General Anaesthetic😕

[mamma1027]

Hi everyone, further to my 'women's problems' that I posted about a few weeks ago I now have to have a general anaesthetic in two weeks time. Just wondered how the steroids can affect this, if at all. I'm off the mtx now (it wasn't working) and will be starting on leflunomide at some point but not until I get this all over and done with.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They shouldn't make any difference but make sure that your "operator" of whatever variety it is knows and also the anaesthetist (the latter is the most important). If there is a procedure to be done then you may need a bit of extra steroid to support your adrenal glands but some doctors prefer watchful waiting/monitoring rather than giving more steroid.

[mamma1027 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro. I've got my pre op assessment next week, so I'll mention it then, and also to the anaethetist on the morning. The gynae I saw yesterday had read my notes thoroughly and kept mentioning my pmr/seroneg arthritis, so is thankfully aware of my steroids.

[Hidden]

I was just chatting with a friend about this very topic yesterday. She is having a knee replacement next week. She was concerned that being on a dose of 30mg may affect her ability to have the op. At her pre op assessment, the answer was categorically "no problem" as the anaesthetist and surgeon were aware. PMRpro is right. Make sure everyone involved knows you are on it. Good luck with your procedure.

[mamma1027]

Thank you all for your replies and advice. It's all very much appreciated😊 I've actually got a rheumy nurse appointment this afternoon, so I am also going to discuss it with her. Take care all xxx

[Caro12line]

Can only confirm what PMRpro has said. Just ensure preOp assessment and the Aneathetist are aware. I recently had a Cystoscopy with GA and a few weeks ago broke my wrist which needed an Op to have a metal plate put in. Both times I wasn't given extra Pred and both times I was absolutely fine. Good luck

[Jankie]

Hi Mamma. Same with me. I had an op about six months ago. On 5mg of pred and just made sure all the medics were aware. The anaesthetist managed it and I had no problems. Good luck with your op

[oregonjohn]

Can only repeat what Eileen has said. I had an op under general anaesthetic last December. I did inform the pre-op assessment nurse and the Anaesthetist the morning of the op. I had no problems other than having to take only the pred, with water, and not any other meds. I wouldn’t start any reduction from now to the op, just stay at the same dose until after and then wait until your body is ‘ready’. I may be male and 75 but it applies to us all.

[mamma1027]

Thank you all so very much for your advice, I really appreciate it. ☺