Rheumatoid arthritis medications and surgery

[boosh10 98]

Has anyone with RA been told that they need an approval letter from their Rheumatologist stating that it's ok to come off of your RA meds (IF NEEDED) during the time of surgery. If yes, Were you taken off of your RA meds? What RA meds are you taking? I was told that the RA meds would slow down the healing process (because of immunosuppressants) and can cause a leak if taken during that time. And on the other side, im soooooo not looking forward to a RA flare.

Just asking if anyone was on Enbrel and plaquanil and was still able to take em.

[lsereno 2,525]

I'd ask this in a few other subforums if you don't get an answer here. I'd try the pre-op forum and the general forum.

I wasn't diagnosed till post op. I think the fat hid the swelling even though my joints had been killing me for some time.

Lynda

[docbree 199]

My surgeon wants me off Humira for a month before surgery. Asking my rheumatologist about it at next visit. The surgeon would prefer I would be off of the plaquenil and sulfasalazine, too, but he said those aren't as important (not as helpful, either, unfortunately). I don't know how long I need to be off after surgery. Pretty much resigned myself to a big flare. I went off for a few months when I had skin cancer and was pretty miserable.

[boosh10 98]

Thanks Isereno.

Docbree.....Im terrified to go off my RA meds. I KNOW that i'll be in pain. But surgeon also said I can be put out of work for a month if I wanted to. I figured, since being off RA meds,that may be the way to go.

I hear ya about the plaquenil and sulfasalazine. not as helpful without the Enbrel, humira, etc.

Keep me posted how things are going for you.

[docbree 199]

Thanks Isereno.

Docbree.....Im terrified to go off my RA meds. I KNOW that i'll be in pain. But surgeon also said I can be put out of work for a month if I wanted to. I figured, since being off RA meds,that may be the way to go.

I hear ya about the plaquenil and sulfasalazine. not as helpful without the Enbrel, humira, etc.

Keep me posted how things are going for you.

Keep me posted, too . I plan on taking 3-4 weeks off afterward, as well. Good luck!