Recent Posts
Topic: RE: 41 yo and needing a new hip????
I had a hip replacement at 49 three hrs ago...just wanted to tell you how easy it is! I was so sorry I waited 3 hrs in severe pain that so limited my ability to be active or do much of anything. If you are athletic like I was it'll be a breeze and you will wonder why you waited. Recovery was easy and almost no pain....no nursing home needed if you have someone at your house. I could drive in 2 wks. Don't wait and live with the pain! Good luck!
Topic: RE: Lupus and the lapband
I have Ra and Predizone will put the weight on you for sure !! 100 pounds is great do not be hard on yourself
Topic: RE: Anyone develop arthritis POST surgery as a complication?
I am three years out and have been officially diagnosed with OA. Finally. I have severe hip pain, shoulder and wrist pain. I was told by my rheumatolgist that it is linked to the RNY. I am now able to have some relief of pain, however, for the past two years, I was misdiagnosed. They thought I had lupus, fibromyalgia, or just plain pulled muscles. After being drugged up all the time, I finally threw a fit and got an appointment with a rhematolgist. Since then, my quality of life has been much better.
Topic: RE: RA??
Haven't posted on here for a while.
I have RA and a RNY.
I'm currently on Plaquenil and Humira injections. My Rheumie is about to change my regimen though from the Plaquenil to Methotrexate because I'm having a lot of breakthrough pain between injections of the Humira. Only thing that might get in the way are nodules that I have in my lungs. I have to have them scanned first to see if the Humira is shrinking them, if they are...they are definitely RA related and the Methotrexate will be good. If they are unchanged, I may not be able to take the Methotrexate.
Go back to your Rheumatologist, there are many options. Plaquenil is usually the first choice but other medications can be added along with it such as injections to help with the pain and stiffness. Humira has been great for me and after getting past the first couple of injections, it's a breeze now giving them to myself.
I have RA and a RNY.
I'm currently on Plaquenil and Humira injections. My Rheumie is about to change my regimen though from the Plaquenil to Methotrexate because I'm having a lot of breakthrough pain between injections of the Humira. Only thing that might get in the way are nodules that I have in my lungs. I have to have them scanned first to see if the Humira is shrinking them, if they are...they are definitely RA related and the Methotrexate will be good. If they are unchanged, I may not be able to take the Methotrexate.
Go back to your Rheumatologist, there are many options. Plaquenil is usually the first choice but other medications can be added along with it such as injections to help with the pain and stiffness. Humira has been great for me and after getting past the first couple of injections, it's a breeze now giving them to myself.
Topic: RE: Vimovo and Cymbalta for Arthritis
Hi, Amy. Thanks for the information about the meds. I will discuss this with my surgeon then PCP. I have awful arthritis in both knees. I recently was in such good pain control with 2 Aleve twice a day and 1 baby aspirin daily (well, I started the aspirin at the recommendation of my cardiologist - who knew?!). As soon as I had a good 3 weeks of minimal pain, it was time to stop the meds - 7 days prior to my VSG. I was told by my nurse practitioner that I may not be able to return to the aspirin and NSAIDs because it places VSG patients at increased risk for ulcers, even in the long term. This post gives me some hope.
Congrats on getting an approval for your VSG. I had my VSG 6 days ago.
Sheryl
Congrats on getting an approval for your VSG. I had my VSG 6 days ago.
Sheryl
Topic: RE: RA??
Hello,
Lurker here, but I read your post and I had to register and reply.
I've had RA for going on to 15 yrs now. RA is a serious auto immune diease that is progressive if not treated. It can effect many parts of your body, not just your joints. But your heart, your eyes, your nerves and blood vessels etc, etc.
Yes, there are side effects to some of the drugs. But most people tolerate them well. I've been on plauquenil, methotrexate, predisone, Enbrel and now, Remicade.
IMO, predisone is the worst of the lot. However sometimes we need it to knock out a flare or the keep the RA under control.
You really should give the methotrexate a chance. Most people do tolerate it just fine and it could put you in remission. If it isn't enough I would also talk to your rheumatologist about a biologic as well. The best course of treatment for RA is fast aggressive EARLY treatment!
I understand the pain you are in. For the most part, I do GREAT! But right now I am in a major flare, because I had to stop my RA meds a month before and after my sleeve surgery. So my RA is kicking my butt big time right now. My hands hurt, my shoulder is KILLING me, as is both knees and my neck is stiff. So I understand...
But please, don't mess around with RA. You could end up with deformed joints in a short amount of time. And what they say is true. Once your joints are gone, they're gone!!
OH, when I went on Enbrel, the difference was amazing. I first noticed, I had more energy!!! I just started feeling better. Then I realized my hands didn't hurt like they used to. The difference was PROFOUND.
So please, I hope you get help for your RA. It is nothing like Osteoarthritis....NOTHING. So I hope you see a rheumatologist for it and you get the meds you need.
GOOD LUCK!
Lurker here, but I read your post and I had to register and reply.
I've had RA for going on to 15 yrs now. RA is a serious auto immune diease that is progressive if not treated. It can effect many parts of your body, not just your joints. But your heart, your eyes, your nerves and blood vessels etc, etc.
Yes, there are side effects to some of the drugs. But most people tolerate them well. I've been on plauquenil, methotrexate, predisone, Enbrel and now, Remicade.
