4 yrs ago, while undergoing many tests to find out what was happening to me, a CT scan of my Thoracic area revealed Thymic Hyperplasia (enlarged thymus). At that time my symptoms were mainly very strong, pounding PVCs (premature ventricular contractions), pain in my left chest and back, and shortness of breath.
Because my doctors were concerned about cancer, I was whipped into the hospital and had a Thymectomy. Of course no cancer was found, and my health really took a down turn within 6 weeks of the surgery. All over body pain, bone weary, shaky fatigue, cognitive & memory.... on and on til I had to stop work and go on disability.
November 2005 I was given a clinical DX of Lyme, and am on ABX treatment that has caused major, long-lasting herxing. I have not had a WEstern Blot, but did test low-positive for Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever.
Has anyone else had a similar encounter with an enlarged thymus? Not the kind of thing you find unless you have a CT scan.
Thanks for any thoughts you might have on the subject.
happygranny
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
The thymus is a soft organ with two lobes that is located anterior to the ascending aorta and posterior to the sternum. It is relatively large in infants and children but after puberty it begins to decrease in size so that in older adults it is quite small.
The primary function of the thymus is the processing and maturation of special lymphocytes called T-lymphocytes or T-cells. While in the thymus, the lymphocytes do not respond to pathogens and foreign agents. After the lymphocytes have matured, they enter the
blood and go to other lymphatic organs where they help provide defense against disease. The thymus also produces a hormone, thymosin, which stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes in other lymphatic organs.
Dosent have to be cancer problem can be lyme and coinfections causing inlargement of it. I would still have LLMD check for other possibilities causing it though.
Sounds like your immune system is really kicking in. Also lyme attacks immune system lymphcytes literally.
From here Its a PDF file Posted by happygranny (Member # 8779) on :
Thanks Treepatrol,
Next time I see my Llmd I will ask him more questions about the Thymis Hyperplasia.
I am curious as to whether or not most people who have Immune stressors (i.e. Lyme) have an enlarged thymus.
