RNY and Arthritus

I was on Prednisone prior to surgery to help with arthrits. Now , the drug is slowing down my weight loss. NSAIDs are bad. Can anybody recommend something I can talk to the doctor about? John W. York Evansville, IN

Hi Jon, I was just given extra strength tylenol..we will see how it works! I have taken prednisone before for lung infections and boy I hate the stuff (side effects). It was suggested to me today for my arthritis but I refuse to use it. Rose C.

My doctor said I could try Celebrex . I have only been taking it for a couple of weeks. Someone else suggested asking about ultram (sp?) Ask your doctor and get back. I still have pain in my hips. Sandy

Ready, Celebrex is not a good drug for RNY people or banded people because it can lead to ulcers in the stomach and intestines. My Rheumatologist and my GI doc both said I should not take any NSAIDS or asprin products for this reason. I do take Ultram because it is tylenol based....Talk to your DR about stomach issues...The Ultram is doing a good job with all my assorted pains... Kelly

John, You didn't say what kind of Arthritis you have.....I have a form of RA and I take Enbrel...Its an injectable drug and it has made a tremendous difference in my condition. I was wheelchair bound and now I don't even use a cane or walker. I also use cyclosporine and methotrexate....They require a lot of monitoring. I get blood work every six weeks, but I am used to it. I take Ultram or Tramadol for pain only at night now..... Good luck, Kelly

John, or anyone who needs to know. I have RA and was taking methatrexate, my doc has since put me on enbril and told me I could wean myself off of the meth. Which I am only too happy to do. In the last month I have not been sick at all even when my family gets sick....new to me. The last year was the worse health wise I have ever been. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalsia (sp) I take flexeril and tramadol for that. Who ever said their doc gave them tylanol because they were still fat...needs to find a new doctor. Well duh yes we are fat that is why we are going through the process of a life changing operation. It's a no win situation to just let it go....your fat so you need to work out but you can't work out because your in pain constantly. Wow enough said.

I have RA also, although I am not having the surgery until March, I can say that for me Remicade is a lifesaver.  While on Remicade I was able to stop my methotrexate and my prednisone.  I came off of the Remicade when I became pregnant and am waiting until after my surgery before starting back on it.  Best of luck!!!

Hi John, I recently received cortisone injections in both feet since I am only 16 days from my RNY surgery.  I have found it's helping but I don't know how long they will last.   Have you used NSAIDS after WLS?  You mentioned they are "bad".  Can you please tell me what you know or have been told about NSAIDS after WLS? Thank you. Darla Punam