Medication change prior to surgery?

[bright-horizon]

I’m wondering if it is a good idea to increase my prednisone dose ahead of cataract surgery next week?. It’s expected to be a routine and ‘non invasive ‘ procedure but all the same sure to be hard body. I’m on 6mg prednisone and started at 60mg for GCA just over four years ago. I’ve been in the care of the opthalmologist since the beginning and will also ask his advice today.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

[Koalajane]

I didn’t for my cataract op. Unfortunately it had complications and I was in there for about 90 mins. I had a second op a week later to sort it out which I knew would last at least an hour and I was stressed by it so did up by 5mg for that day only.

Good luck with yours, mine has healed now and I am able to go to the opticians in a couple of weeks time.

[Nextoneplease]

I was on 12mg at the time of cataract ops and didn’t change the dosage at all. The ops were very straightforward- not stressful really - just a bit uncomfortable. I had some temporary double vision afterwards but that was due to a completely different issue.

Good luck, if you’re like me you’ll be amazed at the improvement in your sight 😊xx

[SheffieldJane]

I would be inclined to talk about this with the surgeon who is operating on you. I do agree that an operation on the eye will put your body on high alert and your own Adrenal function may not be able to meet the demand. I am on 5 mgs and stress of any kind seems to make me feel quite ill. It’s important that the surgeon knows what you are taking, even my dentist wants to know.

[Nextoneplease in reply to SheffieldJane]

I agree the surgeon should know the dose the patient is taking - they asked me several times in the run up to my ops!!

Also you’re right SJ, at 5mg there may be a slightly different judgement made as to whether a temporary increase is needed x

[bright-horizon in reply to Nextoneplease]

I had to list all of the meds I’m on plus supplements and pain meds so that’s known. It’s a good idea to remind them on the day and I’ll definitely wear my ‘steroid dependent’ bracelet.

[Mayadill]

I had both cataracts done April and aAugust last year. The first was what they. call dense as a result of having been left too long due to Covid/ NHS backlog - a longer op and dire warnings. Both ops 100 per cent successful, miraculous. First one I was on I think 10 .mg, second more like 5 mg. It wasn't considered relevant. Best of luck.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I was on about 9mg when I had mine [also GCA] - didn’t even think about increasing….no issue at all. But you maybe need to be aware of adrenals afterwards…..

[bright-horizon]

Thanks everyone for your experiences and good wishes. Looks like most of you are in agreement and an Increase isn’t necessary. I’ll check with the opthalmologist about it (didn’t get around to it today) since he will do the local anaesthetic himself, and he’s been with me throughout the last four years. If it will put an extra load on I’d prefer to increase a little since I’m struggling with fibromyalgia right now and would prefer not to have upset adrenals on top of that.

[Smokygirl]

Hi! I had both of mine done in December. I was on 3.5 mg and just stayed on that dose. It was fine. Xxx