I am to have bellybutton hernia tic surgery this coming Tuesday. I realized yesterday that I have a touch of a reoccurring pneumonia. It has subsided today and if it gets no worse could I go ahead with the surgery? Or if put on antibiotics such as prednisone could I still go ahead with the surgery? Thank you. Ron
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. No, you are not supposed to take prednisone. Let me first clear your false belief. Prednisone is not an antibiotic. It is steroid. It is contraindicated in active infection like pneumonia. Prednisone being a steroid can reduce the immunity and makes patient vulnerable for infection. So prednisone is contraindicated. Don't take it. Better to get done pre-operative respiratory evaluation by pulmonologist. This will make your operative process easy. Don't worry, you will be alright. But don't take prednisone. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.