IMO, predisone is the worst of the lot. However sometimes we need it to knock out a flare or the keep the RA under control.
You really should give the methotrexate a chance. Most people do tolerate it just fine and it could put you in remission. If it isn't enough I would also talk to your rheumatologist about a biologic as well. The best course of treatment for RA is fast aggressive EARLY treatment!
I understand the pain you are in. For the most part, I do GREAT! But right now I am in a major flare, because I had to stop my RA meds a month before and after my sleeve surgery. So my RA is kicking my butt big time right now. My hands hurt, my shoulder is KILLING me, as is both knees and my neck is stiff. So I understand...
But please, don't mess around with RA. You could end up with deformed joints in a short amount of time. And what they say is true. Once your joints are gone, they're gone!!
OH, when I went on Enbrel, the difference was amazing. I first noticed, I had more energy!!! I just started feeling better. Then I realized my hands didn't hurt like they used to. The difference was PROFOUND.
So please, I hope you get help for your RA. It is nothing like Osteoarthritis....NOTHING. So I hope you see a rheumatologist for it and you get the meds you need.
GOOD LUCK!
Topic: RE: Anyone develop arthritis POST surgery as a complication?
Hi, I had RNY on Sept 25/11 and 6 days later I had gout so bad in my ankles that I couldn't walk. Prior to surgery I only ever had a flare up in my left big toe joint and that happened once or twice a year. Surgeon said I could take Colchicine but no NSAIDs or topical NSAID rubs (Voltaren). I have been having attacks weekly since surgery. I take the Colchicine until the pain is gone; usually 5-7 days of meds and then within 5 days the pain is back. Colchicine is a terrible med as it causes diarreha which then dehydrates you and lowers your electrolytes. My GP was reluctant to prescribe Allopurinol but did so on my surgeon's recommendation. I have been taking 100mg (dosage is way too low according to my pharmacist) of Allopurinol for 4 days and I woke up this morning with gout pain again in both my ankles. I started another round of Colchicine this morning 
I thought having WLS would have eliminated these issues and I would be on the road to a healthier pain free life BUT so far I've had nothing but horrible pain and discomfort. I would love to hear from others who are suffering with gout pain post-op with hopes that we could give each other answers and support.
I thought having WLS would have eliminated these issues and I would be on the road to a healthier pain free life BUT so far I've had nothing but horrible pain and discomfort. I would love to hear from others who are suffering with gout pain post-op with hopes that we could give each other answers and support.
Topic: Having my knee replaced
Hi
I was wondering if anyone could share with me their experience. I am 56, I have lymphedema in my left leg so the right knee will be first and if that works without too many problems I will get my left. I am still overweight having lost 200 lbs but still have over 100 to lose. The surgeon feels that this is the only way that I will be able to get on with my journey. Both of my knees are bone on bone. I can't walk any further than 100 feet.
Would anyone be willing to share their experience, mostly rehab. The good the bad and the ugly is appreciated I want the whole story.
My e-mail address is [email protected]
I have been a part of the OH family for over 5 years and I know that this is where I can come to get help
Thanks.
Jeanne
I was wondering if anyone could share with me their experience. I am 56, I have lymphedema in my left leg so the right knee will be first and if that works without too many problems I will get my left. I am still overweight having lost 200 lbs but still have over 100 to lose. The surgeon feels that this is the only way that I will be able to get on with my journey. Both of my knees are bone on bone. I can't walk any further than 100 feet.
Would anyone be willing to share their experience, mostly rehab. The good the bad and the ugly is appreciated I want the whole story.
My e-mail address is [email protected]
I have been a part of the OH family for over 5 years and I know that this is where I can come to get help
Thanks.
Jeanne
Topic: Lupus and the lapband
was wondering if anyone had experience with the lapband and lupus? I had a lapband placed 2.5 years ago and did very welll with it. I lost 100lbs. In April I got really sick and in June I was diagnosed with lupus. My stomache swelled up and I couldnt eat so I had to have my band completely unfilled. My bariatric surgeon says the band has to be removed and I could revise to another surgery. I really am sad about it, I have gained 22 lbs since I believe that a lot of the gain is from the prednisone 40mgs and my face looks like a balloon!!! I feel like such a failure and all my hard work is going down the drain :(
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jen
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jen
lapband in 2008 at 298lbs , lowest weight was 183lbs , Band almost killed me and removed in 2011. No revison because to much damage for revision.
Anti Lap-band advocate!
Topic: RE: RA??
My rheumie told me she wouldn't put me on Plaquenil unless I was pregnant and still having flares because it just doesn't work that great for most people unless their symptoms are pretty mild. I've been on prednisone for the last few weeks (officially diagnosed with RA last week) and will be starting the methotrexate this week. Kinda bummed cause hubby and I wanted to start trying for a baby at the beginning of the year but I guess it will have to wait...
Also, from my research, there's no definite link between cancer and biologics since people with autoimmune issues are already at an increased risk of cancer because of the autoimmune crap. Too difficult to tell what actually caused it and the rate of cancer in people taking DMARDs and biologics wasn't particularly higher than those not on those drugs.
Also, from my research, there's no definite link between cancer and biologics since people with autoimmune issues are already at an increased risk of cancer because of the autoimmune crap. Too difficult to tell what actually caused it and the rate of cancer in people taking DMARDs and biologics wasn't particularly higher than those not on those drugs.
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