Probable discectomy☹️☹️

[weathervane]

It looks like i am heading towards a discectomy , im ok with it as the facet joint and nerve root injections have not worked and the pain is getting worse again . My problem is i was due to have rituximab infusion on the 18th of February but ive found out it is delayed until 27th of April. Im getting the op done privately hopefully so if I get it done soon maybe early March will that work with the rituximab. I have read its ok to have an op 4 week before it , is this correct?? I have to email the surgeon, I suppose I should contact the rheumys secretary as well . Do you think the timeing will work out ?

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Hi weathervane,

You're correct in that planned operations are usually scheduled at least a month after your last infusion, so definitely best to make sure your surgeon knows you’re on rituximab and talk to your rheumy team as well so they can plan accordingly.

Best of luck with the operation!

EmmaS-NRAS

[weathervane in reply to EmmaS-NRAS]

Thanks so much for your reply EmmaS . Im not sure if the surgeon will want me to wait another while to see if there will be any more improvement after the nerve root injection, though its been 4 weeks and im still not functioning very well. Do you how long before the rituximab you can have surgery ?

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS in reply to weathervane]

Although I can't see a reason for a time limit it's best to speak to your rheumatology team as we can't give direct medical advice and they will know better depending on what other medications etc you're on. If there's a nurse helpline at your hospital they may be able to advise better.

best wishes

EmmaS-NRAS

[Dragonfly4 in reply to EmmaS-NRAS]

Hi Emma

My understanding is that planned elective ops are not usually scheduled until 4 months after the second infusion....

but infusions can take place 4-6 weeks after surgery as long as sufficient healing and no infection has occurred.

Certainly this is the information my consultant (in Devon) has given me and why I have had to wait for major surgery on my hand.

Of course, this may be my consultant applying this timeline due to my specific diseases (numerous autoimmune disease) and disease activity, but I've had to wait for the 4 months due to having a second infusion in Aug 2017, and this is with meetings with surgeons, rheum consultant, immunologist and the BILAG folk. Maybe this is just a Devon thing and other PCTs/consultants apply different timelines for rituximab/rituxan.

My apologies if the information I've given is not applicable UK wide.

.

[weathervane]

Thanks, the rheumy Nurse was meant to find out for me but I think she has forgotten as she is very busy . I will try going directly to the rheumatologist secretary. 🌸🌸