Question:
We cannot take anti-inflamitory products, how do we treat arthritis?

I am almost 3 years out, and doing great, but am 46, and have begun the stages of arthritis. Shoulder, hip, and both knees. I am just beginning my research on how to deal with this type of pain when I cannot take motrin or any other anti-inflamitory products. I was wondering if anyone else has done research on this with success?    — Patricia P (posted on February 8, 2007)

February 7, 2007
I'm almost 5 years post op and had arthritis in my knees for a long time. I took Celebrex prior to surgery and after surgery I asked my surgeon about it and she had no problems with me taking the Celebrex. I take two of them a day and I've not had any problems. Check with your Doctor and/or Surgeon. Jean
   — jeannieree

February 8, 2007
I have the same problem, although I am a newbie. I take glucosamine, fish oil, folic acid, and zinc. these seem to help with the joint pain. My doc prescribed Arthrotec which works really well. however that might be an anti-inflamatory, give it a check. good luck, I hope you find something that works. I am 52, so I know how you feel!!
   — dessary316

February 8, 2007
I have been taking Glucosamine Chondroitin for about 4 years now and it helps tremedously on my osteo-arthritis. I wouldnt exist without it. good luck.
   — sachi48sims

February 8, 2007
I am 8 months post op and have had rheumatoid and osteo arthritis (RA for 15 and osteo for 7 years). I was taken off Celebrex 6 months prior to surgery due to an ulcer and was told not to take it again, as it is very damaging to our pouches. I was also told by both my surgeon AND my pain management doctor to avoid Aleve, as it is hard on our pouches as well. I had been taking that because the size was smaller. I was told to get Children's Ibuprofen liquid (Motrin) and take the equivalent of 200 mgs every 8 hours. After starting this regimen about 3 weeks ago, I have seen a great amount of relief. My inflamation has reduced, and so has the pain involved. It takes 2 Tbsp of childrens liquid for 200 mgs. So, the bottles do not last long. My suggestion is to get the generic at either Wal-mart or Walgreens. The berry flavor is not too bad. Just make sure to drink some water shortly afterwards as it makes your mouth itchy. I've also tried the Infant drops, and it takes close to 2 Tbsp. as well to make the equivalent dose, so you're not saving any money by getting it in that form. Personally, I avoid pills as the liquid does not have to be broken down any further to be absorbed where a pill has to be digested to break down enough for absorption. Since we don't absorb well as it is, the less time that the medication has to break down in your system to be absorbable then the more time it has to absorb on it's way through. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
   — oceanrayne

February 8, 2007
As far as I know, there are no definitive studies that show that post op RNY'ers can't take NSAIDs. This is something that is passed on as gospel, like carbonation stretching the pouch.I am over 4 years out, never had a problem. I take 800 mg of ibuprofen when I need it for monster headaches. I just take it with some food, to be on the safe side. In your research, see if you can find any bonafide, competantly done studies on this topic, preferably in publications recognized by the medical community!
   — koogy

February 8, 2007
I am one who had issues with NSAIDS even pre-op, with a full bag of a stomach. They are extremely irritating to any stomach tissues, it's just that we have less tissue to absorb it all. And it's systemic (via the bloodstream), so it may bother you even in a cream form! I used that for an issue that i had in the late 80's. I use PLAQUENIL for my oste-arthritis. I helps me maintain mobility in the affected joints. Like many, I use the glucosamin - chondroitin. Can't really tell when I take it, but BOY OH BOY, can I tell when I don't! With Plaquenil, you need to have more frequent eye exams specifically for it, but otherwise, there are no side effects. I've been using it 11 years. You might want to ask on the grad list. Those who have used NSAIDS in the past are mostly off by now, either due to gastric bleed or ulcer. People are creative in handling life without NSAIDS. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

February 8, 2007
Hi, I'm 2 months post-op but I had the lapband. My Dr. did say that anti-inflamatories could be a problem with the lapband causing band erossion however I also take Prevacid (which was for GERD) and he said I should continue on it because it will conteract the Arthrotec that I take.. Dan
   — bigdooba

February 8, 2007
Just beware anyone that is going to take Glucosamine Chondroitin. If you have any allergies to shell fish you can't take this medication. I'm lucky I read EVERYTHING I take because the warning on the bottle wasn't very big and it could have killed me.
   — KristineMarie

February 8, 2007
This question was asked at one of our group meetings and a good portion of us with arthritis and other pain issues have been put on Ultram (generic Tramadol) It is a opiaod based pain killer that generally does the trick without knocking you on you butt like the vicodin variety pills. Ask your doctor about options, also consider a pain management doctor. They deal with just pain and are WAY more up on different med combinations. Good luck! -Heather 14 mos post-op & 5 knee surgeries! 187lbs lost whoohooo!
   — tazthewiz23

February 8, 2007
i'm not endorsing nsaid use, personally avoid them, but there was previous mention of ibuprofen susp 2 tbps = 200mg??? check that dose!!! most products are 100mg/5ml or one TEAspoon. please be careful, consult your pysician and good luck finding relief. i use capsacin cream (like zostrix among others,) pain patches (several different otc types and recently started using prescription lidoderm patches) and sometimes prescription ultracet for really bad pain days. for pain in knee, consult doc to see if hyalgan inj is appropriate for you. i enrolled in a pain center and am getting great care and results.
   — Fluffy W.

February 11, 2007
Patricia, For my arthritis, I go to a pain doctor. She has me on Ultram and Neurontin. I have arthritis in my back that causes pain to shoot down my legs. The medication really helps. I also do aquatic physical therapy in a warm pool. I love it! It keeps me from being so stiff and I get my exercise in, too.
   — [Deactivated Member]

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