dVH/RALH: steroids/methylPREDISolone after surgery

I am highly allergic to poison ivy and was in it two days before my hysterectomy. I almost got surgery cancelled due to the possibility that the ivy would get into my blood via the incisions; doctor would have cancelled had he seen it on my stomach. Day after surgery the rash was over 80% of my body. I called the doctor who prescribed methylprednisolone. ON day two of taking this medicine I noticed my swelly belly has drastically been reduced; this medicine is supposed to reduce inflamation. I have found medical articles supporting such steroid use following surgery to reduce inflamation and possibly pain. As I have found this to be the case for me I wonder why doctors won't prescribe this treatment after surgery. I understand why before; it weakens the immune system and can pose other risks before and during surgery. I have been happy with the added results, but especially the posion ivy not itching and not spreading further. As if there was anywhere else to go! It did end up on my belly after surgery. And everywhere else! What are your thoughts? Anyone notice this with their steroid use?

Hi there!

I think you bring up a good point to ponder. My guess is that the medical community does not deem it medically necessary to administer preventive meds for issues that might not even occur, particularly steroids, since they can introduce new sets of issues to complicate things further.

Another possible consideration would be that postsurgical conditions are helpful for tracking healing progress, and if something is masking those conditions, it makes it more difficult to pinpoint a diagnosis should something require additional medical attention.

I'd be interested to hear what your doc may have to say about it; if you get around to asking, please share!