First of all, John is correct. I had my blood tested before starting Imuran (azathioprine), basically to see if liver and kidneys are OK. I'd never heard of the TPMT test that Annie mentions, but trust her, she knows her stuff. Imuran takes several months to kick in, somewhere between 3-6 months, but it can take longer. It's at this point that the pred is tapered off.

Here's a brief history of me: I was quickly diagnosed at age 37. Annie may remember me as JimInTx when this site was called BrainTalk. My internist started me on Mestinon TimeSpan (timed release and no longer available) and sent me off to his brother the neurologist. I had all kinds of tests done to confirm the diagnosis. A subsequent CT scan showed a hyperplastic thymus with thymoma. I sport a 9" transternal scar from that episode. If I recall, Imuran and Prednisone were soon started. Prednisone was increased to 100mg due to a stressful job aggravating my MG. I was also put on low dose Effexor ER to help with stress (now contraindicated for MG patients). Two promotions and a whole bunch pills later the financial crash happened. Lost my job. I've been on and off antidepressants. I've moved back to Michigan and now live with my 86 y/o mother, managing the house and yard. I've looked for work here, but soon after losing my job I lost sight in my right eye. Not MG related, but being immunosupressed didn't help matters. Believe me, I want to work, but the MG flairs and eyesight limit my prospects.

I'm now 53, similar in age and out of work. To answer your questions I was diagnosed at 37 and was working and continued to work with the exception of a few medical leaves for surgeries and other medical procedures. Now at 25mg of pred I'm not really aggressive, but I do have a short temper. Depression? Hell yes. I came to grips with the MG issue 15 years ago, loss of eyesight about 7 years ago and now coming to grips with ostioarthritis. My MG isn't as bad a most here. I mow the lawn (self propelled push mower), shovel snow, clean out gutters, etc. I was going to volunteer at the local MDA office until they moved across town. I'm considering the local humane society when I'm a bit more stable. I'm hoping that will lead to new friendships, better self-esteem and possibly a job.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions you may have.
Jim