or the Diabetes . Taking lots of pills foe it.. But My I think they call it ACI was at 14 should be half that number...

I have low thyroid output and have taken medicine for several years. Mine is an autoimmune type. The neuro said that many MG patients do have a thyroid problem that shows up first.

Wikipedia says
"People with MG suffer from coexisting autoimmune diseases at a higher frequency than members of the general population. Of particular mention is coexisting thyroid disease, where episodes of hypothyroidism may precipitate a severe exacerbation.
Myasthenia gravis is associated with various autoimmune diseases, including:
Thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease
Diabetes mellitus type 1
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus, and
Demyelinating CNS diseases"

In my case, having a mother with an auto-immune disease (polymyalgia rheumatica), hypothyroidism due to an auto-immune problem, and sleep apnea/breathing problems are and should have all been indicators I had undiagnosed MG for some time before my eye lid went half shut and my double vision actually got the final MG diagnosis. MG rarely seems to come without complications.

CeeGee22 you have been a wealth of great information. I think I have had definitely had symptoms prior to my eyelid drooping which started in June. My chest CT came back normal, but I still have problems catching my breath....is this normal? My thyroid glands are definitely swollen, you can tell just by looking. I have an appt with a new neurologist on Monday, Oct 8. But I am wondering should I go ahead and go to an endocrinologist in the meantime?

I am having flu like symptoms right now, but don't want to go to my GP just because I don't want her to give me something which isn't safe or ok with MG if for sure I do have MG.

Sorry for all my rambling, but I am so overwhelmed with all these problems and a bit frustrated at having to wait to get into the dr. urggg. I know it is just another week, but I am so inpatient

Thanks again!
k-!

Karla,
Not being able to catch your breath can be from both thyroid problems and MG. I am not sure you will be able to get into an endocrinologist before your appointment with the neurologist on the 8th, but I would suggest setting an appointment up now. It usually takes a month or so to get in, but you may need a referral though. Ask whoever said your thyroid was high to do a referral and maybe they can get you in sooner.

Keep us informed how things are going. Hope you get some answers soon.
Cathy

Hey Karla, I have hypo thyroid, was diagnosed after my MG but my MG went undiagnosed for a few years but still my labs on thyroid were good til back in last summer or this winter?? Don't remember. Go ahead & make an appt w/ endo 'cuz it might take some time either way, if not, still go to the endo.

You all have been so wonderful, thank you. As of today, I have huge lumps(thyroid) in my neck. I called my GP today to get the referral going. My daughter was born without a thyroid, my mom had goiters, my sister had an autoimmune disease several years ago but is fine now. Sooooooo....I really think my diagnosis will lean more to the MG side, especially because my right eye lid started to droop a few months ago. I am so tired all of the time, I can't wait to have a clear diagnosis and get on some meds which will help me feel better. Oct 8 can't get here soon enough. I have also received a referral for my EMG, so hopefully that will get done shortly after my Oct 8 appt with Neuro.

I can't thank you all enough for all the wonderful words of wisdom... Thank you thank you thank you
k-