Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis rarely stops a hernia repair. Your joint doctor and surgeon plan your medicines around the operation together.
- Some arthritis medicines are paused for a short time and some continue. Never stop or change any of them on your own.
- Stiff hands and joints can make getting up and wound care harder. Plan help at home for the first week before the date.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful, stiff and swollen joints. Many people with it take medicines that calm the immune system. Some also take steroid tablets.
This page explains how these medicines are planned around a hernia repair, the extra checks before anaesthesia, and how to manage stiff joints while you heal.
Why your medicines need a plan
Medicines that calm the immune system keep your joints under control. They can also slow wound healing a little and make infection more likely.
So some are paused for a short time around surgery and some carry on. Your joint doctor and surgeon decide this together. You get a written plan for each medicine.
Checks before the operation
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the neck. The anaesthetist asks about neck pain or stiffness, and may ask for a neck X-ray. This helps when placing a breathing tube.
Blood tests, your joint doctor's notes and your full medicine list help the team plan safely.
Rheumatoid arthritis around a hernia repair
Rheumatoid arthritis around a hernia repair
| What is planned | Why it matters | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Immune medicines | Some can slow healing or raise infection risk | Joint doctor and surgeon |
| Steroid tablets | Must not be stopped suddenly | Surgeon and anaesthetist |
| Neck check | Matters for the breathing tube | Anaesthetist |
| Pain plan | Some painkillers suit you better | Surgeon and joint doctor |
| Help at home | Stiff joints make early days harder | You and your family |
Have rheumatoid arthritis and a hernia? Bring your joint doctor's notes and full medicine list to the first visit.
Stiff joints in the first weeks
Getting out of bed without straining the repair is harder when your hands and knees are stiff. Roll onto your side first, then push up with your arms.
Plan help at home for the first week. Someone may need to help with wound care, bathing and lifting things.
Keep things you use often at waist height, so you do not bend or reach. A chair with arms makes standing up easier.
If your arthritis flares
Pausing a medicine can bring on a flare of joint pain. Tell the team early, rather than waiting. Your medicines are usually restarted once the wound is healing well.
Call at once if the wound becomes red, hot or leaks, or if you get a fever.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery with rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have a hernia repair safely, with their medicines planned around it.
Do I stop my arthritis medicines before surgery?
Not on your own. Some are paused for a short time and some continue. Your joint doctor and surgeon decide together.
Why does the anaesthetist ask about my neck?
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the neck. This matters when a breathing tube is placed.
Will my arthritis flare after surgery?
It can, especially if medicines are paused. Tell the team early, as the plan can be changed.
Will my wound heal more slowly?
Some arthritis medicines can slow healing a little. The team watches the wound closely after surgery.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.