query about pred and surgery

[Angel_doll]

I am having a total hip replacement later this month, and had my pre-op assessment this week. After some deliberation the nurse told me that I should not take my pred the morning of my op (my admission time is 11am, I presume for an afternoon surgery). I will see both the surgeon and the anaesthetist on the day, but not before. Left to my own devices, I would take my pred as normal, and make sure the anaesthetist knew. I’m on a 6.5mg dose.

I'm interested to hear of other experiences regarding pred and surgery.

[Angel_doll]

I've been on pred since January 2021 when I was given my PMR diagnosis, stuck on 7mg for about a year before recently getting down to 6.5mg

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well I wouldn't not take my pred before surgery! I might take it extra early though - when do you have to start fasting?

[Angel_doll in reply to PMRpro]

Only water after 5am. I was considering taking my PPI when I wake, then the pred 30mins later. Apparently medication doesn’t count as food!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Angel_doll]

Sounds like a plan…. good luck with operation.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angel_doll]

As DL says - sounds like a plan! The anaesthetist will give you extra steroid cover during surgery anyway - but it will be hydrocortisone which wears off quickly - and you could go in for the appointed time, there be an emergency and you are sent home again. It happens, and you wouldn't be in a good place without your morning pred would you!

All the best!

[ladygigger in reply to PMRpro]

I had major surgery at the beginning of April and was told to take my normal medication at 6 a.m. (when they wake you up!) At that time I was on 12.5mg of pred plus the usual adcal etc. And I was first on the list that day - 8.30 a.m.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ladygigger]

6am - that late? You are expected to be awake and washed by breakfast before 7am here!!!! Then lunch (3 course) appears at 11am ...

[ladygigger in reply to PMRpro]

Lol! Well that was the routine in Leicester. Having been lucky and not had an overnight stay in hospital since the early 80's, I couldn't comment on the usual routine.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

I took mine early (3am) when I went for an ankle fusion 4 years ago

[Croft9232]

I took my dose of Pred as normal on the day of admission for my THF.

Hope it goes well.

[SheffieldJane]

My instincts are the same as yours. Check again with the anaesthetist. Good luck with the op. friends have told me very positive things about the outcome. X

[piglette]

I had to be at the hospital by 7am for my THR. Had my op at 1pm!! I just took my pred as normal at 2am in the morning. My surgeon wanted me on zero pred but after some “discussions” agreed on 5mg. You will not look back after you have a new hip. It is life changing.

[Retallack]

Had my hip replacement when on 5mg and just took it as normal but just with water first thing. No problem.

[Pippah45]

I had hip replaced last year and discussed the pred with surgeon before. They gave me some extra after the op and I took my dose with the last time I was allowed to eat anything. Good luck - you will be so much better with a new hip. I had forgotten what it was like to be pain free!

[Tiggy70]

I had two shoulder surgeries last year and on both occasions took my Pred dose (8.5mg) with a few sips of water prior to the surgery. I’m on Omeprazole and also took that. Good luck with your surgery🌸

[Exflex]

When I had angioplasty, followed by a stent, to the LDA, the cardiologist told me to take my Pred after the procedure. I was at the hospital before 8am and back in the recovery area by 10am, so delaying the Pred wasn’t a massive inconvenience. Of course the heart is important, but the procedure is nowhere near as invasive as what you’re having. I was wide awake.

[krillemy]

I had a bowel resection in December. I was told not to taper 4 weeks before, i.e. stay on my dose. On the day of the take surgery I took my 10 mg in the morning. They covered me under the surgery with hydrocortisone. I was also told to stay om 10 mg for a month after. I had no PMR issues during recovery. Good luck.