Humira and Surgery

[Aiyale]

Hello!
I was on Humira from April-June 2015 but had to stop due to surgery. Now that I'm healed, I'm back on it (loading dose was Sept 20th) I'm scheduled to have surgery (ileostomy reversal) towards the end of Oct/early Nov and I'm worried about how the humira will affect it. Has anyone had surgery while on humira, or were you advised to stop it?

 

[Aiyale]

My surgeon tells me that it won't be a problem, while GI is recommending stopping it. I'm finding all sorts of conflicting answers

 

[Lisa]

Why is the GI recommending you stop? Possibility of infection? If it were me, I'd do some more research and maybe check with another GI - you could also try to have the surgery scheduled for mid-point or further from the last dose.....

 

[Aiyale]

Correctiom, my surgeon is recommending that I stop it. My next dose is supposed to be the Oct 18th, but she wants to skip it until after the surgery (around Oct 30th). She is worried about the risk of infection/healing time, etc.

My GI does not want me to stop it, as he says that the risk of a flare is greater than any infection.

I've asked my PCP and they are conflicted, they said it is a personal choice.

 

[Lisa]

Personally, I'd be more concerned with a possible flare and the repercussions from that versus any infection. I myself have usually been the 'well' one in the house with my husband and daughter being sick more often than I am. Even if/when I do get sick (like right now - head cold) it isn't really any worse than any other....

 

[Late]

I had resection surgery several years ago while on Humira. I was also on prednisone then. My surgeon wanted me to stay on both. I had no trouble, but I was also having no problems with infections or anything at the time.

 

[Hope123]

Hi....I'm due to be started on Humira after recently having bowel resection and stricturoplasty....Can I Ask how you found Humira? I'm quite apprehensive about starting it

 

[Aiyale]

Hi....I'm due to be started on Humira after recently having bowel resection and stricturoplasty....Can I Ask how you found Humira? I'm quite apprehensive about starting it

I don't mind it. The first time I started it I had my nurse do the loading doses (4 shots the first time, 2 shots two weeks later) because I was too afraid of doing them myself. I stopped the medication for three months while I was in the hospital recovering from my resection so I had to do another loading dose. This time I did it myself, which sucked. But the shots (for me) don't really hurt, its more of a mind over matter thing. I'm lucky that I don't have any side effects other than mild sinus issues and I get really moody on injection day.

The final verdict is in, I am staying on Humira through my surgery. Officially scheduled for November 6th! Woooohoooo! :dusty:

 

[manilamaria]

Correctiom, my surgeon is recommending that I stop it. My next dose is supposed to be the Oct 18th, but she wants to skip it until after the surgery (around Oct 30th). She is worried about the risk of infection/healing time, etc.

My GI does not want me to stop it, as he says that the risk of a flare is greater than any infection.

I've asked my PCP and they are conflicted, they said it is a personal choice.

Wow--what a complex situation. If it is up to me, i would follow the GI recommendations. They can put you on prophylactic antibiotics to reduce risks for infection. I wish the could get it together for you. Good luck and prayers for you.

 

[my little penguin]

Glad you get to stay on your humira
DS stayed on his during his tonsillectomy
He just delayed by a day or two
No issues
Good luck

 

[POTTYTIME!]

Having surgery in November. My GI told me to keep taking it. Im kinda iffy on that. Going to ask my Humira nurse tomorrow.