I don't normally post here, because I have lupus and fibromyalgia, but this can help with arthritis, too.

A week ago, I went for my regular appointment with my rheumy.  I was having very bad pain in my knees (combination of too much weight and SLE), and she gave me a topical med called Voltaren Gel.    I also get Euflexxa injections into my knee joints, but I'm not due for more until July.

She rubbed some on the worst knee, and within minutes...I was WALKING PAIN-FREE!

I have since started walking without my cane (combination of Voltaren and losing 91 pounds!), though I'm still feeling off balance to a degree, but I can manage to walk through the supermarket now with a regular shopping cart.

The great thing about this drug is that I apply it with my hands, and that knocks out the pain in my joints there as well!

Just sharing info that may help; I don't work for the company that makes the stuff!

I also have really bad knees and desparately want to have WL surgery, but I also have Hepatitis C.   Does anyone know of anyone else on this site that has Hep C, and what forum should I use to ask about that?  Thanks for anybody that can help!

When I was trying it, I was told it is absorbed but does not sit on the stomach lining so will not cause ulsers which is why no NSAIDS.  Unfortunately it is not covered by ny insurance so we did not get beyond the free trial but it did help.

You have my sympathy.  I ws in your boat about 1.5 yars ago.  411 lbs and told my knees would not last another 5-6 years and they would not do surgery at that weight.  I had the lap band surgery and have done very well with it.  I am down to about 250 lbs.  I was so afraid of the bypass it was not even an option for me.  I know my family was worried but they started asking questions and were very supportive.

I know for me the "band" rules, were a big help before the surgery.  The biggest help was keeping a food diary.  I found myself not eating thngs because I did not want to write it down.  Even though I knew it was for me and no one else would know weather I wrote it down or not. 

Ther are many sources for the band rules but if you go to the lapband board someone can help you more, I use the ones my Dr. gave me and they ar simple.

1. no carbination
2.  no caffeine
3. a minimum of 64 oz of fluid a day
4. 40-50 g of protien daily
5. no drinking 30 min before, during or 60 min after a meal
6. 3 meals a day
7. protein first.  then one fruit or startch then fill up on veggies
8. remember to put the fork down between bites.  This way you ahve time to sence full.
9.  if you feel hungry drink somthing and wait 20-30 minutes. most adults can't tell the difference between thurst and hunger.
10. only take 30 minutes for eating then stop regardless of how you feel.
11 Chew, chew, chew (this is  very important for banders so things don't gt stuck)
12.  find a support group - overeaters announious, or any WL or health group it is so much easier to do with someone.
13 exercise.  start small even if it i s lifting 1/2 lb weights many times, parking a little further away, taking the long way around if possible.

I am not good at them all.  I started wiht the no carbination and caffeine and 64 oz rule.  It made a great difference.

Hope you find something that helps!!!  PM me if you want to talk further.  I can't help but I am a good listner (or ion this case reader)

 

Michele S.

BCBS.. and Yes I am in the process of appealing.. getting all my Drs. to write letters..I am not giving up this dream! and  I will not be able to take celebrex either..Thanks for all the ideas.. support. I appreciate it!