NEW HIP AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY

[Jampel]

hello All

I just had a new hip replacement on Friday. All went well. I know I am not supposed to take anti inflammatory with my prednisone. Can I just stop taking the anti inflammatory ? This is my second hip replacement but I wasn’t on pred last year.

Also at the moment I am on 6 1/2 and I know that pred slows down the healing and there is a chance for infection. I was just wondering how others got along after their surgery.

And if you can believe it my surgeon said it would be great if you could stop them for 2 weeks for healing process. I just laughed.

Thanks very much x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't get me started!!! My rheumy approves using NSAIDs medium term (a week or two) provided I also take a PPI like omeprazole. You will need pain relief - what did they give you? I'm sure others will be along to say what they used - cocodamol is the usual option I suspect.

[Jampel in reply to PMRpro]

Hi Pro they have given me Tramadol and Extra strength Tylenol , if I’m really in pain Hydromorphone. I’m sure I won’t need that one. And celecoxib anti inflammatory. Do I really need to take that one?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jampel]

I don't know - seems a bit OTT! I've never had a joint replacement - maybe someone who has will know, DL is the joint expert - she's bionic!!!! She'll be along later.

[Jampel in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jampel]

After my replacements, I was given Oramorph at night in hospital [which for knee was 3 nights, for hip and shoulder only one night] and enough for 5 nights on discharge. If I needed painkillers during day, just used paracetamol [Tylenol to you] …

I might have had co-codamol at home [prescribed pre surgery], but not sure I needed it, can’t really remember- was 4, 5 & 6 years ago. . and post GCA/Pred.

As PMRpro says, your does seem a bit OTT.

[Jampel in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL. I’m with you on that one will only take what is necessary. Did you still take the anti inflammatory pills. It would only be for a couple of weeks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jampel]

No…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Just looked it up - study in 2022 found it reduced opiods and improved ROM

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

[piglette]

I have discovered that an awful lot of orthopaedic surgeons know NOTHING about steroids! The trouble is they are really not trained particularly about drugs. They do go to seminars for the free sandwiches.

[Jampel in reply to piglette]

I felt the same. I really did t think he knew much about PMR even when I spoke to him before my operation he seemed okay about what amount I was on and actually said to one of the nurses oh I think she is off them now. Not much you can do.

[piglette in reply to Jampel]

I just give up when I hear some comments. When I had my new hip, in my bolshie way I argued with my orthopaedic surgeon about something, I was right it turned out. His excuse was ‘I am just a bone man!’

[Stills in reply to piglette]

MAN being the OPERATIVE word 🤣

[Polygolfer]

Hello! Normally all your medical conditions and medications need to be disclosed to the medical team that operate you and look after you in recovery and beyond. I’ve had a hip replacement 3 months ago. They gave me some pain killers in the first few days but that was all I needed…

[Jampel in reply to Polygolfer]

Thanks Polygolfer that’s pretty much me as well. Hope your recovery is going well. May I ask how much pred you were on when you had your operation?

[MrsMarigold]

Hello Jampel. I had shoulder replacement almost 6 weeks ago. I was on 3 1/2 mg prednisone. The surgeon wasn’t happy that I was on it : it was quite the drama. After surgery the hospital administrator bumped me up to 5 for a week to divert adrenal crash. As of yesterday I’m back to 3 1/2 mg.

I’m in the US but sounds like our protocol is similar. One half day and night in hospital it was continual ice, Tylenol, then a prescription painkiller. Before surgery a nerve block was installed which I had control over. I made mine last 72 hours. The shoulder is the only joint we are not allowed to move after surgery. Yes, the fear of infection is constant. Mostly I think because the surgeon passes that along. I get it, but there are some of us with no choice!

I was never prescribed an anti inflammatory. Ice, Tylenol, and tramadol. Then 7 hydrocodone tablets for severe pain. Also I should mention while in hospital I was given several IV bags of 3 different antibiotics. This acts as a strong anti inflammatory. I’m curious what anti-inflammatory medication you are referring to? Before this surgery I never knew Tylenol could be so effective for pain. Last I want to mention that my surgeon has prescribed several products bought on A. That work to build muscle and collagen. I’m very impressed with how they have helped my pain and inflammation. Sorry this got long. Hope there is something in here that helps. Best to you. MM

[Jampel in reply to MrsMarigold]

Thanks Mrs M the anti inflammatory is Celecoxib. I have taken a couple and that will be it.

I am taking my tylenal and tramadol (when needed) with my blood thinners That’s about it. But I am concerned about infection I had my right total hip done last year but I didn’t have PMR then and I wasn’t as concerned. Thanks for all the info. Hope you are recovering well. Best

[proactive]

I had a hip replacement in January 2024. I was on 10 mg of prednisone at that time. I don't think it slowed down the healing. I was concerned about infections, but had no problem with that, either.

[Jampel in reply to proactive]

Thanks Proactive that is reassuring

[S4ndy]

Following my spinal surgery I had a week of extra pain meds. I was on 5mg prednisolone then. My knees played up following surgery and I saw both my Orthopaedic Surgeon andy Rheumy. Both ok'ed me to use a NSAID for a short period just to get it back under control. Whilst long term it's it inadvisable to take them, short term acceptable.

Also my Rheumy suggested that I take a NSAID to prevent a flare up when I am doing anything over and above my usual daily activity.

Seems to be a good regime for me. I do take a stomach protector too which is important.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to S4ndy]

I assume you mean inadvisable not it's it advisable?

[S4ndy in reply to PMRpro]

Indeed I do mean inadvisable. I have edited my reply to say that now. Thanks for noticing that.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to S4ndy]

It was my job to notice typos! It's why so many of my posts are shown as edited - clicked on reply before reading. DL catches some of mine ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

..and definitely visa versa… 😊

[Rose54]

Hal had my hip replacement 3 months ago

Was on 8.5 mg and managed .5mg drop since then.

I had my incision glued together and all has been fine

Although l am suffering from badly swollen legs

Due in out patient clinic tomorrow

Good luck

[Jampel in reply to Rose54]

Thanks Rose54. Hope they can find out why you have swelling. Mine was glued as well. Wishing you a speedy recovery