Rhuematoid Arthritis

[Starshine33 38]

I would definitely prefer not to go off my meds but I would rather not have an infection and have additional pain versus the alternative.

I don't think you have to stop your meds.

[Sphinx 22]

Wow, I am so glad I found this topic. I'd posted in another forum about a question I had after seeing the PA for my admission history, and mentioned I had RA and a poser responded that autoimmune diseases were a contraindication to the band. Needless to say I was freaked, although I specifically asked the surgeon at my seminar about it and the PA knew I have RA and also did not tell me I could not get a band. However a google search turned up references saying that autoimmune diseases are indeed a contraindication. So seeing other who have autoimmune diseases who have had the band makes me feel loads better.

As for meds, I recently stopped my third TNF-inhibitor (they'll work for a while then poof, they stop working). I started Orencia infusion yesterday and everything they said/gave me said just no infusion 2 weeks before or after surgery, and its a monthly infusion so timing seems to be key. Not sure about methotrexate, but he's told me in the past to keep taking even if I get sick, unless it's really severe. Something about the half life. I had foot surgery a couple years ago and believe I may have skipped that weeks' dose just to be safe.

[Starshine33 38]

Wow' date=' I am so glad I found this topic. I'd posted in another forum about a question I had after seeing the PA for my admission history, and mentioned I had RA and a poser responded that autoimmune diseases were a contraindication to the band. Needless to say I was freaked, although I specifically asked the surgeon at my seminar about it and the PA knew I have RA and also did not tell me I could not get a band. However a google search turned up references saying that autoimmune diseases are indeed a contraindication. So seeing other who have autoimmune diseases who have had the band makes me feel loads better.

As for meds, I recently stopped my third TNF-inhibitor (they'll work for a while then poof, they stop working). I started Orencia infusion yesterday and everything they said/gave me said just no infusion 2 weeks before or after surgery, and its a monthly infusion so timing seems to be key. Not sure about methotrexate, but he's told me in the past to keep taking even if I get sick, unless it's really severe. Something about the half life. I had foot surgery a couple years ago and believe I may have skipped that weeks' dose just to be safe.[/quote']

My RA doc said that the band doesn't interfere with RA at all and RA doesn't hurt the band.

Have you had surgery yet? My doc has other patients with the band as well.

[Sphinx 22]

I have not had surgery yet, but the surgeon clearly said in the seminar I stayed after with many questions) that it was ok to get the band not only with RA but also being on immune suppressing sorts of drugs. It scare me a bit reading stuff saying it is a contraindication, but it helps to know there are other who have been banded with no problem

[Starshine33 38]

I have not had surgery yet' date=' but the surgeon clearly said in the seminar I stayed after with many questions) that it was ok to get the band not only with RA but also being on immune suppressing sorts of drugs. It scare me a bit reading stuff saying it is a contraindication, but it helps to know there are other who have been banded with no problem [/quote']

It's not a contradiction at all. They just haven't done studies with auto immune disorders, that's why they say not to get it. I've read lots of success story's with RA banders. They were also worried about NSAID drugs with the band. My LB doctor says there shouldn't be any problems with those either. He has had the band for 10 years.

[Sphinx 22]

Thank you! I feel better now. Of course I trust my surgeon and he said it is ok too. I hope your surgery goes well!

[Starshine33 38]

Thank you! I feel better now. Of course I trust my surgeon and he said it is ok too. I hope your surgery goes well!

Thank you so much!!!