SERIOUS ISSUE: MG & operations
 

My wife was diagnosed with ocular MG 9 years ago. Things are fine apart from a 'double vision' effect. Nothing else has happened. Her family doctor doesn't believe its MG.

PROBLEM - she has a BMI of 46 (255lbs). Muchly overweight and seriously needs a gastric sleeve stomach op. to lose weight.

We haven't had a neurologist for a few years now. The last one was obnoxious & my wife refuses to return.

So.......... tell me about MG (ocular) & operations. Is it safe to 'go under' with ocular MG?

I would definitely consult not just a neuro, but an MG specialist at a large teaching hospital before undergoing an operation.

I had fatigue and eye symptoms starting several years ago. I underwent 2 surgery, gallbladder first and 2 years later, hysterectomy and abdominal hernias repairs. Looking back, this was probably due to the muscle weakness from MG. Each operation left me weaker and the last one exacerbated the MG. I still have not recovered to how I felt before that surgery and not sure I will. Surgery is one of the stressors that exaccerabates MG.

Please seek an opinion from an MG specialist and good luck.

kathie

Hi,

I have had a couple of surgeries since being diagnosed and have had no issues whatsoever as far as increased weakness goes. However, bariatric surgery being somewhat "elective" and one that will affect digestion and metabolism forever is one I'd try to forego if at all possible. Trying to lose weight "the old fashioned" way would take longer but is without the risks of surgery and the aftermath.

If many serious, medically supervised weight loss attempts have been made already, and surgery seems the ONLY solution, then I would definitely get a neuro on board before the surgery, and to help with any needs after. Any surgery has risks in and of itself, and MG only increases the need to be cautious.

Good luck to your wife!:)

Hashmimotos hypothyroidism is another autoimmune disease often seen with MG. Has your wife had her thyroid levels checked? I have both MG and Hashmimotos hypothyroidism.

kathie