SURGERY: I need to have inguimal hernia surgery. I... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,317 members40,425 posts

SURGERY

ConventCassie profile image
7 Replies

I need to have inguimal hernia surgery. I’m currently on 4.5 mg of Prednisone. I don’t know whether to increase the Pred before or after the surgery and how much and for how long. I’m also concerned about the Anesthesiologist and if he or she will understand PMR and a systemic disease and subsequent painkillers that go with prednisone. I appreciate any input. Thanks.

Written by
ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I don't think you need to worry too much about the anaesthetist (providing it is a doctor and not a nurse you see) - and they are the person to speak to about the steroid dose. Many surgeons/anaesthetists like to give a boost of steroid via the infusion set up during surgery so you should discuss it with them rather than add to your usual dose without consulting their preferences. Some teams prefer to monitor the patient and give a boost if required rather than prophylactically as was the case in the past.

Of all doctors. anaesthesiologists are amongst the most aware of drugs and interactions. Providing you have discussed your medications with the surgical team and made sure they have noted them it shouldn't be a problem.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toPMRpro

Wow! Thanks. That puts my mind at ease.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

I presume you will have an assessment a couple of weeks before your operation, and that is the time to raise your queries. Even if the person you have the assessment with cannot directly answer your question they should be able to get the anaesthetist to discuss with you. It’s normal procedure to discuss medication etc a few weeks before any op.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toDorsetLady

Thank you. Will do.

Lee1945 profile image
Lee1945

As the others have said, do not make this decision yourself! It is vital that you discuss it with the doctor/anaethetist in advance of surgery date - they will need to know your situation so they can advise you and be prepared.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie

Of course I’ll communicate with my doctors, but I threw this out there because my Rheumy and PC don’t have a clue about “flares” I’m not confident my anesthesiologist will be any more informed. During one ‘flare’ I did not know it was a flare at the time, my PC helpfully suggested I had Facit Joint DJD and sent me to a Physical Therapist. Of course it involves the Joints!!! So much pain, I told the PT if I lie on my back that will be the last part of the exam, because I can’t move after that. The Rheumy equally helpful asked in a scale of 1-10 how do you feel. “Oh, 17 or 20.”

“Good let’s just reduce by 1 Mg a month!”

Hi Cassie

When you go into hospital these days they ask you your Name/Date of Birth so many times & every time they did l said “I’m the lady on Steroids”

I had a Consultation with the anaesthetist before surgery & she reassured me they’d be monitoring me very closely but l was having Hydrocortisone cover in theatre prescribed in advance.

I walked to Theatre & everyone asked my Name & DOB so l started asking them who they were & what they did! Just me pretending to be fine about the whole thing!

Wishing you all the best for your surgery & recovery.

Best Wishes

Mrs N 💅🏼

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Surgery

Another question. Any one have surgery while on the high dose prednisone I was supposed to have...
Libertylane profile image

Cataract surgery

I CAN SEE!! This morning I had my last cataract surgery performed. Two weeks ago I had my right...
CRW-68 profile image

Surgery and prednisone

I am starting to get very nervous about my carpel tunnel/ trigger finger surgery in May 4th. My...
Plains profile image

Medication change prior to surgery?

I’m wondering if it is a good idea to increase my prednisone dose ahead of cataract surgery next...

prednisone and surgery

I have to undergo surgery on my nose to remove a cancer growth. Should I stop the prednisone a few...
peanuckle profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.