Using Anti-inflamatories

I am 9 mos. post RNY.
The arthritus in one of my knees gives me pain just about all day and is keepng me up at night. I am doing PT. Tylenol doesn't touch it.  I was told we had to stay away from anti-inflamatories such as ibuprophen, aleve, etc.

Does anyone have any experience with this. Are there any precautions I can take if I use them?
Thanks

 I've heard that you may get ulcers if you take them.  The probability is  fairly good which is why all RNY people are warned about it.  

I have a similar problem with arthritis in both legs especially in the knees.  The left knee hurts even if I'm laying down.  I've basically been told to "grin and bear it".  When I had my WLS, RNY was the preferred choice.  If I had another choice, I'd look into WLS that wouldn't affect other meds nor allow other med to affect me.  Aside from the anti-inflamatories, I know that a can't take extended release meds.  Sometimes I have to remind my doctors (specialists) about this.

Thanks for writing. It is interesting.  After I posted my messages I did a search of the site for inflamatories and RNY. There were a number of posts with different uses some meds I am not familar with. One that combines some stomach protection with the anti inflamatory.  I am interested in seeing what others have to say.
Thanks again
Kevin

No personal experience from me, however I ave read posts on the RNY forum from people who have developed real problems using NSAIDS. If you haven't done so, post in that forum and I think you will get some first hand advice. And, yes the problem is that we are prone to ulcers and the NSAIDs will exacerbate that.

My 2 cent over the years on these boards.  The problem really is with your old stomach.  NSAIDS (like Advil and aspirin) effect the lining of the stomach.  Usually we take these things with milk or food to protect the lining.  But with a RNY pouch your stomach is now off to the side.  The juices from the old stomach drain into the intestines but nothing is in there...so the lining can be very sensitive.  NSAIDS go through the bloodstream into the lining.  If you continue to take an NSAID you could develop an ulcer in both the pouch or old stomach.  There is no way for doctors to seach for the ulcer in the old stomach except through exploratory surgery.  There are no test that can look into the old stomach.  If I pull a muscle or the arthritus in my back acts up, I will take 1 ibuprophen...Knowing it could be playing with fire.  When I do take it I can actually feel my old stomach...Pretty creepy/scary.  I also take a baby aspirin for my heart...I've had 2 heart attacks over the years.  My advice (with your eyes wide open)...Use them ( 1 ibuprophen) on a rare occasion.  You might want to look into getting a subscription for Tramadol.  It is where a lot of RNYers turn for major pain.  It is an opiate, but not as addicting as certain other opiates...  

Way before my RNY.. the doc had me on the nsaid Celebrex and then pulled me off of it when I developed unexplained stomach pains. My doc even took me off a topical NSAID  after learning that my podiatrist had prescribed it.

Lucky for me, my arthritis has lessened a lot after weight loss.  But I don't run as a form of exercise. Just bicycle and circuit training.

Good luck.

Ask your doctor about Celebrex. I have a DS, so technically I can take NSAIDs...but motrin makes my stomach upset (too many years of taking 1600 mg a day). My doctor put me on celebrex 3 years ago, and I've taken it ever since.

There is a NSAIDs Gel (forgot the name), but it's expensive, and honestly it made my stomach burn like I just took advil for 3 or 4 days in a row.

Scott

Widely given rules are that ALL forms of NSAIDS are off limits, it is not because of what the pill does sitting in your stomach but how the active ingrediants affect your system in general.  Using a NSAID gel poses as much risk as using a NSAID pill.

Now I have had doctors tell me that Celebrex has a lower likelihood of causing problems in that it is formulated differently to avoid most of the GI problems.  I have also been told by others that short term use in conjunction with a PPI or carafate may help reduce possible GI issues.

This is really a discussion for your Surgeon and maybe a GI who is familar with the RNY to have.

I take Ibuprofen daily, and have done so since my surgery almost 7 years ago.  Right after surgery I was taking 800- 1000 mg's at a time, I am down to 600mg.  All of my doctors are aware and they take extra precautions to keep track of my liver function.  On my side I make sure to take it with enough water to wa**** past my pouch when I take it.  I haven't had any problems to date.  People on the OH forums act like nsaids are a no for everyone - forever.  That is a crock, every treatment has it's risks, you and your Doc need to be aware of the risk and take whatever precautions that minimize it.

The reason it is a NO forever for RNYers is that you have a blind stomach. There are people on this forum that have almost bled to death because of undiagnosed bleeding ulcers.

Is it common, no....but does it happen...yes.

Scott