I urge you to go see your PCP for tests too.  You might want to "take notes" before you do of your own observations on pain, time of day, activities, etc. Two types of arthritis; Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. "Osto" is a degenertive disease of the cartalige between joints and causes bone on bone friction, hence inflamation, pain and more degeneration. "RA" is a chronic disease of joints that causes stiffness, swelling, weakness, loss of mobility, and leads to damage and eventual destruction of the joints.

I also have no cartilage left.  I have taken the shots in both knees and the infections were absolutely painless for me.  I had immediate relief that day, but did find some soreness beginning to return in about a week.  I take a series every 6 months (as often as allowed by insurance).  Once I get my weight down, I will have bilateral knee replacements.  Good luck to you.

Janet, I too had lots of back pain after surgery.  I still have it if I sit very long.  I too was told it was due to my rapid weight loss. The rheumotologist said that once I stabilize my weight I should adjust accordingly.  Her thought was that I didn't put the weight on as quickly as it was coming off, so my body and especially my back was compensating and trying to find its center of gravity.  As far as meds go, I don't think my pain was as bad.  My rheumy diagnosed me with fibro and gave me flexiril, tylemol 3. and tramadol. That works ok, but the real helper is the lidoderm patches that I apply to where it hurts.  I can use three a day. I wish I had more help.  I really think the patches are great, and maybe you could try the patches that contain the narcotics since your pain is so bad.  Kim M.

Hi all, I am 6 months out, I have lost 146# total (pre op 44#). I have had OA and DJD for 9 years or more. I was DX'd with arthritis at the age of 4 in both knees.  I was told in Sept 2005 by my ortho that I would be in a wheelchair in the next year IF I didnt get the weight off. I had RNY on 11/29/06-and in Feb of this year-I started having the worst back pain-originally I was told it was due to the rapid weight loss and how my body was realigning itself. I went back to my ortho (who thank goodness has been my doc for 9 yrs and knows me and my tolerance for pain) he ordered an MRI-He then DX'd me with DDD. I have 4 disingrated discs, 2 herniated discs and I have 2 liquid filled cysts on my spine. I have just undergone my 3rd and last epidural on Weds-and I am wondering IF some kind of medication will work BEFORE I have the surgery they are recommending. I would like to be one year post op before having surgery-but I live on Vicodin, Percocet and Flexiril and believe it or not, they do not work to control the pain-does anyone have any other suggestions or similiar story? I was told that because of the weight loss-I have taken padding from around the area and that is why I am having all the pain now-ANYONE? I would love to hear from you and what you do to control your pain....I do not want to just lie around because I feel so much better now-but I just cant do much. I do have an inground pool and will be in every day (weather permitting) in the next 2 weeks or so.  Thanks in advance, for any suggestions you can give me.  Love and Prayers, Janet

I don't know if you found relief yet, but wanted to let you know that you can take MOBIC for arthritis pain as long as you also take an antagonist against ulcers such as Nexium, Pepcid, etc. I do use Mobic every day. I alsoI take Protonix which is similar to the Nexium, Pepcid I mentioned.  which I think is only a prescription med, but it has helped me for 2 years and no sign of ulcer--knock on wood. Take care. Karen