have RA and 2 wks back from operation

ToBeFreeToRoam · 07-13-2006, 01:33 AM

Hi all,

I have Rheumatiod Arthritis diagnosed by my rhuemy. Anyway, after many trials and such, I was on Methotrexate and relafen and a few other drugs. I had to quit the arthritis drugs for 1 week before the hysterectomy and 1 week after. I think that I get to restart tomorrow.

Has anyone ever done this before. Is it hard restarting and adjusting again to the meds? Plus, which drs. do I talk to about whose pain meds. to take and or relafen. I know that the Metho. is a go for tomorrow. It will have been 2 weeks since surgery.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Wannabe

ToBeFreeToRoam · 07-14-2006, 02:38 PM

Anyone,

Is there anyone that has experience on getting off RA meds for an operation and then when and how to get back on. My drs. have only told me that I could get back on the Methotrexate. So far so good. I took my 6 little pills last night and am ok.

The question, I guess is, when can I start the Relafen and the Skelaxin (muscle relaxer).

As my stomach and lower pains get a little less, the knee and hand/wrist/knuckly pains gets worse. The biggest pain area or deal, gets the most attention in my body. That is if there is a question of which drug to take or not take.

Anyone got any ideas or stories or such????

Thanks.

Wannabe

ToBeFreeToRoam · 07-16-2006, 02:52 AM

HI, Is There Anyone Outthere that can help me????

I am now 3 weeks out of the hospital (almost). The only meds that I have not restarted taking for my Rheumatoid Arthritis, are Skelaxin, and Tramadol/Ultram. Not skeelaxin (because I am having trouble holding my urine - and am afraid that would relax that part too, not just my muscle or what ever. Also, am still on a little bit of hydrocodone for a few more weeks - I hope. So, when I am given no more hydrocodone, by my gyno, then I will restart my tramadol.

Please, if anyone has anything, stories or anything close to this issue (has no one had to stop their meds for an operation?). Maybe the 3rd time/post will be the charm?????!!!!!

Thanks for any help that anyone can give me?????

Wannabe

ANNETTE73 · 07-16-2006, 01:53 PM

I don't have any experince with having to stop taking ra meds for surgeries. But my aunt had he back fused and the doctor took her off her NSAID because he said it slows down the healing of the bones. I think that there might be issues with infections espically if you are on immunesupressants. I would contact your rheumy and see what he says when it would be ok to start the meds again.

ToBeFreeToRoam · 07-17-2006, 01:39 AM

Thanks Annette,

I appreciate the reply. Before the operation my rheumy said off 1 week before operation (Methotrexate), off 1 week during and around, and off 1 week after that. So, I am taking my metho. Just 1 time so far.

I started my relafen also. But, I guess I should ask my gyno dr. As it seems that I am at 2 1/2 weeks and my staples out less that a week. My scar (big and long), does not seem to be healing as fast or as well as it should.

I go to my family dr. on Wed. for other reasons, do you think I can wait til then to ask a dr. Or in you opinion, should I call my gyno.? He last saw me Thur. I will also get my husband to look at my tummy in the am. He saw it at the uro dr. (stitches out) and at the gyno. So, he might know if it is splitting some????

Thanks for you help and info. I know that metho makes things bleed more or not heal as fast. But do not know about the Relafen.

Wannabe