Going into hospital for surgery consultant said he would keep it as short as possible but still worried with Vasculitis and GCA

[shella]

Plus auto immune doubt

Whether surgeon is used to operating with these conditions.... anyone been through this and come out other end in one piece? Any advice gratefully received ....

[Hidden]

Hi Shella,

I have never had surgery myself but work in the NHS. The key is that your Rheumy ( or whoever manages your vasculitis ) is involved in managing your medical condition whilst in hospital. A lot of hospitals have a pre surgical assesment clinic. Bring up your worries there, it might be helpful to take some printed info in with you. If you can ask for an assesment at the high risk clinic, they are run by the anaesthetists and a care plan can be documented. One of the most important things is making sure you receive your meds in hospital, especially prednisolone if you are still taking it. If you are going to be nil by mouth post op then make sure a plan is made to cover this.

Just make however you see aware of your vasculitis and make sure your Rheumy is involved. Surgeons aren't great at medical management so a team approach is best.

Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you.

Keyes

[Nadine99]

My husband has WG, he has had a triple bypass after being diagnosed and he came through it all fine except that everything seemed to take longer to heal.

Best wishes for your op

[PMRpro]

As Keyes has said - tell them your concerns at the pre-op assessment. Surgeons operate on a lot of people taking pred for one reason or another. Some will refuse to take on a patient on pred, others are perfectly happy to manage it. At one time it was recommended that patients having surgical procedures should be given extra pred - this was discontinued some years ago in favour of close post-op monitoring. In terms of this aspect of the risk it is the anaesthetist rather than the surgeon who is important - they keep a very close eye on you all the way through and tell the surgeon to hang on a bit if anything looks at all wobbly. It is quite easy to deal with - a shot of extra corticosteroid works wonders when required! What is important is to make sure everyone knows and remembers that you are on pred. That is why even in day to day life your are recommended to carry a steroid card or wear a medicalert bracelet in case of an emergency so healthcare staff know about it.

I haven't had surgery but I did have a totally torn knee ligament a few years ago having been on pred for a couple of years, the ligament repaired itself quickly - even the orthopods were surprised at the speed. It depends on the person and the op. I know a few people who have had hip replacements whilst on pred and they did very well - and were able to reduce their dose once the hip pain was sorted! But they won't risk anything - so don't worry too much. Hope it all goes well.

[Sheila42]

Hi Sheila, I had to have a hip replacement last year. I was also concerned, especially as the WG affects my lungs, however I had an appointment with the anaesthetist at the assessment clinic, prior to the op, and it was decided to give me a spinal anaesthetic, and a relaxant. It was really good, I did not feel anything, in fact fell asleep, woke up it was all over and I did not have any of the side effects, nauseau etc. I am due to have the other hip replaced later this year, and will have the same procedure. Hope all goes well with you.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

John has had two separate ops, to remove carcinomas of the bladder, the doctor who manages John's Vasculitis arranged a case conference with the Urologist and anaesthetist before the ops were done.

An Epidural was recommended and tried but was not successful so John had a General Anaesthetic. If you would like to email John, anytime please do [e-mail]

[shella]

Thank you for all your replies and good wishes..really helpful advice .....surgery is always worrying but at least I now feel more prepared and informed.....Trying to keep positive.....

[AndrewT]

Dear shella,

Does a kidney transplant count? Thought so! I had one back in July and, prior to this, have had other, 'minor' surgery. If your consultant is aware of your condition, and it seems he/she is, then try not to worry too much-you'll be fine babe! By the way what sort of surgery is it?

Very best wishes AndrewT

[shella]

Hi AndrewT

I think your op definitely more invasive! Thanks for your positive message. Unfortunately my experiences with the medical profession hasn't been too great over the years plus losing family members under operation ....so easy to lose faith!! But must be positive as long as I feel everyone singing from same hymn sheet as they say!! Kind wishes Shella