Steroid before or after operation

[Countrykitten]

I have monthly Depomedrone injections for PMR..I'm due to have my gallbladder removed next month, three days after my injection will be due. Should I have it then or wait until the following week to allow my body to get over the op?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Something to discuss with your doctors but I would want my jab when due since if you don't the level of pred managing the PMR will be very low after a month and there is a real risk you would flare. The anaesthetist also needs to know the details - they will provide acute steroid cover during the op via an infusion.

[Countrykitten in reply to PMRpro]

I have my pre op in ten days time so will ask then.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Countrykitten]

You may only see a nurse then - you SHOULD see the anaesthetist the night before or just before surgery, Tell EVERYONE, bore them to death about being a longterm steroid patient, but above all the anaesthetist. He is the most important, he keeps you in good condition for the surgeon to do his job.

[SnazzyD]

A medical decision really, but do bear on mind your body doesn’t ‘get over the op’ in a week or even 4 weeks. You feel better but healing goes on for months. Therefore, just skipping the jab for a week may not be as simple a solution as it seems.

[Suffererc]

I had my gall bladder removed a month ago. The Consultant told me not to stop taking the steroids b4 Op . In fact he said ‘tweak’ if necessary. His mother had PMR. After the Op he prescribed 2 x 5 mg for 2 days then 1 x 5 for 2 days. I believe I was given an injection of steroids after the Op too. (I was on 0.5). Everything went well . Had no problems at all. Now on 1 mg after a slow taper (DL’s).

Good luck with your Op

[Countrykitten in reply to Suffererc]

Thanks. I just have monthly injections(oral pred makes me very ill!) Hopefully they'll know what to do! How do you feel now?? I've had a lot of gallstone pain again the last few weeks so I'm looking forward to getting rid of them.

[Suffererc in reply to Countrykitten]

apparently when I had the scans, no gallstones found. Then I had a different scan. Scan eat two mars bars. Wait 15 minutes then anther scan 3 times. That obviously showed up the infected hall bladder. Feel absolutely fine now. Up and about and home after 6 hours. Then just take it easy for a few weeks. All done and dusted. Haven’t put on any weight i fact lost quite a bit. So all good. Good luck with yours 😊

[Countrykitten in reply to Suffererc]

Wow, I wish some Doctor would tell me to eat two Mars Bars..😀. I knew I had some from a previous scan but they really flared up eighteen months ago and scan showed one was 21mm so not going anywhere on its own. I'm pleased you're doing well.