How does a thymectomy fit in with the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis?
A thymectomy is NOT a cure, but may increase one’s chance for remission and may make the disease less severe. Thymectomy is only one component of the treatment for MG. Treating coexisting medical conditions, selecting appropriate specific therapy for MG (medications like Mestinon, prednisone, Imuran, cyclosporine, Cellcept, IVIg) limiting side effects of MG medications, caring for the psychological concerns of a chronic disease, and budgeting your energy level are all important. With all these components in place, the majority of patients improve significantly over the initial years of treatment. Most of my patients are able to carry on normal work (or schooling) and most hobbies. The majority are, however, still taking medicines to achieve this good result.
