Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes. Multiple sclerosis does not stop a hernia repair. The operation is planned for a steady spell, away from a recent relapse.
- Fever, heat or an infection after surgery can bring back old MS symptoms for a short while. This is usually not a new relapse.
- Some MS medicines lower the body's defences or slow healing. Your neurologist decides whether any dose should be timed around the repair.
You live with multiple sclerosis, often called MS. Now you have a hernia too.
MS does not rule out a repair. It means the timing and the care around the operation need more thought.
Is the anaesthetic safe with MS?
General anaesthesia is commonly used in people with MS. There is no good evidence that it causes relapses.
Spinal anaesthesia is also used for some open groin repairs. The anaesthetist talks through the choice with you.
What matters more is what happens around the operation: stress, heat, infection and lying still for too long.
Choosing the right time
A hernia that is not causing trouble can wait until your MS is steady. Most teams prefer a gap after a relapse or a steroid course.
A stuck or very painful hernia is repaired straight away, whatever the state of the MS.
How MS shapes the plan for a hernia repair
| Concern | Why it matters | What usually helps |
|---|---|---|
| Recent relapse | Healing and recovery are harder | Wait for a steady spell if the hernia allows |
| MS medicines | Some lower defences or slow healing | Timing agreed with your neurologist |
| Heat and fever | Old symptoms can return for a while | A cool room, early care of fever |
| Bladder problems | Higher chance of urine infection | Catheter only if needed, out early |
| Weak legs or stiffness | Higher risk of falls and clots | Early walking with help, physiotherapy |
Living with MS and a hernia? Bring your neurologist's latest letter and the name of your MS medicine.
Your MS medicines
Many MS medicines can be continued. Some lower the body's defences, and a few may be timed around the repair.
Do not stop or delay any dose yourself. Your neurologist and surgeon agree the plan.
If you take a medicine for stiffness, such as baclofen, keep taking it. Stopping it suddenly can be harmful.
Heat, fever and old symptoms
In MS, heat can make old symptoms return for a while. Blurred vision, tingling or weak legs may come back.
A fever or urine infection after surgery can do the same. This is often called a pseudo-relapse. It settles once the cause is treated.
Tell the team about any change. They will look for a fever or infection first.
Recovery at home
Get up and walk with help on the first day. Moving early lowers the risk of clots and stiffness.
Tiredness is common after any operation, and more so with MS. Plan rest breaks through the day.
Keep your bowels moving. Straining pulls on the repair, and MS can slow the bowel.
Bring your neurologist's letter and your medicine list to the first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can surgery cause an MS relapse?
There is no good evidence that the operation or anaesthetic causes relapses. Fever or infection can bring back old symptoms.
Should I stop my MS medicine before hernia surgery?
Not on your own. Your neurologist decides whether any dose should be timed around the repair.
Is spinal anaesthesia safe with multiple sclerosis?
It is used for some open groin repairs. The anaesthetist discusses the choice with you before the day.
Will my recovery be slower with MS?
It may be. Tiredness and weak legs can slow the first weeks, so plan help and rest.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.