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...

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hawkeye53 10/07/2013

Question have upcoming scope on hip the end of November I know I will need to stop prednisone for sure and ? methotrexate stopping prior to surgery I will find out the end of October from the surgeon's office what I will need to hold. Would it be better to start tapering off now or wait? we are going to Disney the first part of November for a week so will need to be able to keep up with the kids while there, but don't want to go into a bad flare when I get back. First time taking prednisone and I am currently taking 5 mg/day and have been on it since 1st of aug.

RCross 10/07/2013

I know you'll have to stop the MTX for about 2 weeks prior...but maybe you could stay on the prednisone at a lower dose? It's not uncommon for people to stay on prednisone during surgery. It does increase some risks...but since it's a scope procedure maybe the risks aren't too bad.

Blessed0507 10/07/2013

Do you know for sure if you'll have to stop prednisone? I had arthroscopic knee surgery in August and I was allowed to stay on my current dose (5mg daily). I had to stop MTX three days prior and was able to continue MTX as normal after surgery. I had to stop Humira one week prior but had to hold off restarting Humira for 3 weeks post surgery.

It's so funny how each surgeon is different. I went for a second opinion and that surgeon said I could stay on all my meds as scheduled.

On a side note - I will be at Disney the first week of November with my kids and husband as well! Have a good time!

Kimberley97 10/07/2013

I stayed on prednisone for my surgery when you are on it they usually give an additional amount during surgery because your body can't make it on its own that's my understanding of it. Maybe you won't have to stop.

hawkeye53 10/08/2013

thanks for the replies, maybe I won't need to stop meds which would be nice as I'm in a much better place pain wise on the meds.

Christine26 10/08/2013

I just went for pre-op clearance from my Rheumatologist and pulmonologist. My Rheumatologist said now the new trend of thinking is that certain mediations do not need to be stopped. MTX is fine prior to surgery and the Rituxan I need to have completed 2 weeks Prior to surgery which that was not an issue and I am not on Prednisone so that was not discussed. But when I have been on Prednisone in the past I would continue the prednisone and have a bolus of Solumedrol during the surgery or procedure.

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