Please help

I am six weeks post op from VSG, weight loss is going well, arthritis control is not.  I am on Remicade with infusions every 6 weeks.  Per my surgeon's orders I cannot take NSAIDS.  My rheumatologist says to take Tylenol, which is worthless.  Has anyone tried any natural remedies or acupuncture?  Or does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?  I have been trying to exercise and the pain is getting too intense.

Hi there. I had a DS done at the end of December. I was also told I could not take NSAIDs. Some doctors say u cant and others say u can if u have the sleeve or DS...its split opinions there. I personally cant cuz it just messes with my stomach. Until I follow up with Rheumy all I have for pain is narcotics. Yes, Tylenol is junk when it comes to our joints. I have fibro too and since surgery I been with ZERO energy so exercise is out of the question. I however, started doing gentle yoga. Its not vigorous that it will exhaust me but enough to stretch out my joints and get some relief. I only do the poses I can tolerate and modify them with pillows where needed. Make sure u have clearance from doc before starting. There's all kinds of videos online and on youtube teaching how to yoga. I even started meditating when the pain is intense and it does help. It very refreshing and liberating! Hope u get some relief soon! :)

I forgot to tell u to look into supplements. Ask your doc if u can take Osteo-Biflex or a supplement with Collagen number 2. I know we already take lots of vits but after a while...what's one more? It becomes like second nature. I'm starting mine next week, hoping it will help!

Hi, I don't have any answers except to say that I've read a lot of conflicting information regarding the use of nsaids after having the sleeve.  Apparently some doctors do allow it.  I'm just completing my 6 month pre-surgery requirements by my insurance company, and expect to have surgery in late April or early May.  Like you I have severe pain from both osteoarthritis and FM, as well as RA.  I am not on any of the new treatments as my rheumatologist thought the risk was a bit high for me as I keep having recurring pneumonia.  I take diclofenac with misoprostol 3 times a day, and also hydrocodon-acetametaphin 3 times a day and still can barely walk only a few steps due to pain.  I weigh 300 and cannot have knee replacement until I lose weight.  It's a Catch 22 for a lot of us, I suppose, but I am very worried about pain management post surgery as I can't imagine functioning at all without the NSAIDS.  I'd appreciate any information you might have about this.  Thank you.

Why don't you try  any joint replacements. there are no. of benefits are there please try this website: Joint replacements

At my 1 mth follow up appt the surgeon said I could go back on the nsaids.  I take Arthrotec...easy on the stomach, as per the rheumy.....it deals with the hip pain.  My should started acting up in Dec & mri shows Osteo/tear/bone spurs...nothing touches this pain.

I just heard that honey mixed with some cinnamon reduces inflammation greatly! I am going to be trying it! I have also heard that honey is a very healing food. Even if one is diabetic it should not hurt you. I believe you can add it to your tea, etc daily! I will post it on here if it works for me. I have arthritis pretty bad with stiffness, etc. It's worth trying!     Ivypie44