Question:
I am told I can't take my Celebrex after surgery. What can I take?
I have osteoarthritis and Celebrex works wonderfully. But my surgeon says I must go off of it before my surgery and can't take it or any other NSAIDS again. What can I do for my arthritis pain when Tylonol EX doesn't get it? HELP! — Barbara Mark (posted on June 15, 2001)
June 15, 2001
I was told no Advil. I have bursitis in my knee and after my surgery my
primary care physician gave me samples of Celebrex and Vioxx. He said they
both should be alright to take. He did say to try the Vioxx first.
— Helen C.
June 15, 2001
My Dr is letting me take Celebrex because, it so much easier on the stomach
and I have not had any problems and I am 14 mos post op.. I love my
Celebrex, don't know what I would take if I couldn't take it? Also, I know
others taking Celebrex and they are all doing great also.. Good Luck..
Debbie
— Debbie R.
June 15, 2001
Barbara--I feel your pain----literally! :-) I was taking Relafen for
osteoarthritis. I have had to discontinue taking it 2 weeks prior to
surgery. (My surgery date is 6/27.) My pain was so bad at one time that I
literally could not walk--Relafen is what finally controlled the pain.
Right now I am taking Tylenol Arthritis (2 caplets 3 times a day) and it is
controlling it okay--the pain is definitely there and I take every chance I
get to stay off my feet. My surgeon will NOT allow ANY NSAIDS after
surgery, due to the chance of stomach problems. Although some of the newer
ones have less potential for complications, my surgeon feels that it is
still too great of a risk with our new tummy! I, like you, am hoping the
weight loss will help too. Water aerobics will help for exercise and
mobility. Good luck!!!!!
— Sharon N.
June 15, 2001
My surgeon prescribes Arthrotec for his patients who need ongoing
anti-inflammatory therapy. Arthrotec is a combination of Voltaren (an
anti-inflammatory) and Cytotec (a medication that protects the lining of
the stomach). It has worked wonderfully for me with absolutely no
side-effects. Good luck!
— Diana T.
June 15, 2001
I know lots of people have responded, but I thought I would add my 2 cents.
My doctor told me the ONLY choices I will have POST OP for arthritis
medications is one of the following 3, VIOXX, CELEBRX, or ARTHROTEC.
Since I have been investigating this surgery for almost 2 years now, he has
tried me on all 3. The Arthotec for me is the best, but I know for my
husband (he is not post op but has severe GERD and has had a bleeding
ulcer) he likes VIOXX. There will be something for you to take that will
help. Best wishes. Helen C
— Helen C.
June 18, 2001
My post op perscription from my surgeon was Celebrex for postop pain
management. Taken with food it served wonderfully
— corpdiva2006
June 19, 2001
Surgeon informed me that I can't resume celebrex until 3 months after
surgery. Has given me pain pills interim, which aren't near as good as the
celebrex!
— Jeanne P.
October 30, 2001
Hello Barbara! I just started taking Celebrex this week (prescribed by my
PCP who knows next to nothing about my RNY). She told me to give it two
weeks to see if it would help my lower left pelvic/back pain. I could tell
after the first day that it was working. And now after a week I can say I
feel WONDERFUL. I have not called my RNY surgeon to okay this prescription
but I have been told by others that it is okay to take Celebrex, so I'm
sure it just depends who you talk to. I too worry about damaging my new
stomach but this truly wonderful drug has almost completely masked the pain
that I have suffered from for the past three years (that I had hoped would
go away as the weight came off, but the pain hasn't let up at all even
after losing 124#s). I will check with my surgeon from BTC and get back
with you on his opinion -- but as I said, not all WLS surgeons give the
same advice.
— Brenda H.
December 24, 2001
Hi Barbara,
I too was taken off my arthritic medicine before my Roux-Y
bypass and took Tylenol Extra Strength. My surgeon told me post-operately
that I take Celebrex at my own risk.I am currently off the Celebrex and
trying Glusatomine Chondroitin along with a Herb. I still hurt....all
over..
including hands, feet, fingers, neck, back, legs, arms wrists. The pain is
constant and increases with movement..
making exercising difficult.But if it does not get better , I will be
forced to go back on the Celebrex! Hope this helps you!
— Susan H.
May 22, 2002
Hi, I just got permission from my internal medicine primary care provider
that Celebrex was OK, but in order to take it I need to open the capsules.
I have to say the powder is bland enough to get by with mixing it with
liquids (I'm 5 weeks postop.), which is much better than anything else I've
tried crushing, chewing or even the adult/child Tylenol elixir--YUCK, too
sour. Only baby aspirin chewable was even tolerable, but of course I go
through two bottles a week!!! I, too, hope there will be a day when pain
ends, but at 50, with osteoarthritis well established, I doubt that will
come, but I hope to at least get SOME relief on my lower joints. Anyway,
will post again when I've been on the Celebrex for a bit, to let everyone
know how it works!!! Best wishes and congrats to all you loser-winners out
there!!! Deb
— Deb J.
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