elective surgery, cosmetic procedures, and MS

[doublevision1]

I'm considering having surgery to correct my deviated septum and am wondering whether this is might be a bad idea in light of having MS.  I would think that the trauma might possibly induce a relapse?  Has anyone here had this kind of procedure and if so, did it worsen your MS symptoms, temporarily or permanently?

I could definitely live with the deviated septum, but it has gotten worse over the years and I often feel plugged up on one side.  My husband says that occasionally I snore, which was a surprise to me!  When I use those breathe-right strips at night, they do seem to help a bit.  

I haven't had a chance to discuss with with my GP yet; thought I'd do a little research first.

On a related but much more vain note, I was also wondering whether anyone here with MS has had any non-invasive cosmetic procedures: botox, fillers, laser, etc.  I always said I would NEVER do this.  Easy to say when you're a 20-something year old feminist with a lovely complexion.  Now, I'm a 41 year old feminist with a few lines here and there, and have changed my mind about cosmetic procedures!  Does anyone have any experience with this, and was your MS an issue at all?

[opie74]

I had my toncils (sp?) out, a septoplasty and a partial turbonectomy at the same time.  This was last April.  One year earlier my symptoms started, but I was undiagnosed.  The surgery had NO effect on my MS.  For the first time in my life, I can breathe after I cry!!  I can breathe when I have a terrible cold.  AND the sinus cavity in my right cheek has air in it for the first time since college!  

I was finally diagnosed in October and December of this year.  My ENT said that he has done several similar surgeries on known MS patients!

Good luck and good breath!

[Lulu54]

DV- I trust you know I was kidding about the urologist crossing over to do cosmetic work!

[Fluffysmom]

blasted computer; I'd written you a nice note, and lost it.

I've been told that surgery won't cause a flare for those with MS by two neurologists.  I need a knee replacement and was looking at hip surgery, so I asked, though I'm not diagnosed.

I've consulted with a plastic surgeon about certain sagging parts after weight loss.  I always thought that marks of time on a woman's body were a testament to her character.  Hooey!  If it makes you feel better about yourself and you can afford it, it won't be bad for your health, then do what you want.

I'm just putting off elective surgery until I save up money and lose the weight I've gained from fatigue and pain.

Stay snuggly warm!

Kathy

[tonyad]

I am dx as only "probable ms" , but am dx with Sarcoidosis (another autoimmune disease). I used to have horrid headaches. I say 'used to' because I now get Botox in my forehead, around eyes, and have gotten fillers around my nose-mouth area, and under eyes.
And....yep, I also had breast augmentaion about 5 years ago. Please note, I would NEVER, and I say NEVER, have anyone inject botox or fillers except a plactic surgeon. You also have to be careful of where the Botox is purchased from.  

While Botox is being used to help treat bladder issues, you should leave the facial issues to the doctors who specialize in that. Just my thoughts.
While I agree that you are still young, there is nothing wrong with wanting to keep a little maintenance up or a "tune up" every now and then.

Take Care,
~Tonya

[Lulu54]

Hi DV,
I have no elective surgery experience to share with you. And i have no experience with non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

I am laughing about the botox question though because it is being used on MS patients ..... in the bladder to treat incontinence.If you need the treatment for your bladder, they have to buy a full vial and would have some left over.  Perhaps the urologist would treat other places too at the same time ... it could save you the cost of the botox treatment.

At 41 you are still youthful - you have lots of years ahead of you to correct nature's ravages.  I won't even attempt to speak to your feminist side right now - instead I will acknowledge it is disheartening to look in the mirror and see a different face.  With MS there are so many things about our body we can't control, if we can control even one small thing such as wrinkles it might be a good psychological victory.  

Be well, Lu