Methotrexate and Surgery

[Carebear]

Hi everyone,

I have day surgery scheduled for tomorrow and wonder if I should give myself my methotrexate injection tonight?  Or should I wait until after the procedure?

I've read two opposing opinions on line.  Just thought I'd ask here because I know we have so many knowledgeable people on this board.   

I can't call my rheumy or the surgeon or even the surgical ward because it is a statutory holiday today.  Thanks all. 

[irish]

carebear, Wow, No one to call at this time. I hate it when we get in this position. I guess I would go with whatever you think. If they didn't tell you anything one would think that it isn't a problem. I guess my thinking is that if it was a problem or of significance they would have had you stop it days prior to the procedure.

Whether you take it or not that day is up to you, but I would tell the nurses and doctor at the hospital that you are on it (they should be able to read your preop info) and ask if there is any problem. If it is a problem they will have to cancel the procedure. At least you held up your end of the deal.

If you skip the one dose it becomes a question of whether skipping one dose that close to surgery is of any significance. There have a screwed with your mind enough? Such a quandry life can be!!!! Good luck. Irish

[eyeamdry]

I am no medical person, don't know what kind of surgery you're having, in fact don't know anything about MTX injections but can say what my doc has me do in cases of surgery.  I take MTX orally once per week.  I have been on it 5 years and have had several surgeries while on it.  Usually my rheumy tells me to skip the dose the week of surgery and the week after surgery.  This is so my body does not have to work to get the MTX into my system.  It leaves one thing off and the body does not have to tend to the MTX and may have a little easier time to fight off the germs and other things related to the stress of surgery on the body.

This is a rambling mess, but I hope you can make sense of it.  Lucy

[Carebear]

Thanks for that, Irish and Lucy. 

You see, I started the methotrexate after my preoperative consult, so the specialist doesn't know I'm on it.  And foolish me, I didn't talk about this with the nurse when I called the hospital last week..although it wouldn't have made any difference any way I suppose.

So I'll forgo tonight's injection, which means it will be eight days since the last dose.  I will speak with the nurse once I'm there tomorrow.  The procedure may be rather minor, or it may be more involved.  Depends on what they find. 

Thanks.  That was what my gut was telling me.  You helped confirm it. 

[4Kids]

Good luck tomorrow!

If SK means anything to you, I suspect I am a province over. You can phone your hospital and be transferred to the unit in charge of your surgery and ask. Ie if it is gynecology, they could ask the gyn on call and advise you. I think not is a good idea but thouht I would offer that. Our phone books here have the health districts and you look up the switchboard number and if nothing else they will transfer you.