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.

I have just been diagnosed with RA. It flared a week pre-op. Didn't know what was wrong . They put me in prednisone. First an high dose injection and then daily pills. Not sure about your current meds, but I know prednisone is approved by my doctor. Good luck with your surgery. Please let me know how you do and what your doctors all say.

Where do u fly into

Hi boosh 10,

I stopped all my RA & fibromyalgia meds the morning of my surgery( 5 days ago) I am on Methotrexate, Lyrica, Cymbalta & Endep. I hadnt heard about the immunosuppressants delaying healing & causing leaks etc but it makes sense. I was told by my sugeon I can go back on them after 3weeks but I think I will wait longer now, I agree a RA flare wouldnt be fun but the healing of the sleeve is & having no leaks is much more important as its life threatening.

Yes, I also have an inflammatory arthritis. I do not have to get permission from my rheumatologist, but do have to go off the drugs. I took my last remicaid infusion in September, last methotrexate about the same time, and will stop taking plaquenil one month before surgery. Needless to say, I'm taking pain meds in order to sleep at night, but it's all going to be worth it when I've lost 100 lbs!

mom2kandh

I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am currently taking Methotrexate and Plaquenil. I was told by the Nutritionist that I saw last week that I would need to stop all my medications 1 week prior to surgery, and would not be allowed to resume them until 3 weeks post op.

I just had my regular 6 month visit with my Rheumatologist, and she told me that I could stop all my medications for a month and shouldn't have any problems. She also told me that I could come into her office right before my surgery and she could give me a long lasting injection which would carry me through my 3 week post op period.

If you are at all considered, I strongly suggest that you discuss with your Rheumatologist what all your options are.

Best of luck to you!

_{Yes, I'm definitely going to discuss all options with my Rheumy. Surgeon said for about a month after. Hopefully, my RA will take it easy on me for that month. lol}

I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am currently taking Methotrexate and Plaquenil. I was told by the Nutritionist that I saw last week that I would need to stop all my medications 1 week prior to surgery, and would not be allowed to resume them until 3 weeks post op.

I just had my regular 6 month visit with my Rheumatologist, and she told me that I could stop all my medications for a month and shouldn't have any problems. She also told me that I could come into her office right before my surgery and she could give me a long lasting injection which would carry me through my 3 week post op period.

If you are at all considered, I strongly suggest that you discuss with your Rheumatologist what all your options are.

Best of luck to you!

Heyyy , did Your Dr. Happen to mention the name of that shot? Maybe I can look into it and talk to my doc?

I just met taking my meds...methotrexate and plaquenil. ..no problems...no flare up

@@boosh10 She did tell me the name of it, but for the life of me I can't remembers what she told me. I'll see if I can find out and I'll let you know.

Heyyy , did Your Dr. Happen to mention the name of that shot? Maybe I can look into it and talk to my doc?

@@boosh10 She did tell me the name of it, but for the life of me I can't remembers what she told me. I'll see if I can find out and I'll let you know.

Following

Don't go out of your way to find out, but if she happens to mention the name again, I'd appreciate it. I definitely would bring it up to my doctor @@GreenEyes604

My rheumy is only approving me to be off my Enbrel for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after. Nothing longer. I'm scared now cause the surgeon mentioned RA meds and leaking. Has ANYONE stayed on RA meds like Enbrel (not other meds like mtx,plaqunil) during this process?