Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I'm having cataract surgery next week and just wondering if anyone else has experience with minor surgery while on Humira. I also do MTX injections. My next injections are due 2 days after the surgery. I asked my rheumy if I can still do the injection and he said it is up to my opthalmologist. My opthalmologist is not concerned except that he said that the biggest risk of the surgery is infection. I'm just concerned because Humira can up the chance for infections. I always have low white blood counts. My Humira nurse/ambassador said it should be up to the prescribing physician. So conflicted! Need some input.
Sorry to hear your docs aren't taking the lead on this. In my opinion, your Rheumatologist is the one that should make that decision since the other docs don't have a lot of experience with these types of meds. My Rheumatologist makes these decisions so I am lucky not to be put in the middle.
When I have surgeries, my Rheumatologist takes me off the MTX a couple of weeks before surgery and leaves me off for about 3 weeks after. I stay on my Xeljanz. I am on 25 ml MTX injection.
My last surgery, the surgeon required all of the clearances for surgery and special instructions to be in writing from every doc I have. It was a HUGE undertaking, but I understand he was just protecting himself and me. When the other docs had to put it in writing, suddenly they became more careful. I learned that I need to be intubated even for simple surgeries. I guess when it had to be in writing, my docs were on the hook.
What would happen if you told your Rheumatologist you needed pre-surgery instux and clearance in writing for the surgeon? He would have to put a copy in your file. My opinion, they just don't want to take the time to deal with it. Of course, they may make you come in for a pre-op office visit so they can get paid.
I hope you get this sorted out. Infection is no joke for us.
Kim
My rheumatologist said that type of surgery presented no problems. No interruption of my meds and I have had no issues.
IMHO MTX is riskier in terms of infection. I would skip the dose immediately prior. I also agree that your rheumy should be telling you this.