HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

can i have elective surgery on immunosuprssive drugs

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/20/2013 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, so I starting getting ill in feb 2013 and was finally diagnosed with crohns in July, now in December I'm still not better and I'm on 2 immunosuppressive drugs, 6mp and ustekinumab, plus steroids, folic acid and calcium.

Problem is I had plastic surgery in December 2012 which had complications, stitches came undone and left a big scar, plus it wasn't done well at all so results are terrible. I need a second surgery to fix it but I'm terrified I will never be able to have it because I'll always be on these drugs now.

Has anyone had elective surgery while taking immunosuppressant's once their disease was under control?
Posted 12/21/2013 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
When I needed major surgery while on Simpomi, a biologic anti-TNF, I had to stop it three weeks before the surgery [it is an every 30 day med that I have been approved to take every 3 weeks]. My rheumy wanted it to clear my system so I would have maximum healing response. Once cleared by the surgeon, I was able to restart the Simponi - about 3 weeks after surgery. So in total I was only off 3 weeks longer than normal. As to the 6MP, I think you need to ask the prescribing doctor(s) about both meds.
Posted 12/21/2013 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I think it would be highly unwise to have surgery while on steroids and 2 immunesuppressants.

I was on IV steroids for my surgery, but I had no choice: had become steroid-dependent. However I had a choice about the other meds and stopped Humira a few weeks before surgery. It clearly wasn't doing a thing, and I had no intention of restarting it after surgery.

Is your disease under control?
Posted 12/21/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NiceCupOfTea no its not under control at present, and I wouldn't consider getting the elective surgery until it was fully under control, I just want to know I will be able to have it when it is under control.

how long were you on steroids before you became steroid-dependant? I'm a bit worried about it myself, I've been on them 6 months now and I've asked to come off them because they obviously haven't worked if I'm still ill 6 months later and have had to starts other meds. I've been told I have to stay on them at least another 5 weeks because I'm now in a clinical trial.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dx Crohns July 2013
Budesonide steroids 6mg daily July to present, originally supposed to be on them for a month.
6mp 25mg daily
Paracetamol and codeine
Ustekinumab in clinical trial
still not under control
Posted 12/21/2013 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was in a similar situation as NCOT - I was on steroids and was not able to get off prior to my surgery. I healed fine though. My GI did have me stop my Remicade for 3 months leading up to surgery. Also, the surgery was for my Crohn's, so I think the surgeon was a little more accepting that I was still on steroids.

I'd come off those steroids as soon as possible - I am STILL having joint pain from coming off and it's almost been 2 months. Horrible drug.
Posted 12/21/2013 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I do not heal well and take steroids--I would have elective surgery depending on the severity--I kept being told that I needed a total or partial hysterectomy--I refused --I went with albation instead much less invasive--They had to inject me with other things before I was put under due to the steroids--and my uterus lining still did not grow back right but not cancerous--having an auto immune disease and being on suppressant drugs any procedure needs to be looked at carefully--
Posted 12/21/2013 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I agree these drugs make things difficult but I think my mental health will suffer dramatically if I can't have the surgery. my body was left a mess after the first op and the only thing keeping me going is the plan of having surgery to fix it. I know I'm being dramatic and I should be grateful I don't have something worse like cancer, and I am grateful, but I still feel as if crohns has already taken so much away from me and changed my life, I don't want to be left deformed like this as well, ashamed of my body and on antidepressants because crohns meds mean I can't get it fixed.
Posted 12/21/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Then I would least come off all the meds first, especially the steroids.
Posted 12/24/2013 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
My situation is pretty different but I understand this disease affecting surgery. Ever since I was dx with Uc my c section incision has opened back up sum and drain and having a hard time healing. It's very painful and adding stress on this flare that I'm in. I also got a boil under my arm from shaving that has opened up and also not healing. My Gi says this all has to do with the uc. Saying this all just to say I feel your pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply