Hi Clare, I had my RNY in September 2004.  I was on Remicade (& still am) for RA.  I had an infusion about 2-3 weeks before my  RNY surgery but didn't have another infusion until about January or February.  I had NO PROBLEMS.  To control the pain I used liquid hydrocodone until I was able to get back on my Remicade.  Just make sure that you don't go back on Remicade or Methotrexate until you are completely healed.  Remember that the inside healing takes longer than the visable outside.  Don't worry, just go for it.  I did and I am thankful EVERY day. Good luck tomorrow.  You'll do great. Becky Stark

Hi, I have RA so I think I can help you. How come you think you have RA? If you do have RA you will have a great many ways to get a diagnosis if you have not been diagnosed by your doctor. RA is a lot different than OA (osteoarthritis). RA can be proven with a doctors examination of your joints, a history of joint problems, xrays, MRI's, blood tests for inflammation, Rheumatoid factor and several new and interesting blood tests. I encourage you to talk to your doctor to find out if you really have this. There are several new medications out now that can stop the destruction of your joints. I am on Humira (injection), Methotrexate, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, vitamin B. Please investigate online about RA, the symptoms etc. RA is a serious disease, it can cause fatigue, fevers, joint destruction, extreme pain, skin and fingernail problems, cardiac problems, damage to your blood vessels, lungs, kidneys etc!

I know what you mean be trying anything, but I was really disappointed in the shots. I thought they might help a little at least. My Dr. told me it helps some and others it didn't. I guess I was one of the ones it didn't.  I am hoping to have the surgery and lose a hundred lbs. also and hope it helps, because I too want to put it off as long as possible. I hope things get better for you soon and hope you also stay in touch. Amy

I have pain and i am taking arthritis medication but i have no other proof that i have RA. I think i need to show the insurance that i have it because they count it as a co-morbitiy. But do you all think i need to have some kind of test done? did your doctors do tests that show that you have RA?? did you insurance require those results as proof? thanks!

I took Arthrotec and then Diclofenac (generic of the main ingred in Arthrotec) for years for my arthritis.  I also had periodic cortisone shots in both knees for the pain.  My knees are basically bone on bone now and I'm not even 40 yet.  I also have plantar fasciitis in my feet and that is very painful.  I also have degenerative disc disease in my lumbar spine and am supposed to take Ultram for the pain there.  The NSAIDs also helped with that inflammation... Since my surgery (actually about 3 days prior), no NSAIDs due to the risk of ulcer, etc.  And, the arthritis pain was unreal the first couple of months.  I have had some rough financial patches and even the Ultram is a $40 copay on my insurance, so I was using the generic of that (not extended release like the Ultram) which is tramadol for the pain.  It does next to nothing for me unless I take it religiously 3 times a day and I often forget to do so, so I don't get the relief that I might.  Exercise is often tough because of the pain in my knees and back, but I continue to try.  I keep telling myself that with every 10 pounds lost, the pain and trouble is much less.  But, when it hurts, it HURTS!  You just can't get around that, can you?  I had cortisone shots in both knees in October and then again early this month.  My ortho will only do them every 3 mos, so that is my limit on those.  But, they do help make it all a bit more bearable. I've been told that we can NOT take the NSAIDs ever again due to the ulcer risk.  I have heard of folks on OH saying that their pain was soooo bad that their doc decided to let them risk taking the NSAID meds again and see what happened.  I hope to not get to that point.  I know that the exercising helps build up the muscles that surround and support my knees and my spine.  That is very important for me as I know that once those areas are better supported, those other muscles will help carry the load as opposed to my poor knees and spine doing all the work.  I hate to say "work through the pain," but quite often that is where I end up.  I hope that in the long run the muscles will do the job and make up for all this pain in the meanwhile...  I can get around so much better already.....