Anyone else have experience with when to restart a biologic after pacemaker implantation?

• by loblolly
• 2018-09-15 19:18:43
• Surgery & Recovery
• 985 views
• 0 comments

It's been 11 days since my pacemaker was implanted when I developed a slow heartbeat and was diagnosed with heart block. I have a form of rheumatoid arthritis called Adult Onset Stills Disease, and am on Humira and methotrexate to keep it in remission. With any surgery, I always have to stop the biologic until I'm healed. My  scar is healing well and don't seem to have any signs of infection , so that's good news. My rheumatologist says not to restart the Humira until all danger of infection is past, and says to ask the EP when that is. The EP and the Cardiologist say to ask the Rheumatologist. I will see both my internist and the EP next week, so hope to get the all clear to restart my Humira soon since I really don't want to have a flare of my Stills.

I think I'm doing well, with only the usual complaints- still a bit sore, still using my microwave heat pad for stiff muscles, but not needing pain medication at all, managing to go for a walk every day.

Anyone have any experience with restarting a biologic after their implantation?