Well, im not sure if you guys understand (This is a thread to my previous one due to excersize)

Im one of the most active persons that I know, and this surgery wont stop me from running, even at costs of hurt. Its my life, i hate not being in shape, and its hard to do anything with my body right now.

I had a thymectomy, and my symptoms are going into remission, its not like Im on the mestinon and sitll have horrible symptoms, though I did have horrible symptoms from MG, and they are now going into remission.

Any others like me in the group? I ran 6 miles a day, captain of the soccer team, and basketball team, and a key member on my club soccer team.

Its really, really hard for me. and I dont understand it. I NEED to excersize to be okay. To be happy. To live.

Any idea when I will be able to lift weights again? I had my thymectomy the 30th of september.

Thanks

Tyson, Well, I'm afraid I do understand. I know how important sports and physical activity are to some people. Giving it up would be like my giving up the ability to be creative (I'm a designer/writer). It would kill me.

What did your doctors say about when you could lift weights? They are the ones you should listen to about timelines. Just like how someone who has had a knee replacement can't do stairs until a certain point, or go walking (or running) afterwards for awhile. So give your surgeon or doctor a call. You need to heal from the thymectomy or it will either not heal well or not heal at all.

It's great that you are going into remission. Did your neuro tell you this? It has to be an objective finding from a neuro to be "official." But with MG, if you do too much, you can go out of remission. I know it is not fair. I know it sucks. But is running and lifting weights really more important than your life?

There can be a balance between lifting weights and MG. I still at least attempt to keep my muscles in shape. It's different for everyone with MG. Some people can't even lightly dust their house let alone lift weights.

Just because I'm not a guy doesn't mean I don't "get" the whole physical thing. I love and I mean LOVE sports, mainly baseball and football. I was even a linesman in high school my senior year after I gave up being on the danceline, so I could be around the sport. I was diagnosed with MG in 2001 and learned in 2006 that I've had myasthenia my entire life (again, long story). I could never do sustained physical activity at any point in my life (thought I had to try harder) but that didn't mean I didn't still WANT to.

You can have a craving for something, almost an addiction, and still have the craving even if you can't do it. It's one of the hardest things to overcome. No, I'm not saying you're addicted to being in top physical shape but if it's more important than your life, you have to ask yourself why.

I'm sorry that you are going through all this. It is obviously causing you a great deal of frustration. Talk to your doctor. Maybe even get a consult with a physical therapist (think of it as retraining your muscles). Then decide for yourself what you need and want to do. I hope it works out for you.

Annie

Tyson,

I think we all understand as we have been there. I was super hyper active until my MG knocked me down, not out, just down for a little while, I remember the day I came home from my surgery I started sweeping and my mother had to argue with me about doing anything, I was so frustrated, but as usual, Mom was right, I needed to heal from the surgery before I could do anything that required strength or I would "undo" what was done. I ended up in remission {drug free} for 17 years.

Soooo as a mother I am begging you to relax and let your body heal, than slowly start walking, exersizing and lifting weights. You know people in their 70s and 80s still work out, so just because you take a break now doesn't mean you won't ever do it again.

Take all this pent up energy you have and start writing, maybe you can help educate other young people with this illness, write in a notebook everyday, everything you are feeling and maybe have it published in time so that you can help others with true understanding {I wish I had done that}

Remember we are here for you to vent with. Oh as for a "timeline" as to when you can do things, that is up to each individual, nobody can truthfully give you that answer.

Tyson,

Another thing, I was never a good runner but I loved skating and bike riding and walking, I was riding my bike 22 miles in the mountains here and when not riding I was walking miles around the walking park {up until last year until I came out of remission}. You slowly build up your distance, walk one block and back home than two blocks ect. than start jogging than running, your body will get back in shape.

I know it is hard kiddo, but you can and will do it in time. Also if you can and want to start running, have someone drive close to you so if you get weak you will have help, and DON'T be ashamed to ask for help. We all do it.

Tyson,

I shouldn’t say this, but I think your mom posts on another MG site, or the coincidence is overwhelming. If it is her, she is very concerned about you overdoing it. Listen to your mom!

I was 37 when I had my thymectomy and was very active. It sucked being held back from the things I enjoyed doing. I know that it is hard to hear from a now 48-year-old “old fart” to cool it until you are healed, but you don’t want to do any further damage to your health. I remember being 17 and believing that I was invincible and could do anything I wanted, but unfortunately MG and especially surgery makes no discrimination in age.

You may need to make a few TEMPORARY lifestyle changes until you are completely healed. Just cool it for while, but know that when the time is right you can get back into your former routine and be the athlete you were before the MG hit. If you can’t, then you need to make the best of your new situation.

Wishing you the best of luck, but don’t hit the track until you are TRULY ready!

Jim

(Part of growing up and being an adult is learning you strengths and limitations. Growing up sucks!)

Hi Tyson,

Sorry that you are feeling limited. That stinks...I know exactly what you mean....I was previously a very active person....exercised very regularly to maintain my health.....but I haven't been able to since my dx. Just day to day activities, put the down...literally.

So, the only way I know to possibly help you understand is this... Ok you say that you are an athelete so....................what does a professional quarterback do when they are injured????? They follow the doctors orders.....What does a professional baseball pitcher do when injured?????? They follow the doctor's orders.....WHY?????? I see those guys on the sidelines....boy they look like they could just jump onto the field...but they don't....they know that restraint and recovery on their body produces a promising life long career.........Mistakes made now......WILL EFFECT YOUR FUTURE CAREER.........


A little restraint now......if your doctor says so.......WILL REAP MANY REWARDS FOR YOU IN THE FUTURE.

Call your doc.....ask him if you can. If he says yes... then ok....go for it. but if not, then it's time to do like the professionals do and wait.

JJ