Are there many vasculitis sufferers who have had to have an operation for a medical condition non-linked to their vasculitis? I have a cyst on my spine which may have to be removed and I'm a little worried about the risks of MRSA given all the immuno-suppressants we have to take. Many thanks,
LindainFrance
My husband has WG/GPA and has to have an operation on his toes and his sinuses in the near future. We were worried by the healing process as it usually takes him longer to heal but we are assured that he will heal, albeit it may take longer and he will have to be meticulous with dressings/cleaning etc. There are some things that have just got to be treated, so just be prepared and armed with as much info as possible.
Good luck
Will do. Many thanks for your reply and good luck to you both. LindainFrance
John has had two operations to remove a carcinoma of the bladder , this was caused by long term use of oral cyclophosphamide over a 5 year period. The first operation was to actually remove the carcinoma and was followed up by a dose of chemo. The second, follow up operation, was to look at the scar tissue on the bladder to check it was ok.
The Urologist, admitted he knew nothing about Vasculitis and John also takes Warfarin for a DVT caused by the WG (GPA), this raised further concerns, so the Urologist arranged a case study meeting with John's consultant who treats him for his vasculitis, before both the operations took place. Local anaesthetic (Epidural) was tried but the gap between John's vertebrae had all but closed so he was given a GA.
He was probably in hospital for three days for the first op and just overnight for the second. He recovered quite well after each op.
John was given "Hibiscrub" to shower himself with for about 3 days before each of the operations to prevent infections especially MRSA. . as Staph aureus is an organism that is often found on the skin.
Because John was/is taking Warfarin he was given, when leaving hospital, a course of disposable injections of heparin to be administered at home. I was given the job of administrating these injections and was given a short tutorial on how to do it before John left the hospital. 
This gave me great pleasure at times.
I suggest you have a chat about any concerns you have with your consultant who looks after you for your Vasculitis and the doctor who is going to carry out the removal of the cyst. I would also suggest you take someone with you, a close family member, when you see the doctor/doctors before the op.
Best wishes
Susan
Many thanks for your reply, which I found reassuring. My best wishes to both you and John. LindainFrance
I had my Gallbladder removed and was told to stop the immune suppressants 7 days before the op I was allowed to go back on them 2 days after the op and due to the risk of secondary infections I was allowed home the following day I healed slowly and had a minor infection and very large heamatoma but nothing to serious make sure eb=veryone knows what drugs you are on even if you seem to be constantly repeating your self don't assume that they have read your notes and know
Good advice Many thanks. Linda
I have WG. I have had a hernia op which was a total success; I did feel very tired for a few weeks afterwards but I healed normally & have had no on going problems.
That's really reassuring. Thanks and all the best.
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