Yes,  it is---and it's one that should cause you to very carefully consider which form of WLS is right for you. Post-op RNY patients frequently aren't allowed to take NSAIDs, and for me, that's the only thing that helps my arthritis pain.That's one of the reasons I chose the DS (duodenal switch) instead. (There were many others as well.)

I, too, have gained a substantial amount of weight because of steroids.  I was diagnosed with RA a year and a half ago.  I finally found a treatment that is tremendously successful, and now I take no more steroids.  I did lots of research on Minocin therapy.  Minocin is a simple antibiotic.  I read the book "The arthritis breakthrough" by Dr. Thomas McPHerson Brown.   It has been nothing less than a miracle.  I am off all other meds entirely, and am looking forward to WLS to help me lose this weight that was gained due to previous treatment. Good Luck,   Deb

Hi Charlotte, I have RA flare up in my big toes occassionally.  Its the worst pain.  Not at the point to need surgery, just wanted to send (((hugs))) to you and say your not alone.  Hang in there and I hope you get some more helpful advice. Have a great weekend!! Melissa

Hey Loretta, I have RA and I take Methotrexate.  I take 15mg a week via pill form.  The pill form of Methotrexate is called Trexall which is what I take.  Anyway it does have some horrible possible side effects, it is a chemotherapy drug; but for that is used in massive doses.  Anyway, I have been on it for about 3 years now.  In the begining it made me very ill.  Headaches, GI issues, hair thinning  etc..... the nausea was terrible.  My doctor told me to take it at night so that I could sleep through the worst of it.  She also perscribes Folic Acid to help with the side effects as well.  I am going back to the injections after my RNY surgery in Oct, it does not have the same effect on me and it bypass your stomach that way.  I have never gotten ill on the injection.  It does surpress your immune system so be careful of that too.  And it is a MUST to get labs done, due to those lovely possible side effects. Good luck to you!   Melissa

Wow, what an impressive testimony.  I never had any thought about it being viral.  I will research that further.  So happy for your excellent results. Kim M.