jforsyth
November 20, 2018
Hello, Is it necessary to quit biologic medication prior to surgery? I am wondering if anyone has any experience with stopping the treatment and postoperative pain. Thank you kindly, Jana
Daniel Malito
November 21, 2018
jforsyth
November 21, 2018
Thank you Daniel! I appreciate the insight. I am lucky enough to have an appointment with my rheumatologist next week. I will discuss my options, and hopefully....
I am extremely nervous about the surgery, the chance of infection, recovery, and everything that comes with it. I am trying to maintain a full-time job, and it is becoming more and more difficult. I feel like I am one thing/incident/surgery away from being incapable of working. (that was venting).
Thanks again. I appreciate your insight.
kch1870
November 21, 2018
I’ve had eight surgeries on my back. Before every surgery I’ve had to stop some if not all of my arthritis meds. Be sure to ask your rheumatologist and your surgeon. My surgeon always told me what to stop and when.
Richard Faust
November 29, 2018
Hi Jana. Sorry you may be looking at surgery. Unfortunately, due to concerns regarding infection and the impact of biologics on the immune system there it is pretty standard to discontinue biologic medications for surgery. The time period is usually connected to the half-life of the medication and your doctor should be able to provide more specifics on this. Thought you might be interested in this video for our contributor Kat on handling surgery, including post-surgery pain: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/surgery-tips-part-3-how-to-handle-surgery-like-a-champ/. Wishing you the best and, as Daniel said, please let us know if you have any additional questions. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
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