In a few weeks I'm having a minor op a discectomy to sort out my bulging disc which has left me with drop foot and no muscle control around my hip, I was under the impression that you had to stop the methotrexate for this but when I rang the helpline the answer came back no . Does that sound correct to any of you that have had ops. The last op I had was an emergency so I didn't stop anything. I also take imatinib and have to stop that 2 days before and for three days after. I also take prednisolone and the usual other bits and pieces.
Many thanks
Sheila

Thanks Jane, that also explains why they wouldn't give me a steroid jab in a painful shoulder whreas they've always done that before. However it was the rheumatology helpline that said don't stop the meth, which didn't sound right to me. I wonder if theres differering thoughts indifferent rheumy departments .
Oooo la la a new knee next week, that will be good, lots of best wishes for the op, make the most of the enforced rest, I say rest but a friend had one in October and i was up and about the next day, so maybe not the rest you would have liked.
best wishes Sheila

Hi Sheila good luck with the op.
Let us know how you get on.
Zena xx.

Hi Lorna, thanks for your wishes, though today I read in our local paper that the spinal unit has a huge backlog so those few weeks might turn into months.
Yes you are so right about the pain of a slipped disc when its pressing on the nerve, there have been times I could have slit my throat through it. I did mine 7 months ago and still have the dropped foot and lollopping walk to which Rob comments 'where's the parrot' however that at least make me laugh. Just a hint, once it starts to get better be very very careful with it as the slightest thing can set it off again, I am now having a love affair with Gabapentin for the pain, does bug** all for the RA but gives some relief for nerve pain.
Nice to see you on here again and hoping yours improves soon.
Best wishes
Sheila