What a great idea to remove the thymus every time he does heart surgery! Much like removing the appendix every time abdominal surgery is performed.

My surgeon certainly doesn't do that - I was the first thymectomy he did

Maybe it would be a preemptive strike against mg - you never know!

Juanita

Personally, I'd run from anyone who wants to saw open my chest.

And I did, in fact, as that guy was an aged quack. I found a better surgeon, one who does many laproscopic procedures, and had a thoracoscopic thoracotomy in Fall of 2008. Chest tube is a bit painful - if anyone ever asks you if you want epidural pain control, for the love of god say YES! I was out in 3 or 4 days and back walking/hiking almost immediately. I think I took about a week away or maybe a bit more, but I was in grad school back then and time was more flexible.

I haven't been to a neuro in a long time and I don't think I've taken any mestinon in over 6 months, so it sounds like I am pretty lucky, even if it doesn't always feel that way. First post, btw. Hi.

Thanks for all your replies I will keep you up to date with what the outcome of each of my meetings with surgeons/anaesthetists are as requested I'm only too happy to share if it can give reassurance to others in a similar boat! :-)
I'm not looking forward to my chest being opened but I don't have the option to run from it.
It was explained very clearly to me as to the reasons for this approach versus any other. Yes it's going to be painful and pretty horrid but I am willing to trust my specialists regarding the necessity of it especially as they have been so amazing thus far and worked at such speed with me.
I am seeing one anaesthetist this month regarding the delivery of my baby in June so it's one step at a time!

Hi guys.
So as promised an update on seeing my anaesthetist in preparation for giving birth. I have been advised to allow the labour to progress as normal ie I don't need to go rushing in at the first sign of a contraction as long as I'm feeling ok. When i arrive it's been recommended I have an way epidural once I'm in established labour so at about 4cm dilation. However if I'm feeling strong I can continue a bit further before I have one-it's going to depend on how I feel. All my notes for plans are now complete and knowing there will be neurology, obstetrics, paediatric neurology as well as an anaesthetist all on standby from when I give the heads up I'm on my way in to deliver I feel so much happier-roll on 6weeks time :-) xx