Arthritis and Weight Loss...

Can anyone reassure me that the weight loss after surgery will help with the arthritis pain? I have been off my Vioxx for about two weeks and I can't believe how much pain I am having in my bad knee, my shoulders, and my left hand. The Vioxx was covering the pain and stiffness pretty well. I am applying heat and ice (after a workout); I am taking Tylenol only for the pain--but Tylenol does nothing for the unbearable stiffness. I see my Arthritis doc on Friday, so maybe he can suggest something other than narcotics. Anyone else experience this prior to surgery. Oh, I was going to have knee replacement, but postponed because of this surgery (with my knee surgeons blessing--he thinks its a great idea for me to have the surgery to lose weight.). I had one last year, but felt it was more important to take it off first!!! Teresa E. in Newark

Hi Teresa, I have Arthritis in my knees. I had pain 24/7. I was on Celebrex and tylenol for the pain daily. The day I had my surgery, my knees stopped hurting. Of course they give you some pretty good drugs in the hospital. I still have the arthritis, but not the pain all day & all night long. My knees still talk to me sometimes, like I still can't stoop to pull weeds, I can hear the cracking noises. Dr. said the more weight I loose the easier it'll be. I don't take anything now for pain at all. Can't do Asprin, celebrex or Advil ever again. Too rough on the stomach. I walk on the treadmill now 20 minutes a day. I also do 50 minutes of water arobics, no pain anywhere in the water.Yippee!! My knees are getting stronger. 80 lbs is alot of weight off those poor knees. I had to stop the Celebrex early January so I know how you must be in pain. It'll get better. Hang in there. When is your surgery or have you already had it? ((HUGS)) Elissa

Thanks for the encouragement Elissa. I would love to do a treadmill 20 minutes--I find it hard to even walk from my condo to my car. And the first time up in the morning, I have to grab a cane because I'm afraid I'll fall. Teri

Hi Teresa - I can only speak for myself - I was on Vioxx then Bextra, also applying ice and heat to my knees prior to surgery. I was told that I would need knee replacements in both knees but the DR wouldn't touch me at my previous weight. My ortho DR did suggest to me to try swimming for my knees - last year I did that throughout the summer and it did make a slight difference in my knees - but they still ached. He also said bicycling would be good - but again at my previous weight that wasn't happening. With the direction of Dr.Wynn I stopped taking the arthritis meds in Dec to prepare for surgery in January. I'm down 94 lbs and my knees have not given me any problems. Now my hope is I won't need the replacements for many years. I wish you all the best! I hope that you find the same relief from the arthritis that I have found as a result of this surgery. This is one of the best things I've ever done for myself! ((hugs)) Carla

Thanks Carla. I may purchase a bike a month after surgery. When did your knees stop giving you grief?

I guarantee you, probably six months after surgery your pain will be almost gone or almost totally gone. I had chronic knee and lower back pain. I never wanted to believe my doctors when they told me my weight was the reason for most of my aliments. Sure enough... -124 lbs later, I'm pain free! I love giving my kids horsey rides crawling around on my knees with the kids on top of my back!