Recent Posts
Topic: VSG,Nsaids, Medicare
It seems to me that VSG is the best option for people like me with Arthritis that are taking Nsaids and other Arthritis meds, like Methotrexate, Humira and the like. It's hard to understand why Medicare wont cover this procedure. I've heard that they are going to make a revision to the policy now that VSG has it's own CPT Code (43775). Anyone got any news on this? I want to get this weight off of me so badly but RNY seems like it might be a ticket to the pain train since no Nsaids are allowed. I tried contacting Medicare and the rep was only able to tell me what I already knew, that they didn't cover it... duh! So if anyone has had any positive results getting VSG covered with medicare I would love to know how you made it happen. I feel like it's medically necessary for me... I have a consult scheduled with my WLS Dr. on the 12th to see if I can work around this somehow. I've considered WLS for 2 years now and without a lot of hope until I read about the VSG procedure. It seems like the perfect solution for someone in my situation, obese and arthritic.
Topic: RE: Anyone take Simponi?
Hi, I was part of the clinical trial for what is now called Simponi (golimumab). I have Psoriatic Arthritis. I was recommended to the trial by my rheumatologist before I was approved for medicare because nothing else was working. Because it was a double blind study we were not told if we actually received the drug, but I could tell the difference right away, however, it only lasted about 2 weeks before the pain came back. Later, after I got on Medicare I was able to get on Humira and they started me off on 1 injection every other week with methotrexate, which made me very nauseated. Finally I was put on Humira, one 40mg injection once per week and that worked very well. This was my experience and of course everyone is different and needs to find what works best for them. Happy to share my own experience though. Good luck.
Tzailotte
on 12/31/09 7:06 am
on 12/31/09 7:06 am
Topic: Reiters = Band Revision?
I have had my band for 2 years and have had probably 8 unfills due to swelling from Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis). Humira was just starting to get it under control and then cancer hit so I can't take it anymore. I am considering a revision to the Sleeve so that fills/unfills won't be a casualty of my arthritis flares. Anybody with similar band issues that know about revisions?
Topic: RE: Anti-inflammatories After WLS
I don't think I qualify for the DS. It may be too radical as I am bearly 40 BMI. I need the surgery. Options??????????????? thanks
Janice
If you qualify for WLS, you qualify for the DS. Come on over to the DS board and do some reading, ask some questions, etc. You might also want to look into the Sleeve/VSG---it's the stomach portion of the DS, and you can take NSAIDs with it, too.
On December 31, 2009 at 10:31 AM Pacific Time, ramone wrote:
Oh yikes, this is news to me. Arthritis runs in my family big time--chronic debilitating pain and disability in the older generation. My aunt is in so much pain she occassionally calls for an ambulance to take her to the emergency room because the pain is unbearable. My Dad died from pulmonary embolism after being bed ridden with arthritic back pain (long story). My aunt was getting some kind of shots but they are giving her cataracts now.I don't think I qualify for the DS. It may be too radical as I am bearly 40 BMI. I need the surgery. Options??????????????? thanks
Janice
Topic: RE: Anti-inflammatories After WLS
Oh yikes, this is news to me. Arthritis runs in my family big time--chronic debilitating pain and disability in the older generation. My aunt is in so much pain she occassionally calls for an ambulance to take her to the emergency room because the pain is unbearable. My Dad died from pulmonary embolism after being bed ridden with arthritic back pain (long story). My aunt was getting some kind of shots but they are giving her cataracts now.
I don't think I qualify for the DS. It may be too radical as I am bearly 40 BMI. I need the surgery. Options??????????????? thanks
Janice
I don't think I qualify for the DS. It may be too radical as I am bearly 40 BMI. I need the surgery. Options??????????????? thanks
Janice
Topic: RE: knee issues
I'm having knee problems as well. I thought that once I got a lot of the weight off that it would relieve the knee pain. Unfortunately even after having lost a 100 lbs I still have the excruiating pain. Rheumie said that it's due to inflammation and upped my celebrex--to no avail. I do not agree with her analysis and I'm considering seeing an ortho doc.
Just wanted to give my two cents and get anyone elses thoughts.
Marie
Just wanted to give my two cents and get anyone elses thoughts.
Marie
Topic: Anyone take Simponi?
I just saw a commercial on tv for Simponi for RA. It is a once per month drug. I was wondering if anyone uses it or heard anything about it. Thanks
Topic: RE: Wit's end
I am revision from lap band to sleeve-Weight loss includes preop.
Can you take steroids or steroid shots to the knees? Those might help - I do both. Oral steroids and shots in the knees. Also, SynVisc or OrthVisc- these shots replace/mimic snyovial fluid and reduce pain of bone against bone.
I am revision from lap band to sleeve-Weight loss includes preop.
Topic: RE: arthritis and artificial sweeteners....
joanie r.
Don't know if artificial sweeteners have affected my arthritis, but I do know Aspartame turns into formaldehyde in the body. I stay away from it. I have started using Stevia and it tastes and works much better. I even bake with it.
Apparently, Aspartame is banned in Japan and 40% use Stevia as a sweetener. It's completely natural.
I am happy with Lidocaine patches. They have helped stop the pain on the joint where they are placed.
Apparently, Aspartame is banned in Japan and 40% use Stevia as a sweetener. It's completely natural.
I am happy with Lidocaine patches. They have helped stop the pain on the joint where they are placed.
joanie r. Topic: RE: knee issues
I'm in the middle of a series of synvisc shots right now...time will tell if they hel*****t!
Most Active
Recent Topics
