Anyone else on Enbrel?

Hi there!  I am new to the site and have a few questions that I hope someone can answer.  Was anyone on Enbrel pre-op?  I am on 50mg sq 2x's a week.  Originally my surgeon (Stuart Verseman) said that I should go off it 2 weeks prior to surgery and one week following.   My surgery is scheduled for July 25th.  Unfortunately, I was just discharged from Bronson hospital where I was a patient for 6 days because I suddenly developed a strange infection in my lower leg.  So because of this I have been off the Enbrel since last week.  My Rheumatologist told me to start taking it when the antibiotics are done, but since this drug lowers your immunities and ability to fight infections, I would try to stay off it until after my WLS  but without it I can hardly walk.  I have psoriatic arthritis and this drug has been a lifesaver!  I was just wondering if anyone else ls on it and how they handled it?  Since I am self pay, I really don't need any complications since I am already kicking out over 30,000, and I am sure my insurance won't pay for any complications due to the surgery. A lso, what are the best tasting protein powders?  I am funny about funky tastes . I am also getting nervous about the drinking water.  I am not too concerned about getting in the amount needed, I am more concerned about not "sipping".  I HATE to throw up, but I guess after I drink too much at once and throw up a few times, I will learn quickly!  I always have something to drink with me and usually drink at least 8 16oz. bottles of water a day. So what else should I be concerned about?  Not worried about the pain.  Heck I have had three kids, nothing can compare to that, this will be a breeze!  Have had several surgeries and do well with post op pain.  Has anyone here used Dr. Verseman? I really like him, he is a sweetheart, would love some other opinions. I am sured I will have many more questions, but it looks like you all are a wealth of information and who better to ask than those that have been through it!  Looking forward to getting to know you all better!!

Well I can't help you with your question about enbrel...but as for the protein you can find many places on the internet that sell samples....it is a wait and see thing though...your tastes buds change after surgery so what you like now will change... As for the water.....after you have surgery you will sip it trust me I was a guzzler before and now I take small drinks but at first I was a sipper....People here are very nice and very helpful...I love it that people answer questions and they do not judge you.....So ask away.....We try to help others......

So is your prescription double strength?  Most people are either doing 25mg/twice a week or the 50/mg shot once a week.  I have done both depending on flare-ups/vs. maintenance.  I too have psoriatic arthritis.  I am still pre-op, but I did ask this quesiton on the general board about a week ago, so you can look up my previous posts and you'll see a couple of responses.  My rheumy told me to be off it 2 weeks post-op and 1 week pre-op.  I'd be more worried about re-starting it versus being off earlier.  I have been on Enbrell for about 6 years and except for bronchitis I've not had any problems with infections, but I'd trust your rheumy and resume the shots after you're done with your medication.  No point in suffering for a month if you don't have to. Good luck!! --Sax