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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How many of you have had a RA flare after surgery?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Utah
May 15
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members responded to the question about RA flares after surgery with many sharing that flares are common, often triggered by stopping biologic... Read more

Members responded to the question about RA flares after surgery with many sharing that flares are common, often triggered by stopping biologic medications like Humira, Cimzia, or other RA drugs before and after procedures, as well as the physical and emotional stress of surgery itself. Several members shared strategies that helped them cope, including asking doctors for prophylactic prednisone or IV anti-inflammatories, using post-surgery pain pumps, and preparing snacks, essentials, and a calm recovery space ahead of time. A recurring theme was the importance of planning carefully before surgery, leaning on your medical team, and knowing that community support is always available.

A myRAteam Member

I take prednisone every day. I ignore my family about one week after surgery. I used to tell my family. Don’t bother me not even if you have a temp over 101, throwing up your toenails or crapping your brains out. My family would worry me to death if I would let them. That’s why I fix my basket with protein bars, my favorite snacks and any essentials that I might need ahead of time, I fix a cooler with my favorite drinks. As long as my cell phone stays charged, I’m good. It’s the only time that I get to myself. lol

May 15
A myRAteam Member

I really think it's because of going off the Cimzia for the surgery. Also stress I'm sure.

May 16
myRAteam

Post-surgery RA flares are something many people with RA experience. Surgery is a significant physical stress on the body, and that kind of stress is a well-known trigger for RA flares.

Many myRAteam members have shared similar experiences — illness, physical stress, and bodily trauma (like surgery) can all set off an Show Full Answer

Post-surgery RA flares are something many people with RA experience. Surgery is a significant physical stress on the body, and that kind of stress is a well-known trigger for RA flares.

Many myRAteam members have shared similar experiences — illness, physical stress, and bodily trauma (like surgery) can all set off an inflammatory response that wakes up RA symptoms. Here are some things worth knowing about flares triggered by physical stress like surgery:

- Predictable flares (like those triggered by surgery) often improve once the body recovers from the trigger
- Unpredictable flares may not resolve on their own and could need extra treatment
- If a flare lasts more than a couple of days or disrupts daily life, it's worth contacting a rheumatologist
- A rheumatologist may adjust medication dosage or add short-term treatments like steroids to help manage the flare

Letting your rheumatologist know about an upcoming surgery in advance is always a good idea — they can help create a plan to minimize flare risk during recovery.

May 15
A myRAteam Member

After my hip replacement, I was in a serious flare up (the surgeon told me that my femur bone was as hard as Hickory wood) he dulled the first chisel and it took him 30 minutes to get the hole in my femur bone for the titanium rod- I was a mess, before any surgery- give it some serious thought 🌹💐🥹

May 16
A myRAteam Member

Yes. I always seem to flare.after surgery or procedures. It’s the stress that causes the flare.

May 15

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