Well, I'll tell you what....I'm 10 weeks out now, and as of April 15th, the pain was so bad that I was using a walker at night to get from the bedroom to the bathroom quickly enough not to have an accident.  I had asked for and gotten a prescription for a generic "Norco" which has more hydrocodone in it but less tylenol, so I wouldn't worry so much about acetaminophin toxicity.  Anyway, on the Wednesday of the 15th, I had just left the Spine Center at University Hospital in tears, because the physiatrist (rehab specialist MD) had just told me that he didn't think that physical therapy would do me much good, and the same for chiropractic, and he wouldn't order any other kind of pain medication because due to the RNY it could cause constipation and other problems, and when I burst into tears and asked him what to do about the pain, he told me to see a "pain psychologist".  I absolutely could not believe it.  He also said he didn't think I was a candidate for the new X-Stop procedure, a minimally invasive surgical procedure done under local anesthesia where they insert spacers between the "fins" on the back of your vertebrae, thus forcing your lower spine to bend a little forward instead of allowing it to arch back, therefore lessening the narrowing of your spinal canal and taking pressure off the nerves to your legs.  My 6-week post-op appointment with my WLS surgeon was right after that, and I walked into his office crying in pain and frustration.... he immediately put me in a room and asked me what was wrong, and got me the name of two back specialists that he works with.... I was lucky to get in to see them two days later.  They looked at my MRI and X-Rays, and laid out a plan of action for me, which was just what I needed.  Epidural pain shot first.... if it worked, then physical therapy for a few weeks (to be continued either at home or at a gym), then waiting 6 months to see what the weight loss does to the pain levels before we decided on doing the X-Stop, which they DO think I am a candidate for.  I had the pain shots two weeks ago, and within 24 hours, I went from a pain level of 10, down to a 1..... I couldn't believe it.  I am not in any significan pain right now, and while visiting with my daughter for the past two weeks, have gone to the gym with her nearly every morning and done cardio for half an hour, and have now begun strength training!!!  I am a happy camper, and wondering WHY I ever waited so long.  The shots weren't so bad at all!! 

Recumbent bike - yes!  It's nice to be able to move and strengthen those muscles that stabilize the knees without actually putting much weight on them.  It feels a lot better when I make myself get on my recumbent bike.

Good luck (I wish I had a pool close by too - that would feel so good!)

I'm not sure, but I think all inflammatories are probably NSAIDS.  That said, my "treatment" for pain relief in my severely arthritic knees is the generic for Arthritis strenth Tylenol.  I can definitely tell when the 6 to 8 hour dose has expired - so I know it's helping for pain relief.  I am hoping as more weight comes off I will not have to have it 3 times a day (maximum dosage) like I do now - but I will probably end up having knee replacement surgery when I get to a good weight for that surgery.

I used to take Tramadol (for sleep and depression/anxiety) but I had the doc take me off of it about a year or two ago.  I didn't like the withdrawal feeling it gave me when I didn't take it for a couple of days - that was scary.  I now take Cymbalta and Lexapro.  The Cymbalta is supposed to help not only depression but also help with pain relief too.  I am finding I'm no worse without my NSAID anti-inflammatory - and the weight loss is helping me move and walk more.

Good luck!

Been diagnosed with RA and my doc has me on methotrexate, folic acid and prednisone and I have no energy at all. Researching the RealizeBand but don't know how to go about getting approved for the  procedure, any help would be appreciated.

I have osteo arthritis in both knees. I was having trouble walking one block. I had RNY Wls surgery about 3 months ago. It has changed my life. I walk everywhere, and didnt need a cortisone shot just to go to work for the first time in about 5 years.

My doctor said I may still need surgery, but not for now. It was worth it!!! Keep pushing forward and stay positive. Do your homework and listen to your doctors.
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