Thymus surgery and allergies

[jlmslmspi]

My wife has severe allergies, asthma, and Myasthenia Gravis. She has never had an MG crisis but is on prednisone, prograf and mestinon. She is on several medications for the allergies and asthma. Her allergist has been trying to get her to a lower level or off prednisone but when the prednisone level gets below 10 her allergies and asthma increase, then the prednisone is increased and the cycle starts over again. The allergist ordered a CT scan and found the thymus large for her 61 years of age. After consulting two endocrinologists he recommended having the thymus removed. The neurologist treating her MG concurred. Can removal of the thymus help reduce her allergy problems? If so, how long will it be before she may start getting relief for her allergies. (I know it is 1-3 years for MG.) We know the surgery may bring limited or no relief for the MG, but I have been unable to get information about how this may affect the allergies.

[National Jewish Health]

Unfortunately the thymectomy is unlikely to have any significant effect on your wife's asthma and allergies, as the thymus does not play an active role in these respiratory diseases.  We sincerely hope that it will have a salutary effect on her myasthenia gravis (MG).  Your description suggests that her asthma is severe and difficult to control.  After she has recovered from the surgery, you might wish to consider consultation at National Jewish Health, in Denver, Colorado where many people with severe asthma and allergies are treated successfully.

Good luck.