Question:
pre-op w/ Rh Arthritis, MCTdisease & Lupus. Meds after wls?

I'm 32 years ols. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mixed Connective Tissue disease & Systemic Lupus 3 years ago and have taken Vioxx, Tylenol#3, and currently am taking Motrin 800mg and/ or Vicodin every 4-6 hrs. as needed. I'm researching WLS and am seriously concerned about not being able to take Motrin. I have relied on it fro 3 years as my main source of pain relief. I haven't ever had any stomach problems. What do the Dr.'s say about Motrin and WLS? Acetominephine has never been very good at relieving my severe pain.    — Jennifer M. (posted on January 12, 2004)

January 11, 2004
Ask your rhuematologist about REMICADE infusions. This is a every 6 wk IV infustion (that you have to have insurance approval) Its a miracle drug for RA. This way you won't have to damage your pouch/intestines because it is IV and goes directly in the system. Best of Luck!
   — ZZ S.

January 12, 2004
Hi Jennifer, The post-op medication needs issue is a vital one to many of us. I have degenerative joint disease in my back and bilateral grade 4 degeneration of my knees. I was in a wheelchair at the time of my WLS, and I failed to thorougly think through the fact that I cannot get through my life without having some sort of pain relief available to me on a regular basis! I am so fortunate that I ended up with the BPD/DS because the pylorus is retained (the valve that regulates the release of food from your stomach) and you have a fully-functioning (although smaller) stomach! You name it, I've taken it as a post-op - with no adverse problems. I'm 18 months out now - and gave up my wheelchair about 6 weeks after my DS. If you'd like to know more about the DS, here are a couple of good resources: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/m-surgerytypes.phtml , http://www.gr-ds.com/forpatients/Comparison_Html.html , www.duodenalswitch.com Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 12, 2004
I also have Lupus and took 8-12 advil at a time for pain, then took double dose nsaids each day prior to surgery. Since surgery, I have been able to take vioxx w/o problems. I use arthritis strength tylenol and my md has prescribed Lortab 7.5, which I use rarely. I also have fibromyalgia, with severe degenerative arthritis in my right knee and arthritis most other joints & spine. I have less pain since I lost the weight, but it is not gone by any stretch of the imagination! Maybe because I feel better in other areas, I handle the pain better overall? Anyway, I have taken advil on very rare occasions after eating and haven't had any problems. I think you just have to adjust to using different things than what you used before. I also take pepcid 20mg twice a day to be sure I don't have any problems from anything and I think that helps alot. There are alternatives out there, you may have to do a little searching and hopefully you have a rheumatologist who will work with you. Good Luck! email me any time if you have any other questions ([email protected]) karen (open rny, 9/6/01, 297/139)
   — Karen M.