Elective surgery while taking immunosuppressive drugs

pupluv

Regular Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 256

Posted 9/25/2007 10:12 AM (GMT -6)

I know this is vain, but I'm considering elective plastic surgery and was wondering if any of you might know or if anyone here has had surgery while on immunosuppressive drugs such as imuran or 6mp? Actually, I don't know if elective surgery would be safe while having an autoimmune disease at all.

I know we are more susceptible to infection while on these drugs. Just curious.

Thanks guys

Donna

Diagnosed with indeterminate colitis in 1992

current meds

4 asacol 3x's a day

Azathioprine

Rowasa enemas as needed

VSL3

Bunches of vitamins

Red_34

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 23551

Posted 9/25/2007 11:03 AM (GMT -6)

I've had a couple surgeries while on 6mp (not elective though) and I just made sure the docs knew that I was on it. I never had any complication from them but they did make sure I took antibiotics after each procedure though or during by IV. You should ask your docs about this.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc -'92 - Colazal, Canasa, 6mp, Prilosec, Biotin, Forvia}

^{Secondary Reynauds Syndrome - '04 - Norvasc}

^{Fibromyalgia - '06}

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suebear

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2006

Posts : 5698

Posted 9/25/2007 11:09 AM (GMT -6)

I had j-pouch surgery but was taken off 6-mp about a month prior to my surgery as I recall. I don't know if it was removed due to the risk or because the drug was ineffective in my case so why bother taking it? It's probably best to check with both your surgeon and your GI.

Sue

dx proctitis in 1987

dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

pupluv

Regular Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 256

Posted 9/25/2007 5:22 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks guys, I will be checking it out. I have a funny feeling that there will be no elective surgery while on these kind of drugs.

Donna

Diagnosed with indeterminate colitis in 1992

current meds

4 asacol 3x's a day

Azathioprine

Rowasa enemas as needed

VSL3

Bunches of vitamins

Scrap Girl

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 653

Posted 9/25/2007 8:58 PM (GMT -6)

Let us know what you find out - I'm curious.

Diagnosed with UC in Feb. 2005

Colazal (9 a day)

Folic Acid

Remicade remission

MitzMN

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2007

Posts : 654

Posted 9/26/2007 7:56 AM (GMT -6)

I'm having gallbladder surgery next month, which is elective (sort of), and there's no problem being on Imuran, which is the same as 6mp.

Nothing vain about plastic surgery. If you can afford it and you want to do it, and you are passed by the surgeon as a good candidate -- AND YOU'VE FOUND A GOOD SURGEON -- go for it. Life's too short to not take care of something that is not how you'd like it.

Mitz

Sporadic proctitis since about 1985. Mother had UC, then J-pouch surgery 1983.
DX'd with clostridium difficile in 2000. Prednisone, two courses of Flagyl, then Vancomycin finally got rid of it. Symptomatic with UC after that.
Colonoscopy in 2001 dx'd left-sided UC. Was pretty darn ill at that time. Treated with prednisone, Rowasa, Asacol. Asacol not working so switched to Imuran. Three small flares since in 2002, 2005, and 2007.
Gall bladder attack 6/13; ultrasound showed stones; surgery before end of 2007.
100 mg Azathioprine and 225 mg Effexor XR (for chronic, longstanding depression) daily.

pupluv

Regular Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 256

Posted 9/26/2007 12:17 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks Mitz, I am feeling vain about wanting some plastic surgery done. Especially with the other health issues I have. I def. have to get healthy before going under the knife.

Donna

Diagnosed with indeterminate colitis in 1992

current meds

4 asacol 3x's a day

Azathioprine

Rowasa enemas as needed

VSL3

Bunches of vitamins

MicheleV

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2004

Posts : 233

Posted 9/26/2007 2:16 PM (GMT -6)

Well, it wasnt elective ( I had a lumpectomy AND an appendectomy), but I was on Imuran at the time. I dont recall any different procedures because of this. All went well... I know my dr's were aware of my med situation, but it wasnt a big deal.

Michele

Currently in remission since September 2004!!! I am on Imuran 150 mg and am LOVING life!

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