Hello a good friend of mine is 70 years old and has come down with this disease. I was wondering if anyone on this board has this condition am I posting in the right forum? It is an auto immune disease.. I would like to refer her here if anyone knows anything about it. she is having her Thymus gland removed next week and is scared.

Thanks for your help,:) :)

Hi -

My DH's aunt was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis when she was in her late 20s. Her weakness mostly affects her neck, throat, jaw, and arms. She was on Mestinon (sp?) for several years and had her thymus removed with excellent results. After that surgery, her weakness was much improved and she's been on much lower doses of medicine ever since. She's almost 60 years old now. She does pace her activities so as not to get too tired because the weakness gets worse when she's tired. Many days, she takes an afternoon nap and that keeps her going through the evening.

I hope your friend does well. Please remind her that the medical staff will take very good care of her.

She may need assistance for the first week or so after she returns home after surgery as she may be weak, may not be allowed to drive or to do laundry or any lifting. Ask her what her doctor has said about that. If she has no family in the vacinity, her friends may be needed to pitch in.

Hope this helps - Barbara :)