Urget - Please Read!

Hi everyone. I very rarely post here though I stop by and read as often as I can. I had lap gastric bypass on 9/27/05. I am almost 11 months out and down 106 pounds (from 250 to 146). Last week my big toe on my left foot became extremely swollen and painful. After a trip to the ER and then finally a trip to my orthopedist on Friday, they think that I have gout (which is strange since I am only 30 and eat very healthy). Anyway, the only treatment for gout are NSAIDs. I freaked out and said that I could not take these meds, but my doc said it is really the only cure. I called my surgeon who is on vacation until tomorrow, but I was connected to his fellow. She told me this is really not favorable, but if I have to take these drugs, limit it to one week and be sure to eat yogurt before I take the pills to ensure that I coat my stomach. I have taken the pills for 2 days not (with yogurt), but I am REALLY scared it is going to cause problems with my new stomach. I am going to talk to my surround tomorrow when he is back, but wanted to consult my September family in the meantime for advice. Has anyone else had to take a NSAID since surgery? What advice have you received? Did it cause any problems? MY doc prescribed ARTHROTEC, which is supposed to be the most stomach friendly, but I am still scared. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support. All the best- Kay

Hi Kay, So sorry that you're going thru such a tough time. The only thing with the NSAID's is they can cause an ulcer. Maybe your surgeon can prescribe Carafate liquid to coat your stomach so that the NSAID won't make an ulcer. It's a prescription that I take because I have an ulcer now. From what? I don't know. It's a good thing to check with your surgeon for all of these matters because he/she's the most informed. My surgeon can't emphasize enough that he wants us to contact him with any questions and matters like these. That's whay they're there for. There are home remedies for gout, too. Do a Google search. Paula

Gout is so very painful. With motrin you MUST have food in your pouch. I haven't had any Motrin,or advil yet. But before surgery I used to live on it and I never took it without food and milk. Very important. Also with gout you must drink tons of water to wash out the crysals. The water helps get rid of the pain faster. so drink drink and drink some more. As long as you coat your stomach and don't abuse the medicine you may be alright. But do check with your surgeon. each doctor is different. Good luck. Koukla

I'm not a Sept surg, but was interested in your post since I am familiar with this issue...I'm not sure why the doc is telling you that NSAIDs are the only cure for gout. They don't "cure" gout in any way, they may just off some anti-inflamatory relief. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals. NSAIDs don't change that. You may need to see a specialist in that are to get proper treatment. Good luck, and I hope you get some relief soon! Samantha