Hysterectomy and RA

Hello, ladies!

I just joined here today. I have a pre-op consult on Weds. I have endometrosis and strongly considering a hysterectomy done.

My main question for all of you is whether if there's anyone out there who has RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and had a hysterectomy done previously. I am concerned that I am going to have a major flare after the surgery especially because my RA is under control right now. The surgery would not be planned until mid-July due to work reasons. If you have any tips, please let me know. Thanks!

(((((Denise)))))

WELCOME to Hystersisters!!!!

Sorry to hear about your RA

Check this thread out. Anyone with RA?

It's a thread I started awhile back, but the gals gave me WONDERFUL sites to check out.

Hope that helps you! Best of luck to you!!

Read and post all over HS, remember NO question is to silly to ask!

Love & Hugs

I had my hyst recently and I have RA. As a matter of fact I had a knee replacement only 7 months prior to my hyst. and was worried about protecting my knee from possible infection. I was given IV antibiotics in the hospital and things are coming along fine.

I have been flaring a bit, but it started before the surgery. I really don't think the flare I am experiencing was caused by my hyst, unless maybe the stress of worrying about the surgery brought it on. I am on Voltaren and Plaquenil right now, and I know that I will need to add something else, possibly methotrexate, which I had been taking previously. I had stopped the metho in preparation for my knee surgery, and I had not gone back to it because I did not have any worsening of my RA symptoms without it. Unfortunately, my flare started a few days before my hyst, too close to the surgery to start any meds. So it looks like I will be calling my rheumatologist to discuss meds.

I don't know what meds you are on, but your surgeon may have you stop some of them for your surgery, to facilitate healing and help prevent infection. Talk to your rheumatologist about this if you get the chance.

I wish you all the best and I think you have every reason to believe that your RA will stay in control.

I have RA and haven't had a flare since my surgery at all. As a matter of fact, I'm in almost NO pain; certainly no joint pain. I woke up with a little swelling in my right hand this morning but that could be because was on line for 4 hours last night (oops!)

I do admit you may have some difficulties until your estrogen (if you're going to get HRT) is stabilized. But overall, my experience is having less pain in my abdomen now that my uterus is gone is making me feel better all around.

That sounds great! I am considering going the Natural HRT and will discussing my options with my doctors on Weds. I did discuss the hysterectomy with my rheumy during my last appointment a week ago so he's aware of it.

I just have to sit and wait until Weds.