My hematologist expressed concern that my MGUS could be morphing into smoldering myeloma. I went back in my records to 2015 when I had two total knee replacement surgeries. My free light chains increased after each of these surgeries but decreased after a period of time. I had regional anesthetic for both of these surgeries.
My hip replacement was done in 2021. My femur head had broken off and I was a mess. I could not walk 20 feet without screaming. This was Covid time and hip replacements were considered elective surgeries. I finally got scheduled and surgery was a miracle. Again I had regional anesthetic. The pain was gone and I could walk fine without a walker three days later. Interestingly, my free light chains (lambda) )escalated by 100 percent. Following the surgery, the free light chains decreased to almost baseline.
My main concern with general anesthesia is the Mayo research that indicates an effect on cognition in “elderly” people.
One Mayo study indicated uncertainty whether it was inflammation caused by surgery or general anesthesia. This same study did not know whether regional anesthesia could have the same effect.
I have had six major surgeries in my lifetime starting with a Caesarean section in 1966. The hip surgery was definitely tbe easiest. I did not need pain meds after although I took a couple of tylenol because it was prescribed - - typical pain meds like tramadol and hydrocodone were also prescribed but they were not needed.