Knee Replacement Surgery Suspension of Medication

jamieA

I'm on the waiting list for a knee replacement. I have PsA and take sulfasalazine, methotrexate and the biologic adalimumab. I'm also on 3 heart drugs including a blood thinner. I've just received a call from a medical researcher asking if I'd be interested in taking part in a clinical trial in advance of the knee replacement surgery - I don't have a date for the surgery. The clinical trial is for stopping my drugs for an unspecified period of time well in advance of the surgery. When I said I didn't think that was likely as it took a year to get the right PsA drug regime she said I'd need stop my drugs at the time of the operation anyway. I'd not thought of this before. I've previously tried to contact the orthopaedics consultant I saw last December who said I'd need the surgery about other issues but he's never replied. So my question is for those that have had a joint replaced whilst on rheumatology drugs - did you have to halt your drug intake and for how long? I know people are different as are their operations but any advice/information is welcome thanks.

Loggiemod

Hi @jamieA your GP or Consultant ought to be advising you - have you managed to get in touch with them yet? This ought to be part of the operation prep. I hope you get some answers soon.

frogmorton

Sorry @jamieA last time I had orthopaedic surgery was pre DMARDs. Even them though I think I did have to stop most of my meds.

I did have to stop my blood thinners to have a tooth out recently though and I know/presume you are taking them too.

I do seem to remember people having to stop taking their medication before surgeries. I had a look and can't find any stories most of the recent surgeries seem to have been OA related not inflammatory arthritises.

I think you'll have to do what Loggiemod said and ask the Dr consultant sounds most sensible.

Good luck

Toni x