Question:
what meds can you take for Rheumatoid Arthritis post-op?

I am trying to find information for a fellow WLS patient who does not have a computer. She had surgery April 2005 and was recently diagonosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis by her PCP and he has never had a WLS patient before and does not know what meds are safe. While they are waiting to hear from specialist, she asked what you fellow post-ops might be taking.    — Debbie M. (posted on September 25, 2005)

September 25, 2005
Hi there! as far as i know there is not really anything we can take for arthritis. The only thing my Dr. tells us is ok is tylenol. Any anti-inflammitory medication can cause problems for the little pouch... too harsh. I too have RA... but since the by-pass... i am in remission..THANK GOD!!! so my best answer would be to tell you try the tylenol. Good luck and God bless you and your friend!!
   — angelina1970

September 26, 2005
hi... hope i can be of some help. i have RA and am in a wheelchair because of it and after my surgery i was switched to Celebrex instead of ibuprofen. i also take methrotrexate once a week. i was at 20 mg now i am at 10 mg. and i take the plaquinel(not sure i spelled that right) 200 mg once a day. i still take my remicade infusions normally. if you have any questions you can email me anytime.
   — LadyNRed1973

September 26, 2005
I also have RA, had WLS two years ago and have been able to take all my Ra medicine without any difficulty. I take Celebrex, methotrexate and Remicade, even with the weigh lost I still need all of the above but I can move so much better!
   — Barb R.

September 27, 2005
I have RA. The meds that I take are methotrexate shot equivalent to the 7 pills every week, Humira 40 mg shot every 2 weeks, tylenol or darvocet for constant pain which does not help much but takes the edge off the pain. I have taken 5mg of prednisone which is a very low dosage and did very little. It made me gain weight and I stopped taking it. Takes about 6 months to get out of system. I do move around better even though my RA did get worse after wls. Warm showers and baths help me with the stiffness and the soreness. I have to limit my exercising and walking due to it affects my joints so bad, but I do it. Consult your rheumatologists before using any meds like celebrex, bextra or vioxx. They will corrode the pouch and cause ulcers. I do neither or ibuprofin.
   — mspisces

November 20, 2005
I'm anxiously awaiting my LAP RNY on 12-20-05. I have RA, and my rheumy told me to stop taking the Humira 1-2 wks prior to surgery, stop the Voltaren (anti-inflammatory) completely, ok to take Vicodin. I should be able to resume Humira and Vicodin (yucky liquid!) after. I'm hoping that I'll have to use less Vicodin once the weight comes off. Hope that helps a little!
   — Beth Hand (was Gothro)