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What has been the good and bad with a thymectomy?

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Hastings, NE

I was diagnosed with ocular MG in Feb 2026 and my neurologist is recommending a thymectomy.

March 31
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Reactions
A MGteam Member

Thank you Kay. I have been researching all I can. Believe me I will ask a lot more questions about a Thymectomy before I decide to get it done or not. I’m 57 and I was told by my local neurologist that it needs removed before 60 or health decline s. I’m doing pretty good so far compared to a lot of you that have been thru so much. I’m not going to rush any decisions I make.

April 28
A MGteam Member

Hi Greg
You need to get in here and read everything that you can on a thymectomy. Sometimes age makes a difference.
I was very young when I had mine 30 or 31. and it helped me get into remission for over 30 years.
But that was a very long time ago and things seem to have changed over the years.
I would talk to several doctors and see what they say.
Did anybody happen to mention to you that there's a possibility that you could get generalized mg as well?.
That is another question you should be asking.
Sometimes they say there's a 2-year window.
I'm not really sure about that but you should research that as well.
Just to let you know you need to research everything. Not very many doctors know what you're going through or how to treat you.
Always try and find a specialist.
I started with mestinon then had a thymectomy.
Then the double vision came and I had to go on prednisone.
Been on Prednisone for 33 years but such a low dose that it was doable for me only on 5 mg.
I hope you find your way. It can be a difficult journey. Lots of people in here to ask questions to that have been there.
Be strong and good luck on your journey. God bless 🙏

April 27
MGteam

What are the benefits and risks of thymectomy for someone with ocular MG?

It's worth noting that thymectomy may not typically be recommended for ocular MG, where muscle weakness affects only the eye muscles. This is something important to discuss further with your neurologist to understand their specific reasoning for your Show Full Answer

What are the benefits and risks of thymectomy for someone with ocular MG?

It's worth noting that thymectomy may not typically be recommended for ocular MG, where muscle weakness affects only the eye muscles. This is something important to discuss further with your neurologist to understand their specific reasoning for your case.

Potential Benefits of Thymectomy:

If you do proceed with the surgery, possible benefits include:

- Less muscle weakness from MG
- Reduced need for medications or lower doses
- Fewer hospital stays for MG complications
- Possibility of remission (20-40% of people, though this can take years)

Keep in mind that benefits aren't immediate—it can take several months to a year, or even longer, to see the full effects. One MGteam member shared that it took a few years before their thymectomy seemed to kick in.

Potential Risks of Thymectomy:

Like any surgery, thymectomy carries risks:

- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Lung problems like pneumonia or collapsed lung
- Buildup of fluid or blood in the chest
- Myasthenic crisis (rare but serious)
- Need for prolonged mechanical ventilation
- Heart injuries or nerve damage

There's also a 2023 study suggesting a possible link between thymectomy and increased risk of death and cancer, though more research is needed to understand this connection.

Since ocular MG is typically listed as a condition where thymectomy may not be recommended, it's really important to have a detailed conversation with your neurologist about why they're suggesting this approach for you specifically.

March 31

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