Anna,

You are so spot on.  I was in the hospital for 4 days (waiting for a bed at the rehab), spent 7 days in rehab and I am now home having in house rehab for about 2 weeks.  I will then get released from the surgeon and then start out patient.  I plan on going back to work at 7 weeks.  I am so sorry I didn't do this 10 years ago. 

Jeanne

 I'm new to this board and very hopeful that your surgery went well.  I am 41, mom of 3, relatively healthy with 60 pounds to lose and a BMI of 33. However, I too have severe RA throughout most of my body but am not medicated for it except for corticosteroid injections in my facets and si joints and 15mg of maximum dosage antiinflammatory for the past 5 years.  I'm hoping that my healing is not too slow that it causes problems or my stomach too deteriorated to hold the sleeve. Please let me know how your success has been and what the true recovery was like with a lowered immune system from the steroids. Thank you

My Dr allowed me to swallow it 3 weeks after my surgery. Only the one med. Other meds I still took as a liquid. The problem is that they worry that the shell of the capsule won't fit through the opening to the stomach, if it gets stuck they may have to go in and get it out. But I didn't have any problems. Celebrex is allowed for this surgery and I don't have to stop it prior to any surgery I have had. It is the only NSAID that does not cause the stomach issues that other do.

Hi there

I was told by a surgeon that it was ok to take NSAID's as long as you take an acid reducer for the stomach. I did this for a few years but this past Oct I had a very bad kidney infection and was hospitalized for 8 days. The internal medicine guy said no more NSAID's as the kidney does not filter them well

 I had my left knee replaced Jan 2009. It was horrible no doubt about it. Unfortunately the anesthesia caused heart palpatations and while dealing with that they forgot about my knee. I weighed 250 at the time with many other joints weak and degenerated. Also have fibromyalgia. I have been taking celebrex for years now and never stopped when I had my BPD in April 2010. The one thing I tell everyone that makes all the difference is this: Do NOT go straight home after the replacement surgery. I had it all planned out and had a room waiting for me at an in-patient rehab clinic. After being in the hospital for 4 days I then went to the clinic and was there for 4 weeks. And thank God because my knee had frozen due to staying in one place too long and it was a long haul getting it going again. 6 days a week, you get up, have breakfast, take a shower, get dressed and go off to PT. All that happens with Occupational Therapy help. PT lasts till lunch, back to your room, then they had me take a 2 hour nap. 3pm back to PT until dinner at 5. Then dinner, jammies and for me bed! Not much time for visitors, they keep you comfortable with whatever pain meds are needed, they keep an eye on infection, and you are sure to be eating healthy. Once I came home I had continued pt for 2 more months. I'm sure your thinking this broad is crazy but let me tell you. NO ONE can tell I have an artificial knee. No problems, pains, limps, crutches, canes or anything else. NONE. I have had 15 orthopedic surgeries and my next one is the shoulder. I wouldn't do it any other way, ever. Health insurance paid the whole thing.