Question about Nsaid substitutes

This is my first post, so a quick introduction. I'm Tracy, I'm almost 56, and I am about 6 months into the process of getting gastric bypass surgery. Things are starting to move along more quickly now it seems, so I want to have all my ducks in a row. I have pretty bad osteoarthritis in my knees, and I have been taking the maximum dose of ibuprofen daily for quite a long time. I know that it will be completely prohibited after surgery, and I am in the process of weaning off it now. I know I can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) after the surgery, but it is much less effective for me. I thought before I start my quest to see what else might be out there that works with gastric surgery, I would take advantage of all the experience in this forum, to see what might have worked for others. 

I appreciate any tips you guys can give me :) 

Have you spoken to your surgeon about this?  They might be able to do the sleeve so you can continue with the ibuprofen. 

Actually Monica they are recommending that no one takes nsaids post any wls. 

To the OP - hopefully weight loss will help the pain in your knees.  I have been unable to take any nsaid for years due to kidney issues - and there are times I really miss them.  Tylenol is what I take for osteo and other aches and pains and it seems to work OK.  Hope you get the same results.  I know others on OH who take prescription meds for severe pain and I believe there are options if your pain is chronic and severe other then nsaids

Oh I didn't realize that. My friend who had surgery 3 years ago had the sleeve done because of the NSAIDs she had to take for lupus and other health issues. I really miss my Advil. Tylenol just isn't as effective!

Yes they have changed the recommendation since 3 years ago.

I have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and had the sleeve done in December. The reason for the sleeve vs rny was due to the medications I currently take, and medications I may have to take in the future. I can take tramadol for pain if I need to but since losing 50 lbs my knees don't hurt as much as they used to. Talk to the surgeon about this. Good luck on your journey

I have used tylenol Arthritis for years. I find it helps. I am told I can take up to 4 a day but usually I only take two, one in morning and one at night. I find you need to take them before the pain hits. If you know you are going for a walk or doing something strenuous take it before and it will stop the pain from becoming so bad.

Look into topical (on the skin at the site of the pain) pain relievers.

1 Arnica gel really helps me. Arnica is an herb and the gel is available from most health store, pharmacies and walmart. I find it really helps me and my knees. 

2 You can use any cream with cayenne pepper. Cayenne has a componant called substance P that blocks the pain chemicals sent to the brain by the knee.  Usually found through an herbalist or just google it and make it yourself.

3 You can get a cream called Voltarin that helps with some kinds of pain also available at walmart.

4 There is a prescription topical called pensaid. I have used this one before as well but my skin is so sensitive I had to use another cream as well or I would break out in a rash. You need to see your doctor for this.

5 Hot compresses also help to relieve some pain. This is just not as convenient as you can't just sit with a ho****er bottle on your knee at most workplaces. 

6 Baths with Epson salts are great when you can take the time. 

7 Massage is also helpful to some. 

I don't know enough about you or your pain to make a specific recommendation. Your Doctor, a herbalist, dietitian, holistic practitioner could make a recommendation  specific to you. I just wanted to show you there are options and things you can try before surgery. 

I see you haven't had surgery yet so you may not be aware of this but topical NSAIDS are not allowed either.  You will have to avoid using pennsaid and voltaren post op as both are NSAID based topical creams.  Some centres say it's okay to use in moderation and others say absolutely not at all as NSAIDs are systemic.

You may want to ask your nurse about Kalaya topical --- I've used it pre=op for years and found it better than NSAID topicals. http://www.kalaya.ca/product.php?id=37