Recent Posts

LaughingCow
on 10/24/11 5:27 am - VA
VSG on 02/01/12 with
Topic: Vimovo and Cymbalta for Arthritis
I just started this combination and I can't tell you how happy I am with it.  I stood through all four songs during the church service on Sunday.  Can't remember the last time I did that!

The Vimovo has Naproxin (NSAID) and Nexium (acid reflux med) in it, so not an option for everybody.  But to be honest, I think the Cymbalta is what is really making the difference b/c I haven't gotten that much relieve from Naproxin in the past. 

Cymbalta has only relatively recently been approved for use for chronic pain and arthritis. It has helped more than anything I've taken except narcotics. I wanted to mention it b/c I know a lot of people can't take NSAIDS and if you can get some relief from Cymbalta it's a good option. 
Amy
VSG on 2/1/12 with Dr. Halmi
Andy Lafferty
on 10/18/11 12:33 pm - Baltimore, MD
Topic: Naproxen Sodium popper
 Ok, I take 6 to 12  Naproxen Sodium (220mg) caps. (bitten in half) a day.  My question is : Is that safe and what is the max dose I should take.
 My knees are pretty much shot, bone on bone and i've had 6Synvisc injections in my right knee(which aren't helping)  and 3 in my left. Gearing up for another 3 in the left and a cortisone shot in my right knee near Thanksgiving.

Feedback is welcome.

-Andy
The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

        
Mary V.
on 10/15/11 11:05 am
RNY on 04/26/11 with
Topic: My effin back!
Hi everyone,

Have a question I have been terrified to ask because I am scared to know the answer. I have been working hard at my weight loss, eating right, exercise, doing p.t.. Then I got this awful pain in my back on the right side like someone was stabbing me through my shoulder blade. I saw my physical therapist and told her, and also spoke with the main medical office where she is. They both suggested that if it bothered me that much to go to the E.R.. So i did. I thought here goes my gallbladder or muscle strain or something. I was told I have spinal compression and compression fractures in some of my vertebrae. I have had arthritis in my spine for 25 years but never any fractures. This is new to me in the last month. I get to see the orthopedist on the 24th which isn't bloody soon enough. I hate the narcotics but don't mind the lidocaine patches as they get nice and warm. Any one else get spontaneous fractures post op? I am about 5.5 months out. I take calcium, D, B12, multi, and iron.

Thanks for listening,


Mary

Laugh out loud...it does a body good   
SassySenior
on 10/14/11 10:03 pm - DALLAS, TX
Topic: Sassy Senior Newbie from Dallas, TX
I am 65, and at high risk with a high BMI  & co-morbidities, lincluding Diabetes and Arthritis. I have been studying wls for 10 years. I have Medicare now and can get the surgery. I'm going with the Lap Band. I'm on the pre-op diet, and have lost 25 pounds in 3 months.

I live in Dallas and have chosen the best surgeon in the Southwest, but I am thinking of changing because his office is quite far away. So now I'm looking for the 2nd best surgeon. I'm a member of at least 5 groups to get a balanced view. They range from gastric bypass to lap-band to hard core fanatics who hate the surgeries and have had horrible experiences. I have a lot of links and information for anyone who wants it.

I would love to hear from anyone who can relate to me.
jlh1962
on 10/13/11 11:15 am - OAKWOOD, OH
Topic: RE: 2 new knees!!!
 The norm for surgery use to be '62'..because the replacement knee would not last long. Now replacement knees are lasting longer and surgeons are able to do another replacement if needed in 30 years.
40's is not too young to have surgery. I've needed surgery since '08 when I had the arthroscopy done and microfracture. Celebrex, Neurotin and Zanaflex are wonderful combo meds to take for pain relief. Ice and Bio-Freeze or 'Stop Pain' are great for short time relief.
Hope this helps.
jlh1962
on 10/13/11 11:07 am - OAKWOOD, OH
Topic: RE: knee replacement
 Ms Batt, I'm not sure you want to wait too long to get your surgery, especially if you're already bone on bone. The longer you wait, you are wearing down your bones...and you want a good fit when you get the replacement...and if your bone is worn...this isn't going to be a 'good' fit. Hope this makes sense for you. I'm 48 and I need both of mine replaced but am waiting for after WLS because it will be easier for the surgeon and for me when I have to do PT.
All in all, it is a one's personal choice.
jlh1962
on 10/13/11 10:55 am - OAKWOOD, OH
Topic: RE: Celebrex- I miss it!
Celebrex is more effective than  Arthotec; however, Arhtotec is coated to be easier than Celebrex on your stomach...Although.....Celebrex is suppose to be easy on your stomach to begin with!~ :))
I take Previcid/Prilosec or Nexium anytime I take any kind of anti-infammatory.
Everyone is different and I hope this helps.
I come from a family of OA, RA and just plain ole 'bad bones'!~ Knees...hips...shoulder...~~
jlh1962
on 10/13/11 10:43 am - OAKWOOD, OH
Topic: RE: What else can I take for my knee
 I need total replacement of both of my knees; however, I've opted for the WLS first.
My PCP put me on a combination of meds:
Neurotin 3 x daily
Cymbalta 60 mg a.m./30 mg p.m.
Zanaflex at night
Celebrex a.m.
The above meds have done wonders. I am bone on bone and my knees can hurt w/o being on them, as my job is 75 % or less sitting.
I still have bad days that my knee(s) will just go 'out' and it is very painful. I have found icing them down gives much needed relief when the pain is severe.
Also, another alternative is an over-the-counter spray called "Stop Pain". It works just as well as Bio-Freeze. 
I was also told to strengthen the muscles around the knees and above to relieve pain.
I hope this helps someone! 
I found out today that I am approved by my insurance for surgery and scheduled December 13th...my birthday~ :) for surgery.


Purple Passion
on 10/12/11 12:48 am - Little Falls, NJ
Topic: RE: 2 new knees!!!
If a surgeon is telling you that you are too young, find another surgeon.  I was told I was too young (I'm 47) even though my knees were bone on bone.  I finally had both my knees replaced on 9/23.  I'm still in recovery, so I'm not walking around so great yet, but I'm getting there.

Rachelle
Looking for a possible revision.
257/190/150 

Tammy G.
on 10/6/11 2:49 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
Topic: RE: RA??
You probably should try to avoid the biologics until something with less risk comes along if your family is predisposed to cancer. I would ask about the methotrexate. Arava is another you might try. There are also some foods that help with inflammation, like Tumeric. Have you had your sed rate tested lately? It should ideally be under 20. Also get your C Reactive Protein checked...if it is high it means your body is full of inflammation that could cause heart problems. See if you are able to take Celebrex--it will help with the stiffness. If you are able, water exercise in a warm pool is amazing. Again, good luck!

Distal RNY 6/11 SW 456  CW 311 Complications: Small bowel strangulation 12/23/2012, non healing surgical incision--ongoing.  Still.
  

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