Can surgery cause a true relapse?

[maxthecat43]

I'm scheduled for surgery on the 18 of this month.  Before I was diagnosed (and before I had any idea what a neurological symptom was...) I had surgery on my right foot, and very shortly afterward- I couldn't lift my left leg.  I didn't know I had MS, and I remember thinking my body must be confused.  It didn't make sense to me then, that I could have surgery on the right side of my body-and then experience this problem on the left side.  Okay, so I "get it" now.  I had a relapse ( or was is a pseudo-relapse?).

Is this something I should expect to happen?  My doctor is threatening to put me into a rehab center after surgery, but Medicare doesn't cover everything, and I really can't afford to stay very long in a rehab center.  

This is an abdominal surgery.  I'm sure it's going to be tough, but I really want to stay at home to recover.  Any tips?  Is a relapse likely to happen after surgery?  What are your experiences?

Thank you!
Tammy

[maxthecat43]

My neurologist is just going to have an order ready, for post-op steroids- if I need them.  Hopefully I won't, I'm going in for weight loss surgery- and steroids tend to have an opposite effect.

[maxthecat43]

I hope I will have your experience! ;)  I really want to be able to stay at home.

Tammy

[Sailorsong]

I have had knee surgery, 2 root canals, a 3x bypass, an angioplasty, a 4 tooth extractions all without any flares.

Dennis

[maxthecat43]

Thanks for your answers, and the well wishes.  I guess the best course is to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst...

[kwarendorf]

Hi Tammy-

While I did not know I had MS either time, I've had surgery twice. The first was back surgery (lumbar laminectomy) and was done with general anesthesia. The second was a hip replacement done with local anesthesia. Neither one caused any relapse, pseudo or other wise :-)

Kyle

PS My MS was diagnosed about 2 years after my hip surgery.

[cubbiesfan918]

Hey Tammy -

I think my cesarean did send me into a much quicker post partum relapse. However, I think it was due to the spinal block. The anesthesiologist warned that it could exacerbate a flare since I was "probable MS" however it was worth the risk to me.

I wish you a safe and speedy recovery!

[tingletingle]

Hey Tammy,

Your anxiety levels are completely understandable. Surgery for normal people is a battle but for people with MS it adds a whole new dimension. I'm due to have surgery early next month and the surgeon has suggested that my recovery time may be affected because of the anaethestic affecting my MS.

My only previous experience is going to the dentist and having a few injections to numb my teeth. Boy did that send me into tremors, spasms and funny walking for about a week afterwards.

Unfortunately, everyone's recovery is unique. Don't forget doctors are pretty good at telling all the worst case stuff to cover themselves. So I hope that even if you do go into relapse then yes you may feel like crapola and have a pain in the tummy from the surgery but you'll still be able to care for yourself.

Maybe find out what the cost of the worst case scenario is of rehab and then try to figure out who you could beg, borrow, and steal from in the unlikely event that it happens. Anything to give you some peace of mind.

Hoping, praying for a skilful surgeon and your speedy recovery on the 18th.

Blessings
Alex