RNY and found out I have severe arthritis

I have just found out that I have debilitating arthritis. I had RNY WLS almost a year ago. I need anti-inflammatories, but I have refrained from taking them due to the issues it may cause my stomach. Any suggestions on how to handle needing medication but needing to preserve my stomach? I have tried muscle relaxers, steroid injections, physical therapy, and topic creams and patches.

Please help...pain taking over!

 Do you have Rhuematoid or Osteo?  I was diagnosed with RA a few months ago at 19 months out.  I currently take celebrex once or twice a day.  I'm also on prednisone, methotrexate, and recieving remicade infusions.  I take the celebrex with a pepcid complete with my surgeon's knowledge.  I don't have choice - basically it comes down to possibly getting an ulcer or not being able to walk due to the pain.  So far I haven't had any problems.

Julie

Can you get a scrip that is anti-inflammatory but doesn't bother your stomache?

Have you been to a pain management specialist?

I'm sorry you are going through such agony.

Discuss this with the diagnosing doctor and your surgeon.  I know my PCP has prescribed Celebrex to some "special case" patients, BUT it is used in a very strick therapy with Prilosec--which is always take around 20-30 minutes before the Celebrex.  Tovadol is a topical cream that may help too. My wife uses this cream. Although it's an NSAID, the amount that gets into your bloodstream through the skin to only 5%. DAVE

It is Osteo and I will look into the celebrex, becasue I am at the point pain is making moving unbarable. I have been going to a pain specialist for over a year, She recommends Celebrex too, so I am going to have a "Come to Jesus meeting with my surgeon!" Thanks everyone for the responses.

 Anti-depressants of the Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor Category, which do not affect your stomach, also relieve pain.