ObesityHelp

 I have an arthritic R knee that bothers me.  I also just had WLS (sleeve).   I was most concerned about this because I absolutely ATE Motrin (800 mg every 8 hrs religiously) just to be able to work.  I had to give it up a week before surgery because it does tend to thin your blood.  I managed.  I'd go for the tramadol, which was my drug of choice before my PCP switched me to Cymbalta, and you can't take the two together.  Then he added Gabapentin and that has helped also.  Since surgery I continue on the Cymbalta and Gabapentin and really haven't needed any Motrin, not 800 mg worth anyway.  Of course I'm not working, either.  My hope, too, is that my knee will get better the more weight I lose.  I am not looking forward to a new knee.

Cyndi

 We are blood sisters!  LOL!  Gabapentin, aka Neurontin, is actually an anticonvulsant but is also used for nerve pain.  It has been found to help in situations like this.  Since my knee is bone on bone, I guess he figured it couldn't hurt.  It's pretty cheap anyway.  Honestly what has helped me more than anything is getting myself to the gym and doing strength training with my legs to strengthen the muscles surrounding my knee.  It got me out of this big ole leg brace I was wearing.  I haven't had to wear it in ages.  I work on my feet, 3 12 hr shifts/week (I'm a nurse) and have found that the Skecher shape-ups help ****il you wash them).  I keep a pair at work and a pair for otherwise.  MBTs would be my choice but I am way too cheap to shell out $250 for a pair of sneakers.  I'll work with the Shape-ups for now.  I haven't had to take anything for pain in so long, can't remember what my Rx is... oh Vicodin.  I really only use that for work, when I'm really up and moving on concrete.  I was taking Darvocet N until they took it off the market, it did the trick nicely.  When are you supposed to have surgery?

 The people at the gym say that ellipticals are easier on knees than anything.  However I can't do it.  I think it's where my injury is, I don't know.  You're getting so close to surgery!!  YAY!

 I only had mine May 24!  I had the sleeve gastrectomy, what are you doing?

my doctor has me on tramadol and Cymbalta. I have tried Gabapentin and Lyrica both made me gain a lot of weight quickly.. I had to give up the NSAIDs and nothing has worked quite as well. Do you know why your doc says you can't take the tramedol and Cymbalta? I, too am on my feet on concrete 10 or more hours a day and love the Skechers..Thanks for any info about the Cymbalta and Tramadol..

I also have arthritis in both knees and am taking Tramadol and Arthrotec for pain and swelling.  I find that the Tramadol does help with pain somewhat but doesn't relieve the pain completely.  Did you have a choice which WLS type you received or did your surgeon decide for you?