Elective surgery and Preds

[Billiebobdog]

Way back when the world was not different I started looking into having my Varicose Veins sorted out and was going to get them done at about the time everything stopped.

I would really like to get them done now but am wondering what the rules are for having any kind of surgery when on Prednisolone. I’ve seen various comments about what sort of dose you should be on when having surgery but am wondering what is best to do. Obviously it’s not ‘urgent’ surgery just my vanity and nobbly legs and busted veins, before we go on holiday in the autumn but what is the collective wisdom?

Currently on 9mgs of Prednisolone a day

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Think that’s a discussion you need to be having with your surgeon, as and when,,,,,some are more relaxed about steroids than others.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very much depends on the surgeon - and what is being done and why. Obviously emergency surgery is done whatever the pred dose. But to be honest - not sure what the chances of having veins done at present might be. The NHS has practically given up unless there is a medical need and as a result private options are also a bit overloaded.

[Billiebobdog in reply to PMRpro]

They are being done privately, very little or no chance on the NHS

[Teekay2]

I don’t have any words of wisdom but recent experience of surgery. For a carcinoma on the nose I had to withold my TCZ and was left on 10mgms pred by rheumatologist. The surgeon said I was bleeding a lot because of the pred and though the op went well healing not so much. When stitches came out at GP’s there was pus around the wound so a week of antibiotics. That appeared to clear up then I noticed a foul smell when I woke up. Thought it was in the house then realised it was my nose!

Another round of antibiotics,swabs all clear and all seems well now.

The experience has made me think twice about a new knee op as if I get infection there it could be very difficult to deal with.

[Billiebobdog in reply to Teekay2]

Ugh that sounds nasty, sorry it went so unpleasantly

[MrsNails]

Hi - l had to stop my Methotrexate but steroids remained the same, Anaesthetist gave me Hydrocortisone Cover in Theatre as they did on the Ward again overnight. The following day they checked with my Rheumatologist & she increased me from 7.5mg to 10mg for two weeks then back to 7.5mg

Good Luck 🍀

[piglette]

I had Radiofrequency ablation to remove varicose veins when I was on 15mg of pred. The surgeon did not seem at all worried.