Surgery and immuno suppressants

[cheeselover342]

Hi everyone. I am due to have minor surgery on my wrist and have been asked by my surgeon to cease taking mycophenolate for a week before and a week after my operation (I presumed because of possible risk of infection?). I spoke to my rheumatologist about this and she considered it unnecessary to stop the mycophenolate for minor surgery but respected the surgeon's views. I have contacted SRUK about this and they recommended this forum!

I would be interested to know the experience of others with systemic sclerosis who have had to have surgery of any kind.

Thank you.

[OldTed60]

hi there. From my own experience I think your surgeon is right. When I had a central venous portacath put in April of this year the surgeon/ radiologist said I didn’t need to stop. I was really bothered about this and, owing to dodgy bloods the week before, I stopped a few days before the procedure. However it still got extremely infected, even inside the port, and finally had to be removed. The whole experience was traumatic - involving ten days in hospital on IV antibiotics. I have explained to my rheumatologist that, having had cellulitis around my eyes and also after several skin biopsies in the past few years, I think I need a protocol in place saying 2 weeks either side off MMF before any minor or major surgery. She agreed.

So if your surgeon wants to err on side of caution then I think this means they are wise. Best of luck 😊

[Redwine53]

Hi cheeselover342, I had my gallbladder out a year ago and didn’t stop my mycophenolate, I am on 2gms a day. I could take my steroids on the day, and restarted everything else the next day. I asked if I could have some antibiotics, which they gave me, much to my surprise. I think they certainly helped.

Nothing got infected, and most of the stitches had healed in 10 days, much to the nurse’s surprise, as steroids slow down healing. Took me a while to feel better I must admit.

Good luck with your operation.

[Redwine53 in reply to Redwine53]

Forgot to say I asked SRUK for help on inserts as I feel like I am walking on stones, and I was referred to this site! I sorted it out myself .

[Clangerscat]

hi cheese lover. Very difficult to know what’s best sometimes but I think you just have to go with your surgeon. My only experience of stopping my mycophenolate was when I had covid and I have to say I noticed no real difference. Good luck!

[Agedbiker]

I have just had an implanted cardiac device (crtd) 1 month ago and did not come off mycophenolate and have had no issues. I am on 3000mg daily. Everything has healed up as expected with no infections.