Is it better to stay on your RA meds for surgery ie. Methotrexate? What is the concensus in your opinion on or off meds for surgery

[Gina_K]

[Hidden]

hmm lyn is the expert on this situation. or may be cece/ mandy? so hope she they replies.. off to bed.. I would have thought off methotrexate re risk of infection? disclaimer applies

Alison

[Hidden]

Hi Gina, Having had many operations by many different surgeons they all have a different way where medication is concerned. Some like you to stay on while others like you to stop 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after, some for just 1 week before and after, I just went with the flow!

With my very first ops in 1999 I had to come off meds but as time as gone on things seem to change,obviously surgeons have their different reasons. Sometimes they have left the decision to the consultant.

Do you know what you are having done yet Gina? I know you saw the surgeon recently did you discuss any procedures?

Mandy xx

[Gina_K]

main tendon in foot damaged by RA have to have MRI but he worried of possible future OA? dunno really sounds serious tho 6 mth recovery time! Gulp! will keep you posted - mri 30/6

[Hidden in reply to Gina_K]

It is a long recovery time with feet, I spent two weeks in hospital on bed rest after operation, then had 12 weeks in plaster. I then had air walker boots to wear when needed for another few weeks or so, then there's the physio etc.(and I went through all that twice!)

It was all worth it though Gina and I'm sure yours will be too.

take care

Mandy xx

[Hidden]

I always thought you had to come off the mthx etc, but better to check with your GP, surgeon etc.

Take care

Julie x

[Hidden]

It varies from surgeon to surgeon. Some will operate on continued drugs in order to avoid the possibility of a flare post op. Others may insist on stopping MTX and anti-tnf (due to immuno-suppression) two weeks before and two weeks after to help avoid the risk of infection. It will depend largely on your surgeon's point of view. I have always had to stop and then deal with any consequences of doing so!

Lyn x

[Gina_K in reply to Hidden]

It seems so Lyn, you would wonder what best practise is? My RA Consultant was delighted when I told her Ortho guy would'nt be taking me off, she said glad someone is keeping up with current studies! He said as taking me off could send me into a flare it would damage the work he may do, I know as opposed to fighting infection!!! Anyway, I will probably do what I always do and that is exactly as I am advised.

Thanks for all that - funny its an individual surgeon's decision.