ObesityHelp

Hi Jane. I dont know what I can offer you other than I was where you are. I had the RNY this last Jan 31st. I have had a heart attack a couple of years ago. Before surgery I was a diabetic taking medication and shots. I also have COPD and severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I have taken Humera, Orincia and Embral. Embral brought on MS that was originally dormant as far as I know. I could not move much either. I am now taking an infusion of Rituxan which is working for me. At least I can walk now.  I am so glad that I had that surgery because my life is better for it. I was not ready to die, so I had to fight for what I got now. So good luck to you, dont give up, thats to easy. wink..  Mattie

Jane, I just had the mind set that my life was over and thought “Is this all there is? Do I just roll up and die now?”. I was 57 years old at the time. I was just not ready to roll over. I have right side numbness from head to toe from Embral. I still have the numbness to this day. I walk with a cane but I can live with that. I went from having someone else brush my hair to being able to do everything myself. Yes, I was scared, but more scared of not being around.

I have my doctors name below my avatar and people mention their doctors all the time, I don’t see why you cant. I am sorry that you are having so much trouble with allergic reactions. I hope you find what works for you. Living with RA and other co morbidities was not something I would of chose for myself but I take one day at a time. There was always that ring of hope that I hung to. I wish you the best on your journey. Sounds like you’ve been through a lot. I would say you are pioneer stock to go through what you have… Hugs Mattie

Hello, I'm not sure what help I can offer other than my experience.  I've had severe RA for more than seventeen yrs and have gained about 100 lbs during that time and have a host of other issues similar to those you've written about. My meds have run the gamit from Methotrexate to Rhemicaid to Rituxan (sic?) with Methotrexate and an immuglogulin iv that is monthly. Seems a drug works for awhile and then stops and we try something else. (I feel like a chemistry experiment at times.) I have worked with a pain spec., acupunturist, etc.  I was walking with a cane and with the help of a new Rhuemie, a service dog and my pain spec. and massage therapist, I now am more active and rarely use a cane. This past Sept. I began swimming again. I've had to learn a new way to swim that reduces the stress on my back and shoulders and I can now swim a mile 3-4 days a week. Which according to my bariatric surgeon is great. So now I can tackle the weight issue, hopefully for good. 
 

I am curious as to how things have progressed since your surgery, which happened to be on my b-day. I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve 4/9/12. How do you handle all the meds?  I take quite a fews pills a day and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish taking them after the sleeve.  Is there any othe advise you would be willing to share?

Thank you, rarejem