LymeNet Flash: Surgical Anesthesia Reaction?

This is topic Surgical Anesthesia Reaction? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/25639

Posted by Monica (Member # 224) on :

I am wondering how many have had this happen.

I was operated on in November of 2001 when I fractured my ankle.

I had a horrendous relapse of LD in March of 2002.

I have not been the same since. I am wondering if the anesthesia administered during the operation may have impacted the LD. The anesthesiologist I had would not give me a spinal block because he said it would exacerbate the LD, but I am wondering if all anesthesia would or could have the same impact.

I'd appreciate it if you would share your experience or insight. Thanks!

Posted by Lymelighter (Member # 5310) on :

Monica, do a search and you'll find that other have found that surgery can exacerbate symptoms.

Kudos to your anesthesiologist for using caution.

Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :

Hi Monica. I don't know if it's the anaesthesia (could well be -- LD thrives in low O2 conditions), increased inflammation from local trauma, or the stress of surgery, but a lot of us have had relapses or very intensified sx after surgery.

Here's a link to a discussion of stress and LD, with a couple of medical reports on the effect of stress on disease http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/024609.html. I think the effect of stress on is underestimated. I'm all for the blood gas theory and the inflammation theory too.

BTW, lots of people report increased sx or full relaps after some kind of physical trauma other than surgery -- mostly falling down or getting hurt in car accidents.

Sigh. Guess the face lift is out for me....

[This message has been edited by minoucat (edited 08 June 2004).]

Posted by jbgoth (Member # 5567) on :

Monica,

I think that surgery can have a major role with LD.

I had terrible painful periods and a slight fever a day or two before my period started. So, i ended up having surgery to see what was going on. I was treated for endometriosis.

Ever since that FIRST surgery, i have been experiencing an off and on low grade fever. Then slowly, my knees hurt, then my elbows and finally i was getting chest/rib pain.

During this past year i ended up having to have 3 additional surgeries for endometriosis. I was hoping the fevers would have stopped after my last operation since the endo was completely removed, but they havent.

I went to a rheumatologist around 8 months ago and he ran a bunch of tests and i came back "boderline LD", so the doc went on to tell me i had fibromyalgia. At the time i was in so much pain that i just wanted to fix my endo. I was curious about my LD exposure, but the doctor didnt seem to interested so i tried not to worry about it.

So now, i have opened up to the possibility of LD. Its the ONLY thing that could be the cause of my symptoms. And thanks to this board, i have found a LLMD and started treatment.

I think, i have had LD for a very long time and the surgeries made the LD become active. I grew up in Michigan and i dont remember ever being bitten.

I hope this helps. From my experience, i would say that YES, surgery can cause LD to become a problem.

Good Luck,

Jordan

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