I have Fibromyalgia/Scleroderma and I’m getting a Breast Reduction/Tummy Tuck in April. 6 1/2 hour surgery?

               

I was diagnosed in 2011 with Fibromyalgia and in 1/2014 with “mild scleroderma” meaning my symptoms are minimal (joint pain/generalized pain). Should I expect problems with healing after my procedures? Should I expect the pain to be severe? I will off my medications 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after surgery. I’ve been taking Savella 50mg BID for 3 years and Plaquenil 200mg BID since 1/2014. I am weaning myself off now, with my doctor’s oversight, in order to have surgery. Any words of wisdom?

• fibromyalgia
• healing
• timing
• scleroderma

Doctor Answers 6

I have Fibromyalgia/Scleroderma and I’m getting a Breast Reduction/Tummy Tuck in April. 6 1/2 hour surgery?

March 25th, 2014

+2

In my practice, I have had patients with your medical “conditions” do very well after the combination surgery you are scheduled for.  On the other hand, I have also had patients who have had more than average discomfort associated with the same procedures. I have found that the “mindset” the patient’s have prior to proceeding with surgery,  regardless of whether they have any type of… SHOW MORE

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_breastReduction.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1,393 reviews
www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

I have Fibromyalgia/Scleroderma and I’m getting a Breast Reduction/Tummy Tuck in April. 6 1/2 hour surgery?

Obtain full medical clearances and understand you have a slightly increased risks of complications with these medical issues…

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Fibromyalgia/Scleroderma Okay Combined Breast Reduction, Tummy Tuck but Medications May Increase Your Risk

I often safely combine Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck.  Especially with the use of a Pain Pump which drips Bupivicaine into the Tummy tuck near the area where the muscles are tightened (plication) these two procedures can be performed together and the pain can be well controlled. Medications which decrease your immune response can effect your recovery and put you at increase risk for infection:

• 1. Plaquanil – No increased risk of infection or delay in healing.  You do not need to stop Plaquanil according to most experts
• 2. Steroids such as Prednisone (if you have been on this for a period of months) – Definite effect on healing because it reduces inflammation.  This effect can be greatly reduced by taking Beta-Carotene 25000 IU for 1-2 weeks before surgery.  Do not continue more than 3 weeks total as Vitamin A can build up in your system
• 3.  Sevella – No effect on risk of infection or delay in healing.  You should not stop this drug

If you are only on Plaquanil and Sevella you do not need to wean off of these as it serves no purpose and being on them will not affect healing or your risk of infection

Your main concern should be making certain they use sequential compression stockings and TED hose during your surgery and being mobile soon after your surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Make sure also that you and everyone (nurses and doctors) who touches you after the surgery has washed their hands.  I know it sounds simple but it works.

Reference:https://www.realself.com/question/fibromyalgia-scleroderma-and-breast-reduction-tummy-tuck-in-april-1-2-hour