Just found this board....

Hi everybody. Just found this board. I had been having pain in my hips the past couple of months and figured it was my body readjusting from the weight loss. Well got xrays and found out have arthritis in my hips along with my middle and lower back. Doctor prescribed celebrex ( ok'd by surgeon) . Since surgery I haven't had a lot of pain in my back but at night the hips wake me up. Has anyone tried the topical rubs ? Do any of them work ? Just wondering. Sandy

I too have been dianosed with arthritis since WLS. I've tried the creams and don't find any relief from them. My surgeon will not allow the celebrex. I've got an appointment in a couple of weeks with a specialist. i will let you know if I find anything that helps the pain. Ellen

Hi Sandy, Me too friend...I will share my rheumotolgists thoughts after my appt. with you too. There has got to be a solution out there for us! I have not had much luck with rubs and I have tried them all. Hang in there and if celebrex does not work let the Dr. know right away so you can find something that works for you. Warm Regards, Rose C.

Ready.... All of my docs, GI, Rheumatologist, PCP and WL Surgeon all have said the same thing....No NSAIDS, no celebrex, no aspirin....The danger of ulcers with such a small stomach area is not worth the relieve that celebrex provides.... I take tylenol based drugs tramadol or just Tylenol Arthritis, depending on my pain level... Depending what kind of Arthritis you have, there are other treatment options, like Enbrel and Humira, and Remicade...these drugs don't impact your stomach, but since they are all immune system modilators, you need to be monitored for liver and kidney function...These drugs give great relief and help prevent further joint damage if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis orits many cousins.... The Web site for the Arthritis Foundation has lots of good information about treatments, nurtition and alternative therapies...Check it out, Kelly