Has anyone had a major operation while on Methotrexate?
I am due to have a big op in September, my surgeon said his only concern is the tablets may cause my healing to be slower and a higher chance of infection!
Should i ask to come off them pre op!? Absolutely. Methotrexate lowers your immune system, so any infection you may be subject to could possibly overwhelm your weakened system. I'm shocked that your doctor hasn't told to to go off of it for a time prior to your surgery. I would definitely ask about it.
Yes, you need to be off MXT at least 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks post surgery. You need to make an appt. with your RD and talk with them about this. They need to know that you're having surgery. I had 3 surgeries last year and my RD took me off MXT at the 2 week schedule. Lindytalk to your rheumatologist. I was on MTX for my first 3 joint replacements (maybe even the 4th) and usually went off 2 weeks prior to surgery and restarted when the stiches/staples came out usually 10-14 days post op
Yes, I as always taken off of MTX at least 2 weeks before surgery. But. I always had to see my RD before I was put back on. Ask and know!Crikey i am gonna contact my rheumy! The consultant i spoke to about the op just said to me it was a chance i took having the op and getting infection while on mtx! I am so angry that he didnt advice me to see my gp/rheumy about stopping them for a while
thanks all for your info I've had 3 joint replacements and stayed on 25mg methetrexate the whole time with no problems, surgeons and RA doc fully aware of this.Forest, where do you live? I've never heard of a doctor who suggested that you stay on MXT before and after surgery. I've been treated by 4 RDs and talked with hundreds of people who have RA and many have had surgery and the medical protocol for MXT is off 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after. I notice that you only have 1 post, have you introduced yourself to the forum? Lindy I had back surgery that came up with little warning. I found out I needed surgery on Thursday. My normal MTX day would have been Friday and I skipped it. I had surgery the next Monday, so 10 days from last dose. Approximately 2 weeks later I ended up in another back surgery to fix complications from the first procedure. I had not started back on the MTX yet. A week and half into the recovery of the second procedure, I developed bacterial meningitis. My infectious disease doc told me it would be at least 1 month if not longer before I will be able to start back on the MTX and Enbrel. The nurse I spoke with today when I went to pick up my iv meds told me that it is not uncommon for people with infectious complicatons from back procedures to have to go through 5-6 surgeries to "cure" to complications of infection. We are monitoring an abscess at the surgery site right now, as well as treating the meningitis with a minimum of two weeks of iv antibiotics, and I'm not feeling super positive that I will be better without another surgery to clean out the abscess.
I'm a little confused by your second post. Did you have the procedure already, or are you having another in September?hi lindy - not totally new, but never posted much - I was Tree but forgot my password! I live in UK.
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