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Prednisone and Surgery: I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica and need hip replacement surgery.

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LarryM
LarryM

I just found out that I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. They put me on 20mg of Prednisone per day, and it has eased the symptoms considerably!

I need a hip replacement surgery. The Rheumatologist says they will not do the surgery until I get my Prednisone dose down between 5-10mg per day. A three month taper from 20mg to 5-10mg is what they are recommending.

Does anyone have experience with surgery and Prednisone? I have been waiting on this hip surgery for 9 months, but now the PMR and prednisone is throwing a wrench into the whole plan.

thanks in advance!

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  • carol_ann35477
    carol_ann35477 LarryM

    Posted

    Hi Larry, I had a hip replacement in August of 2018.I have been on Prednisone for PMR since being diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago. I am currently on 15 mg. and have been since July of last year. There were no problems related surgery.The surgeon, anesthetist, and all the medical staff who did the pre-op assessment prior to the surgery, were aware of my being on prednisone and took it into account when planning for the surgery.I had my surgery on the Monday and went home on Wed. I am in Canada and they never mentioned my having to reduce it. I am having a lot of difficulty getting below 15 mg per day, as my symptoms seem to return so for a little while I am not even worrying about it. My rheumatologist seems okay with that.

  • LarryM
    LarryM

    Posted

    Hi Carol_ann35,

    It's so good to hear that youIt's so good to hear that your hip replacement surgery went well! From people that I talk to, the success rate is high.

    Thanks for the feedback! I will ask my orthopedic surgeon about doing the hip replacement surgery while on 15mg Prednisone. That is the dose i am on now. I just want the surgery so i can walk without a walker, and leave the house once in while!

    I started treatment at 20mg for 6 weeks, then last week, i dropped to 15 mg. 6 weeks later, drop to 12.5mg.

    Appreciate all the feedback!

    Larry

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