Effects of anesthesia on Peripheral Neuropathy?

Posted By Jen Schiller on April 20, 1998 at 00:15:49:







Hello.  This is the third time I have tried to get this question answered on this forum.  I have had one acute attack of transverse myelitis which resulted in lower body paralysis.  I am now recovering and able to walk fairly well with only occasional use of a cane.  I have an abdominal hernia which is getting larger, and I will probably require surgery within the next few months.  My neurologist is concerned, and says general anesthesia can cause a relapse.  I've tried to research this on the www, but have come up with references primarily to spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia being sometimes associated with relapses, not general anesthesia, although there were some instances of relapses associated with surgery.  What are the chances of surgery to repair the hernia resulting in a relapse? (% odds?) I don't see how I can avoid having the surgery, but I would like to know what I can do to lessen the odds of a reoccurrance.  Would appreciate a response.  Thanks very much.