It's certainly possible to go through surgery successfully while on steroids - I did. It's not ideal, since they have to give you pretty high "stress doses" of steroids to get you through the procedure and post-op period. OTOH, surgery also goes better if you're not acutely ill, and if your organs are in better shape. Can you call your surgeon's office for guidance?

You are right. This WILL turn into emergency surgery if you do not treat your symptoms. How long has it been since you've been checked for anemia? By the time I had my colectomy I was just on the edge of needing a transfusion, and I was bleeding for only 6 months. I was taking 80 mg of prednisone at the time of my surgery. Not ideal, but better than a ruptured colon!

Did they give you a new surgery date when they cancelled? I find these sorts of things pretty intolerable.

Jan

Hi Scott and Jan, as of right now I do not have a surgery date.  I think I am on the cancellation list.  I have no idea when, but I know I have to do something about this now.  I emailed the secretary today and she finally emailed back asking a couple questions like when was my last blood work and when was the last time I was on prednisone.  So I know she is trying hard to get me in.  I haven't had blood work since January.  I am going tomorrow to my family doc for blood work.  I'm expecting to be pretty low with my blood count.   I've had a lot more bleeding lately and I have a fast resting heart rate.  This is horrible waiting.

I weaned myself down to 20mg daily of Prednisone prior to my first step surgery.  Whenever I tried to get below 20mg I suffered.  When I woke up from the surgery I looked like Humpty Dumpty!  I needed a steroid boost.  It showed!  They tapered me down from 20mg and I went home continuing to taper.  It all worked out.  Best wishes in getting a date for your surgery.....SOON!