Question:
Can we take arthritis medications such as Celebrex post op

I am scheduled for surgery on 9/4. During my pre-op exam my surgeon informed me that I will no longer be able to take any of the medications I have been taking for arthritis. This somewhat concerns me. I have pretty bad arthritis (my fingers already have knots at each joint). Has anyone been in this position and if so what did you do? This is the only thing I am worried about at this point. Please help me all of you wonderful people!    — shirley C. (posted on July 22, 2002)

July 22, 2002
Shirley, check the library on this one-there is a wealth of info on this subject and just as many varying opinions. I took Vioxx religiously for low back pain until I had the surgery and now just take it on an infrequent basis and only after I was 5 months post-op and the pouch had healed. Apparently early on, the pouch is still sensitive and the NSAIDs like Motrin, Vioxx., Celebrex etc can cause ulcers. Check out the other info on this-many others have other drug suggestions/substitutions from their physicians that may be worth your checking into.
   — Cindy R.

July 22, 2002
Shirley, before my surgery I told my rheumatologist about WLS, and the first thing he said was, "Well, you can't take Vioxx anymore" which is just what my surgeon said as well. Both Vioxx & Celebrex are considered nsaids, so they're off-limits. I have fibromyalgia as well as arthritis and currently take Ultracet, which my rheumatologist said was safe for me after wls.
   — scottiemaam O.

July 22, 2002
All surgeons have different opinions. Mine suggested that I take Viox or Celebrex after surgery for my rhuematoid arthritis. I am 6 mos post and so far haven't experienced any problems. For me it is a chance I am willing to take because without it I wouldn't be able to walk or close my hands. Good Luck!
   — toni D.

July 22, 2002
I have arthritus in my knees, shoulders, fingers and gout in my toes. The gout I have handle with WD-40, but the arthritus hurts bad. I was told I could take ether Vioxx (25 mg) or Arthrotec50. I've taken each (not at the same time of course) and have found that after a few weeks I get some really bad pains that remind me of gallbladder attacks. I don't know if they are related to the meds. However I stopped the meds and the pains seem to have gone away. Now I'm starting them again, however only a couple days, then quit for a few days then start up again. Also NOW I'm making sure I eat a big meal and take the pills with that. (I was doing it on an emty stomach which I don't think was very wise). So far it seems to be working. I don't know if these meds are safe, but the pain is bad without them.
   — Danmark

July 22, 2002
I have arthritis in my knees and hips and early post-op I was in a lot of pain. My surgeon really didn't want me taking anti-inflammatory drugs but he realized that I was almost chair bound without them. He finally told me to take Celebrex (he forbids Vioxx) but that I could only take them for 5 days and then be off for 5 and so on. I have found that usually I can take it for one or two days and then be fine for a while. I am almost 8 months post-op and have had my prescription for 30 capsules filled twice and I have 27 of the second prescription still. Oh, and there was another script for 15 that he gave me very early out. But, my point is, the longer post-op I am, the less I need the Celebrex. My doctor is still not certain that I might not need a knee replacement eventually but at least I can do my normal routine now without being in total pain. The only problem I have had is that I can't exercise enough. The joints aren't that good yet. And, I don't have access to a pool for water aerobics. Best of luck with your surgery.
   — Patty_Butler