Yes, it can encapsulate and re-appear years down the road. I had a MRSA infection in hardware in lower back, it was removed, cleaned, and replaced, with IV antibiotics for six weeks. Now after nine years it may have re-emerged and will be seeing a neurosurgeon. I was told yesterday by surgeon yes it can cause the symptoms you describe, I have and probably many others. So have your doctor reassess you for MRSA infection. Good Luck.