Pre-op Flare?

[HelenDaisy]

I'm having a laminectomy tomorrow (spinal surgery.) I've been OK on 12mg Pred, but feel I'm having a flare. (Pain, feeling unwell.) I get little advice from GP, rhuemy won't respond. The anesthetist is guided by me. Should I try a bigger dose today and tomorrow to get me through? My husband also has a cancer scan today, so life is pretty stressful. Thanks

[MrsNails]

Hi Helen

This may not be a ‘true flare’ but a reaction to the Stress of your Surgery tomorrow & your Husbands Scan today.

I do not feel the anaesthetist should be ‘guided’ by you as he is the expert, you will be given Hydrocortisone Cover in Theatre & it may well be worth trying to contact him today. In most Major Hospitals the Anaesthetists have their own Secretaries, so that would be my starting point.

I’m not a Doctor but my gut instinct would be to make your dose my 15mg today & tomorrow.

When l had my Mastectomy, l was only on 7.5mg Prednisolone & l truly believe my Adrenal Glands Kicked In when they told me l had Breast Cancer, so l never felt the need for additional Pred, though Post Operatively they upped my dose to 10mg for 2weeks, l had two lots of IV Hydrocortisone 100mg; one in Theatre & one Overnight.

Good Luck for your Husbands Scan & your Surgery tomorrow 🙏🏼🍀🙏🏼

MrsN

[HelenDaisy in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you so much for your wick reply. I feel sure you are correct. I’ll try the anaesthetic secretary and my GP. My gut says take 15mg but at this stage I don’t want to do anything I shouldn’t!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Your anaesthetist should be making the decisions not you....very often Pred is given intravenously during surgery. Please discuss with him.

[SheffieldJane]

So sorry for the stress you are under, coupled with the apparent lack of support from your medical people. I agree with the others about the anaesthetist being ultimately responsible during your operation. Failing that, express your worries to your surgeon. Good luck with your operation and your husband’s scan results. I hope this pressure lifts soon. 🌸

[HappyDiamonds]

Sorry, not able to offer you any advice as Im too new to all this but I just wanted to wish you well with the Op and your your husbands scan. Best Wishes

[yorkieme]

I am in the same boat as HappyDiamonds in that being a newbie I can only offer my very best wishes and hopes for you and hubby. I have been through the cancer thing and still am along with other issues but the big big lesson for me during the last eight months from those on this forum is just how crucial it is to avoid as much stress as possible,you and hubby must have a tremendous amount right now so take care and look after each other. xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd suspect it is the stress that is doing it - that's quite a load between the two.

The anaesthetist is being led by YOU? That's a new one on me! They should give you intra-operative steroids to cover you and then assess what you need post-op. If you have symptoms you may need a bit more oral pred - or you may not.

[HelenDaisy]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I called surgeon's secretary and he said to up it by 3mg to 15mg to tide me over for a few days. Somehow I couldn't think straight and then realised that was what I should do!

[MrsNails in reply to HelenDaisy]

Wishing You All The Best Helen 🍀🙏🏼🍀

Update us when you can x

[Knitwit2020]

Perhaps by the time you receive this post.. your surgery will be over and all went well..just sending good wishes for a full recovery and prayers that your husbands scans are clear...also a quick message to anyone facing a surgical intervention...please inform your Dr immediately of any pre op changes in your health and be directed by them as to a plan of action. Best wishes..KW2020

[HelenDaisy]

I’m out the other side. Sore but mobile.