What can we take for inflammation since we can't use NSAIDS?

Hi! I'm having an issue with my left shoulder. My doctor thinks the muscle tissue may be inflammed. OK. The solution? Take an anti-inflammatory. WRONG! Since I'm post-op, we can't take any Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). That means no Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin or Ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin). I can't take anything but Tylenol and it doesn't reduce inflammation. I spoke to Judy (nurse at Dr. Irgau's office). She confirmed - no NSAIDS - even though I'm a year & a half out from surgery. She suggested a short-term course of steroid injections. Yikes! I'm not doing that unless my MRI comes back with something serious. My question to the post-ops - What do you take to reduce inflammation from arthritis or in the muscles/joints if you can't take NSAIDS? I'm open to your wisdom and your suggestions. Thanks, Cassandra Gastric Bypass - 1/3/2005

Cassandra, Once a long time ago, Brett, (former PA at CHRIAS,) told me that short term I could take something like Celebrex for my knee pain. Long term would defintely not be good for the new stomach, causes bleeding ulcers and/or inflammation. I had to stop the anti-inflammatory's a month prior to WLS surgery in 2004. Talk about aches & pain. The weight loss helped somewhat. Xray's showed bone on bone so the knee Surgeon said the injections would be futile and of no value. Exercise truely helped keep the knees lubricated until I had both knees replaced this past January. I'm very glad it is now behind me. I was able to take oxychotin & percaset for pain post -surgery. PA Hospital was very aware of the WLS I had and catered the drugs and my diet accordingly. Weaned myself off all the drugs as soon as I could. They were effective, but scary. Good luck, if you find anything that you can have please let us know. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi Cassandra, I went out to Dr. Weil.com and below is what I found. I've wondered myself what we can use, so I hope this helps!!!! "Eating to Ease Inflammation? Can you recommend an anti-inflammatory diet? I am a PGA Golf Professional and have a lot of joint pain and stiffness. -- John Borrell Answer (Published 05/07/2003) Top 10 Q&A's: Click Here to see the 10 most recent Q&A's to appear on DrWeil.com. Q&A Library: Looking for an old question? Curious about other topics? Click here for Dr. Weil's complete library of questions and answers. Updated on 7/12/2005 Yes, I can recommend an anti-inflammatory diet as well as natural remedies that may help ease your pain and stiffness. As you may know, inflammation is regulated by a group of hormones known as prostaglandins. Some of these hormones intensify the inflammatory response while others reduce it. You can affect this system by the kinds of fats you eat since the body makes prostaglandins from fatty acids. You may have to wait six to eight weeks to notice the results of the dietary changes outlined below, but they will occur. Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils and partially hydrogenated oils from your diet. These fats encourage the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Also eliminate sources of trans-fatty acids such as margarine and vegetable shortening. Instead of polyunsaturated oils, rely on olive oil and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, walnuts, freshly ground flax seeds or oil and soy foods. The advertisement omega-3s increase production of inhibitory prostaglandins. [NOTE: For those who are allergic to fish or don't like the taste of it, I recommend taking a fish oil supplement with DHA and EPA.) Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Emphasize those known for their high anti-oxidant content - for instance, a half cup of blueberries packs as much antioxidant power as five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash, or broccoli. In addition to these dietary changes, I would recommend adding ginger to your diet by eating it in various forms as well as using turmeric as a spice. You might also consider the following natural remedies: Taking a capsule of Zyflamend twice a day. This anti-inflammatory made by New Chapter, Inc. combines ginger and turmeric with other useful herbs. Taking 500 mg of citrus bioflavonoids or other flavonoids, such as quercetin, anthocyanidins, or proanthocyanidins three times a day. Andrew Weil, M.D."

Hello Cassandra: I just wanted to let you know that I had my surgery on 7/3 and I have carpel tunnel and arthritis--they must have given me 10 bags of saline which in turn caused inflamation--very badly--my arms would just ache all night--so with everything else --I wasnt getting any sleep! I also have been on a maintenance dose of Celebrex for a few years so I ended up taking 2 capsules over a 2 day period in applesause and I feel soo much better(in that area)anyway! You may have to go to your PCP to get an Rx. Hope this helps! T