Pre-op saying goodbye to nsaids in 2 weeks!

Hi all!! Glad I found this forum! I am having my surgery, RNY-November 28th. I have been on Diclofenec for about a year-for foot pain. Well-this past year I started noticing some knee pain and it has increased over the year. I went and saw my doctor and he said he is pretty sure I have two very bad knees with arthritis. I hadn't noticed as much-because I have consistently just taken my nsaids this past year. This past month I thought I should get a jump start and start weening myself from the meds. Uh oh! PAIN! Hot knees, clicking and hurting. I have the same symptoms as many of you noted. Waking up at night because shifting can hurt. Needless to say-I went back on them. But-in two weeks I have to go off them for sure-because that is a rule at the bariatric center that you go off nsaids and birth control 2 weeks before your surgery date. EEEK! I am scared. Sigh. My doctor gave me some vicodin w/tylenol. Told me to use extra strength tylenol and then use the vicodin for really bad nights. Of course-I use the vicodin because it helps a LITTLE-but nothing like the nsaids. I guess I just needed to share and say that I am scared too. I know this surgery is the best thing for me and I need to do this for my health. I am reading what you write and trying to learn more about our options to help us through. Thanks for reading! Peace, Therese

Hi there! Have you tried Lidoderm patches?  I know that they are not given widely out for arthritis, (in fact, are not really approved for that purpose...yet) but I have found that when those joints get hot and nothing else works, the patches are a lifesaver!  I found this out accidentally, after being perscribed them for back pain, that they didn't help with at all.  I now use them for a neuropathy, but every once and awhile... Good luck!

I've developed bad knees too and just got approved for a knee replacement, which I've decided against for now.  I haven't taken NSAID's since my surgery, well not often anyway.  I do take Tramadol though and it does help a lot.  I didn't know how much until I got off of it for a month, or so.  I also have Fibrmyalgia and I felt like a twisted pretzel until I got back on it.   I'm not allowed Vicodin anymore because I am now an alcoholic since my RNY and man I LOVED that Loritab after my surgery.  I would be careful of the narcotics, especially after your surgery.  They are finding that we a different breed and many go on to another addiction when we don't have food to fall back onto.  Just an FYI... Good luck with your surgery...it's quite a ride. 

I just finished a series of injections call Supartz at my orthopedic physician's office.   It replaces the fluid in the knee until you can have a knee replacement.  While they are not 100% like your old knee, they really help the grinding, grittiness and the pain.  It is a series of 5 injections (1 per week) for 5 weeks.  Truly they do not hurt!!!  The only pain I had was the little "pin *****" when the first put the needle into the skin.  They deaden the knee before doing the injection.  It has given me relief without NASAIDS. 

Going off my arthritis meds is something that has held me back from WLS surgery.  I did have bilateral knee replacement surgery three years ago.  If anybody needs any info on that, feel free to email me. I can tell you, however, that I had to have another surgery (female type) and didn't have notice to go off my nsaids.  I did fine taking them right up until the surgery and immediately after it. Since pills are difficult for post WLS surgery, I'm not sure what happens for people who still need to take their arthritis meds post-op.  Anybody?

Hi Everyone! I am new to OH and just today found this board when I was "wondering" around.  I too am glad I found it as well.  I have Ra and like Therese am worried about going off NSAIDS.  But I also know  that WLS is the absolute right thing for me.  So come whay may, my docs and I will just have to figure something out that works.  I have been looking into the holistic side of treating RA so far I have found some really interesting things regarding RA.  But that is another post. LOL.  I am still pre-op and have 2 nut visits to go and then hopefully have RNY in Oct.   Good luck to all on their WLS journey and their battle with RA! Melissa

Melissa, I chose against having the RNY because I did NOT want to give up NSAIDs---I went with the DS (duodenal switch) instead. I'm over 3 years post-op, and still take NSAIDs almost every day. I love me DS! Check it out---it just might be the best choice for you, too.

Pain medication can cause bleeding, and to avoid complications during operation that is why you where advised to stop taking it. Your surgeon will tell you to avoid eating and drinking within a certain period of time before surgery.