Question:
Is there anybody out there with Multiple Sclerosis who are sorry they had the surgery

I have MS and I really want this surgery but a little leary about what it will do to my MS. Right now I am in a scooter and about 120lbs. overweight. My thoughts are it has to improve my ability to get around. I would appreciate any input that is out there. Thanks!    — Phyllis W. (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
I don't have MS, although I was diagnosed 3 times as 'probably' or 'possibly' having it. However, I do have Fibromyalgia. As with MS, great stress can set off a severe attack (or exasserbation in MS?). This could happen with the surgery. Another lady on here had her Fibromyalgia go wacky for a while after her surgery. However, she's doing great now and so am I. I am totally off of all Fibromyalgia sleep and pain meds and have been for months. I'll be a year post op RNY on 4/4/01 and have lost almost all my extra weight. Best wishes to you and I hope some MS patients see your question and respond -- just remember, there are no promises and everyone's experiences are a bit different.
   — Cindy H.

March 27, 2001
Hi there, I have MS, I have had it for nearly 5 years. A major concern in having the duodenal switch for me was what kind of state it would put my MS in after such a major surgical procedure. I'm 10 weeks post op and haven't had any problems. I'm definitely tired, moody and seem to be hungry all the time. I feel like I'm running on empty! That's not MS related, just DS related. As my neurologist says, people with MS die of the same things every other american does, heart disease, stroke, etc. He says there's more to your life than MS and to take care of the entire package. I heeded that advice and ultimately that's what propelled me to have the surgery. I wish you well, don't let fear be your guide. Lisa [email protected]
   — Lisa L.

March 29, 2001
I don't have MS, but I used to belong to a online support group who's Listowner had MS and was over a year postop. Last I heard she was doing fantastic. You can find the list at [email protected] Her name is Sharon. Take care and God bless.
   — Lisa J.