Root canal, two surgeries and an ablation.

[Blackcatlover]

Over the next two months these are all needed to give me a better quality of life. I’m on 4mg of prednisone and inject Actemra once a month. My root canal is next week, surgery to remove a bone in my thumb three weeks after that, an ablation for my Barrett’s esophagus the second week in April and surgery on my foot and ankle the twentieth of April. I have a collapsing foot and torn tendons and ligaments. I will need to use a knee scooter for four to six months. Is there anything I should do differently because of my PMR? I am not injecting my Actemra two weeks before and two weeks after my procedures. That was a tough schedule to come up with. I’m trying to deal with all my pain not associated with PMR.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Your surgeons - or rather, whoever is dealing with the anaesthesia - all need to know about long term pred use as you will probably need adrenal support during and after the procedures.

You may be lucky and the PMR has already gone into remission is as hoped with Actemra but it is also possible that it could flare because of the procedures and the lack of Actemra shots. Don't worry about it - just be aware.

[Blackcatlover in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR Pro. Doing everything I can to improve my quality of life. I will be aware of signs of adrenal insufficient.

[Pixix in reply to Blackcatlover]

I am due to have a tooth removed, though it looks likely I will have root canal & crown. The dental surgeon said I should go up to 10mg if I have any symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Good luck, hope all goes well. That doesn’t mean it necessarily applies to you, your dentist will advise! I had some issues last autumn with my adrenals! Take care, S x

[Blackcatlover in reply to Pixix]

Thanks for the heads up about adrenals. What dose of prednisone are you on now? How much did he tell you to increase?

[Pixix in reply to Blackcatlover]

Currently on 4.5mg & she said to increase to 10mg (just like the sick days rules?) but only if I had symptoms of adrenal insufficiency! Plus it was for tooth extraction, not dental work in a surgery. I should ring your dentist & check, you may not need to increase. Good luck, S x

[123-go]

All I want to say is, "Bravo!" Stay positive and look forward to that better quality of life you so deserve. We'll be rooting for you and waiting at each stage to hear how you are doing. My very best wishes. 💐

[Blackcatlover in reply to 123-go]

Thanks for your encouragement. I am ready for the challenge.

[Nextoneplease]

Blackcatlover that’s amazing!! Bravo from me too 👏👏👏 Wishing you well - let us know how you get on 💐xx

[Blackcatlover in reply to Nextoneplease]

Thanks so much. The time was right to make all these moves. Just too much pain that had nothing to do with PMR. I appreciate your support.

[Janstr]

Not your question I know, but it’s important to make sure the knee scooter is setup correctly for you, so that it’s comfortable. You’ll find instructions on the net. Also I found it difficult to use in the house & impossible in the toilet as the turning circle was bad. . I found a wheeled office chair much easier for indoors.

[Blackcatlover in reply to Janstr]

Thanks for that good info. I will research the scooter and have an office chair on wheels.

[Hidden]

Good luck with all of your procedures, I’m sure you’ll be fighting fit again in no time at all, do let us all know.

[Blackcatlover in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. One step at a time!