need help about recovery from gall bladder removal with RA meds

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!

Hey I just barely had this done in june they had me stop all meds except the prednisone about ten days before the surgery then the day of I didnt take anything because they will give you an IV with the steroids and probably anitbiotics too to help prevent infection since our immune systems are weaker. This was my 4th surgery and 1st one after diagnosis. I didnt notice much of a difference in healing time. two weeks after your surgery they will do a check up and if everything goes ok you can restart the MTX and remicade. Gallbladder surgery is pretty minor and your Dr should tell you what they think you should take off most people its a few days maybe you should do a week to be safe.

take care!