Advice pre surgery

[Pasjc]

Some advice please. I'm scheduled for a total knee replacement in February. I've been advised by my surgeon nit to gave my Abatacept injection for a month before. How can I keep my inflammation as low as possible before surgery. Also for a number of weeks after. Im very concerned. Thanks x

[LynneB-NRAS]

HelloThis would be a decision for your health care professional. It would be best to contact them for advice. If you need further information about RA and different medications, you can contact the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) on 0800 298 7650. We also have a website nras.org.uk which has information and resources which you may find useful.

[bpeal1]

I’ve recently had orthopaedic surgery. My recommendation is to speak to your rheumatology team as they understand your medication and situation better than the orthopaedic surgeons. You can also ask your rheumatology team to speak to the orthopaedic surgeon if their advice differs.

[Pasjc in reply to bpeal1]

Thank you I will x

[Bella59]

I had hip replacement 14weeks ago I was asked to stop Methotrexate two weeks before and one week after surgery.My prednisolone was only on for nine weeks as he wanted me of that as well.Went back on that day after surgery as my shoulders and arms still hurting due to polymyalgia.Depends on surgeon doing operation.Good luck with operation I have had both knees replaced years ago..

[hatshepsut]

I have had hip and knee replaced. I continued my MTX, but stopped my biologic2 weeks before, and restarted it when the wound had healed.....about 6 weeks.It means that your body has time to heal, and quicker. I found that I coped, though used more painkillers. I'm sure you will be OK, good luck with the op.

[Mmrr]

I had 2 spinal surgeries in the summer and continued with my all my medications...JAK inhibitors, leflunomide and prednisolone.

The figures quoted by surgeon were around 2 - 5 % of non immunocompromised, and around 5 - 10% immunocompromised people get an infection with surgery. So depending upon the research you use the infection rates are not so dissimilar.

The risk of a RA flare is much greater therefore to continue with all meds.

My wound was slow to heal, but did so without any infection.

But you do need to follow the advice given, I guess the take away message is to try and take the best care of yourself that you can, take things easy if you can.

Do let us know how you get on ?