As if Multiple Sclerosis and the fun that comes with it wasn’t enough to handle, the side issues that come in to play can be even more daunting.

The last few weeks have been a frustrating challenge for me. 

I had gum grafting surgery which entails being put under, taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitching it the bottom gum line. Because I have very small veins several areas on my arms and wrists were poked causing bruising. With no success the doctor used gas instead. Recovery can take several weeks with possibly no positive outcome. 

A week into that I contracted another UTI. 

I was scheduled for a Kyphoplasty procedure yesterday for compression fractures in my spine. Thinking it would be easier I chose to use general anesthesia. Big mistake. The surgery is performed with the patient on their stomach which means the cannula and intubation tube being squished into your face. I retained bruising on my cheekbones, so now I look like I have been in a fight and my opponent won. The next set of bones to be filled comes in two weeks and I think I will choose light sedation this time to avoid the obvious side effects.

I will never know if these problems are caused by MS or the treatment drugs I have taken for 20 years or maybe it is just natural aging. Either one is a definite bummer.