RA and Heart Surgery | Arthritis Information

Hello all, Doing much better this week (each week feels like a month to me!) First Remicade treatment 2/2, but can't tell if it is working? Taking 15 mgs of Prednisone every day (with Lasix as your retain water add potassium which you lose) I was sweating when I took 3 pills all at once, so am trying spacing them out.... and, yes Methotrexate 4 pills of 2.5mgs a week with folic acid. Not hurting for four whole days!

Has anyone experienced rheumatoid arthritis flare ups after major surgery (heart)? I have had the worst struggle with my arthritis condition after surgery (l2/1/06), I'm took my first treatment of Remicade last week, but see no results yet. (they say 2weeks and maybe 3 treatments!) I'm in terrible pain in my hands, feet and have trouble walking. Has anyone else experienced this? What else will help me on the short term until Remicade works?

Thanks for all the kind 'replys'! I am now able to take methotrexate (which I took prior to surgery) and it is helping, also prednisone. It is very important for RA people to have a plan before surgery about what you will need after. From what I read 'the heart surgery' makes dealing with RA more difficult, and 'the RA drugs' interfer with healing so we all must guard against infection and so it goes. Good luck to everyone. I'm looking forward to being 'normal'.

hurts39127.4256365741I have not experienced surgery since being daignosed but I can see how it could make you flare. Having heart surgery puts major stress on your body plus the fact emotionally it is draining. My Mom has had many heart troubles and surgery. She has chronic shingles plus ra. It always makes her shingles worse. I hope the remicade works for you. CherieI am sorry to hear about your surgery. I really can't answer your question but hope you start feeling better soon. Hurts, I hate it that a needed surgery has caused you so much trouble and sure hope that the Remicade gives relief soon.

I don't know what the case is with heart surgery. But with the upcoming knee and shoulder surgery, they are going to give me a super dose of prednisone to avoid a flare.

However, with the heart, they might not have wanted to give you pred because it does cause the heart to race. I think it is worth asking both your Rheumy and your Cardiologist. Maybe there is something else that they can do or that they want to investigate to make sure that you are not having any repercussions from your surgery.

I think that since you are worried, that is enough reason to call. Always follow your instincts.

So sorry you are having this flare-up. I know that prednisone helped me while waiting for the remicade to work, but as Deanna said they may not want you to take it because of your heart.

For me, the remicade is working well now, but took about 4 treatments and an increased dosage before it started to work.I hope you are able to find relief soon.

I had minor surgery last year and it triggered a flare that lasted a few weeks. I think it might be due to the fact that I was on an IV for about a day which really flushes the drugs out of your system...just a theory.

Alan

Sorry. I hope you feel better soon.

Ask your RD for help. Maybe a PT script for whirlpool baths, massage, and hot wax treatment for hands and feet, once or twice a week, until the remicade kicks in. Those 'Spa' treatments can really help.