Hi everyone!! It's been a couple of months since I came on the forum but I want to pick your brains please!!!!!
I started on leflunomide in October combined with hydroxychloroquine and this seems to be a good combination for me! I was on methotrexate but that gave me such a bad stomach and I had to run to the toilet (sorry!) several times a day. Anyway, I'm having gastric bypass surgery on 6 th Feb (soooooo excited!!!! ) . Does anyone know how far prior to surgery you stop the arava??? I've tried to contact the rheumy dept at the hospital but that's like trying to get blood from a stone!! Any ideas please anyone????



Thanks!!!!

Sarah x

Good luck with your surgery. I'm pleased to hear that Leflunomide has worked well for you as I am starting it today (after severe side effects forced me to stop Mtx). You need proper medical advice on when to stop the Leflunomide and it sounds like you have hit a bit of a brick wall. I would say just keep pestering everyone (GP, consultants secretary, rheumatology nurse etc.) until you get a proper answer. Getting this wrong could delay your surgery so it is hugely important that you get the right answer ASAP. Good luck X

Hi ya

I have a friend who has ra pretty badly who gad gastric bypass and has had a couple of complications down the line but has done very well through surgery and lost very well (although lack of mobility and steroids slow this down from norm)

Her experience needed a lot of basically faxing dr's secretaries daily to get them to liaise
It was very hard to get them to co-ordinate

She would say it's definately worth it

Jenni xx

Sorry I cannot answer your question, but GOOD LUCK with the operation



Rose