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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 5 3:29pm | Replies (15)
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My PMR diagnosis coincided with the need for shoulder surgery (a painful bicep tear). My ortho Dr told me to not begin my course of prednisone until a week after surgery. My rheumatologist concurred. I believe there could be a problem with the anesthesia interacting with prednisone. You didn’t mention what medications you are taking. It would be best to talk this over with your surgeon.
Replies to "My PMR diagnosis coincided with the need for shoulder surgery (a painful bicep tear). My ortho..."
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The problem with steroids and other immunosuppressant anti inflammatory drugs isn’t a conflict with anesthesia… it is that they make you more vulnerable to infection - NOT something you want to deal with in scenarios of surgery or extensive dental work.
My Rheumy always takes me off my meds or if possible postpones procedure until my blood level is within two weeks of next infusion. ..or postpones both surgery and infusion to when my levels of immunosuppressant is lowest.
For the record, when you are on prednisone or other immunosuppressants you should take care to avoid infection - wear masks, wash hands, avoid indoor crowds during fall and winter seasons for respiratory illnesses. If you get one, the risk is that it can get away from you and be very serious.