Hi Jane,

So you are contemplating surgery?  You need to talk with your rheumatologist, it is extremely important, and ask how long you may need to be off the meds during recovery.  It is not only to speed recovery but to avoid infection.  The meds unfortunately can lower your immunity, and hopefully your doctor can adjust them to make you reasonably comfortable as well as reasonably safe.

    During the brief time I was on Remicade, the doctor would not even allow the infusion to take place if there was any open wound.  I don't have clear information on MTX and prednisone except that they do affect your resistance to infection. 

    I'm on Enbrel now, and stopped taking it a couple weeks before ankle surgery and waited a couple of weeks afterward to start taking it again.  I have heard anything from 1 week before and after (that seems to be the usual recommendation) to 3 weeks before and after (from my rheumatologist).  I was so scared of infection, I waiting 4 before and after, but that was pretty difficult and probably not necessary - however, I did heal REALLY fast.  I had gotten some vitamin/supplement packs (online, but I'm not here to advertise) that were supposed specifically directed for fast healing/less bruising... I think they must have helped, because they lived up to their name.  Later in the year, I also had carpal tunnel release (went off 2 weeks before and one week after - couldn't stand it longer) and also to take the orthopedic screw out of my foot (relatively minor surgery, one week before & after).

    When I do get paper cuts, the Enbrel seems to slow down the healing. If my hands get really bad (winter dryness makes them terribly prone to splitting), I'll delay the Enbrel a day or 2 more between doses and they seem to heal up then.  So - yes, the meds can slow down the healing because some inflammation is necessary for healing - ironically!

     So - please check with your rheumatologist and make sure your surgeon knows what your other issues are so he/she can take any extra precautions against infection that might be advisable. Good luck!

jane

9/ 9/09 4:34pm

Thanks for much for the answer.  I have to have the surgery and soon.  My gall bladder is really infected and needs to come out.  So, I don't have much choice there.  It's pretty painful as well.  It's been 3 weeks since my remicade infusion so I think I am okay there.  And, I stopped taking MTX when I suspected I might need the surgery so that was two weeks ago.  My rheumatologist is aware of the surgery.  I like the idea of supplements.  I may order some as well.  My sister in law is an MD, an internist, but she practices natural healing so she will have some ideas for what I should take.  Thanks so much for your answer.   Jane

Ellen Galo

9/ 9/09 4:44pm

Sounds like you have your act together, that's great!  I wish you well!