Question:
Does anyone have fibromyalgia?

I am considered WLS, but I am concerned about treatment for my fibromyalgia following surgery. I take NSAID's on a daily basis, as well as medication to help me sleep and muscle relaxant medication. I've read that you shouldn't take NSAID's after WLS, but as of right now, I can't function without them. Has anyone who has had surgery also received treatment for fibromyalgia? How did your treatment change following surgery?    — Denise C. (posted on June 1, 2001)

June 1, 2001
I have FM, prior to surgery I took basically the same meds you do along with an anti-depressent , that was used to promote better sleep. The FM is still here but I can tell you I have much better control over it. I guess there is less stress on the connective tissue since the weight loss. Also I think the better eating habits and intake of vitamins and calcium and protein have helped. I have not had a major "flare up" since surgery a year ago. Now having said all that. I am and have been having a small annoying flare up for the passed 3 days so I am taking muscle relaxors and an occasional naprosin(probably because of our crappy rainy weather, stress at work and gardening).I no longer take anti-depresents or any sleep meds. And I do not take any of these meds on a regular basis. You know exercise is recommended for FM and now I can do them and walk on a regular basis, so that also helps with sleep.I also have a pretty high pain tolerance , and I practice relaxation techniques.
   — Rose A.

June 1, 2001
Denise - I too have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome and everything else that comes with it. I have been told that I will be able to continue all my pain meds and sleeping aids after the surgery, but that over a period of time that I would not need them as I do now. I am praying fo this and I have such severe FM and CPS that all I can do right now is work and then come home and be in bed for the remainder of the day and weekends aren't spent in bed or at home basically. I only go to work because I have to. The weight loss from WLS will help decrease the symptoms of the FM, but I have been told by 3 doctors now that it will never go away. As much as I hate the answer to that question, I am thankful that they are honest. BUT - the one thing that I stand on is my FAITH - and that I will be healed from this one day - and that the WLS will make a HUGE difference!! I broke my neck three years ago in a car accident and haven't been the same since with onset of FM, CPS, sleeping disorders, massive weight gain, etc, and the one thing that I think and believe that WLS will do is increase mobility, and functionablity (if that is a word :) ) and that as our bodies become healthier that more whole, that everything else that ails us will eventually get better or go away! I will believe this for you as well! Have a great day!
   — Kelly D.

June 5, 2001
I too have fibromyalgia.I have not ask about the use of my celebrex after sutgery but know i have to stop it at least 3 wks before surgery.Hang in there I know with the weight lose u experience more energy and this could allow u to exersise more and i know this helps with muscle soreness. Hope all goes well.Melanie Taylor
   — melanie035

June 6, 2001
NSAIDs are not really a treatment of choice for fibromyalgia, particularly long-term. Of the ones now available, celebrex has the lowest incidence of GI problems, but even using that more than occasionally risks the integrity of your pouch after RNY. Whether or not you have WLS, you may want to discuss Effexor XR with your physician. This is an extended release antidepressant which often relieves the pain and stiffness of FMS. Other antidepressants have also been found to be effective as well, but some of these seem to promote weight gain. It is possible to continue taking Effexor XR after RNY, but you have to open the capsules and mix the granules with something else (I use applesauce); there's no taste to them, by the way. The extended release feature is maintained, even with a distal bypass (like mine). I think you may be able to take them "as is" after a BPD/DS. Other helpful medication for FMS is trazadone (another antidepressant) at bedtime. If you need a muscle relaxant, there should be no problem continuing to take it, but that isn't a typical Rx for FMS either. It sounds like you're being treated for some other type of musculoskeletal impairment! I have been virtually pain-free with the Effexor/trazadone combo. Zoloft took the pain/stiffness away 100%, but I was lethargic and craved carbs. Elavil worked well, too, but caused me to gain the 100# I needed WLS to get rid of! E-mail me privately if you'd like to discuss.
   — Linda B.