Hip Replacement whilst on steroids?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Am scheduled to have left hip replaced on 14th August. At my initial consultation I mentioned to the Ortho consultant that I was taking Prednisolone for vasculitis and had tapered from 60mg from Feb 2016 to my present dose of 9mg. He didn't seem particularly concerned by this, however when I went for my pre-op early this week the nurse said that she would have to contact the anaesthetist to find out if they were prepared to take responsibility for me during surgery. I am well aware of the issues surrounding surgery whilst taking steroids but wondered if anyone had encountered the same problem ?

2

Just had surgery July 31.  Been on predisone 5 mg for 15 + years for RA. They gave me a shot of something before surgery and all went well. I think it has to do with blood pressure .  You will be fine.

3

hi annie, 

warm welcome to the hippies forum ..

I am afraid I am not able to answer your question - 

Were you given instructions to discontinue the Prednisolone before surgery?  

Did you not get to talk to an anesthesiologist at your pre-op?  

Please keep us posted on how you are doing ...

big warm hug

renee

 

4

Hi Barbara. Thank you for your response. Yes at 5mg the operation wouldn't be a problem as my adrenal glands would be working. As it is,at 9mg, they are still shut down and the body is unable to deal with trauma- in this case major surgery.Am waiting for a response from the anaesthetist so fingers crossed it will go ahead.

5

Hi Renee. Thank you for the welcome ! Unfortunately you cannot just stop taking steroids if you have been on them long term, as I have. It is very dangerous as the adrenal glands have been switched off and your body does not respond to 'fight or flight'

Am rather cross that everything seems to have been left to the last minute and this could have been flagged as an issue weeks ago. I have not met with the anaesthetist so the nurse at my pre-op was just going to email him and get back to me.

Hopefully things will get sorted shortly . Will let you know how I get on.

6

I think that they are aware of you taking the steroids, Annie -- 

was anaesthesia discussed at all ? I thought that was a big part of the pre-op appointment -

I am sure it will be taken care of ...

angel blessings

renee