Anti-Inflammatory Meds

Hey gang, almost 10 months post-op (gastric bypass) and down about 220#. Still having problems with my pain in my knees though, except if taking arthritis meds. I know we're supposed to avoid taking NSAID's, but my doc told me that as long as I was taking Prevacid, I should be OK. I'd like to try something else for the pain to avoid the risks. Anyone have any suggestions of relief that are tolerated by post-ops would be appreciate. Thanks. John

Hey John... this is a good question, WE had a support froup meeting that, one of our reaaly good surgeons popped into, and we got to grill him on some questions....and we really pinned him down hard on the question of anti-inflamitories..... this is what he siad....if you are prone to stomach ulcers prior to Gastric, you are still prone to stomach ulcers....and you should stay away from them If you have not had a historical problem of ulcers, you will be fine..... I know that my surgeon gave me liquid ibuprophen on day 2 in the hospital, for pain...(advil, motrin, ibprophen) all the same thing...the kids liqud ibprophen generic, does things for me that narcotics have never done...it is my wepon of choice... So, especially if you are on Previcid....you may find some releif with the Nsaids.... as for alternate therapies....ice and or heat....which ever does you good...the are the old fashion treatment, and we never think of them.... Hope this helps a little Russ

Thanks Russ, never had a problem with ulcers before and I have been taken my NSAID (Indomethacin) for about 10 years. Does the trick for me, just dont want to create any problems. Take care. John

Hi John, one you can try is Celebrex. It's expensive but gives me some pain relief. I can tell you, however, that nothing works better for me than steroids. Is your pain daily or does it come and go. You may want to look into getting a cortisone shot or getting a prednisone dose pack. I have two torn tendons in my foot/ankle and nothing works other than that for swelling and pain. For six weeks, though, I thought the pain was from arthritis. The other thing that helps is swimming for exercise. Something about strengthening the area without stressing the joints. Hope this helps. Greg

I understand that Coenzyme Q10 (and maybe Glucosamine) don't work for some people unless they take 3-6 times the recommended dosage. Definitely though, please research that before trying it! Dave

i have also been on indocin for 10 years, but never a gastric problem, so dr oked me for reduced dose with food for a recent gout flame up!! ouch!! so good luck and hang in there! phil