Serrapeptase???

Hello everyone.  I  am closing in on my bypass surgery and trying to find an alternative to Naproxen (NSAID) for arthritis and neurological pain that is pretty severe.  I have read that Serrapeptase is an effective anti-inflammatory and was wondering if anyone has tried it and with what results.  My Dr. is currently trying me on Ultram, but I don't like the "out of it" feeling it gives, or the fact that it is an opioid and can be addictive.  I would LOVE any ideas.  HELP!!!!!!!!!

I am taking Ultracet also known as Tramadol.  It's an acetaminophen-based pain medication.  When my pain gets really bad I have to have a cortisone injection directly in my hip joint.  When I get my weight down enough, I'll be having a hip replacement.  I was taking Naproxen before my surgery too.  It worked great!  **sigh**

I had to look this one up, cause I've never heard of it.  It's not an Rx, but an enzyme of some sort that is isolated from the "microorganism" Serratia E15.  The website says:  "Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms."

Personally, it raises red flags.  One that really stands out is the statement that it "digests inflammation".  That is not possible.  So for me, unh-unh. 

Serratia is a virulent pathogen.  I've never heard it called a microorganism outside my microbiology class. 

You really should have your doc give you guidance on this one. 

If your Tramadol is giving you the goofies, try reducing your dose to see if that helps.  Without Tramadol, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed every day.

Good luck.

I also take tramadol for pain.I think that it is great because it does not leave me feeling groggy or puts me out.  It makes the pain manageable for me.  I have nuropathy and osteoarthritus and it has been a god send for me.

On 10/16/08, you posted "I am looking for advice/ideas.  I am 40 and about 129# over weight.  I have a form of peripheral neuropathy called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) that is slowly but progressively disabling.  I also have type 2 diabetes, high chol, sleep apnea, DJD and arthritis."

I'm going to suggest that given your health problems, the DS (duodenal switch) is probably a better choice for youo than the RNY. With the DS, you'd have a much smaller but still fully-functional stomach, and no 'blind pouch'---the big reason that NSAIDs are a no-no after the RNY. The DS also gives the very best results re resolving Type II diabetes and high cholesterol. AND it has the very best long-term results re weight loss, too.

I had my DS 5.5 years ago, and I take naproxen each and every day. I simply wouldn't be able to function without it. Losing weight has helped my arthritis, but nothing's ever going to cure it. NSAIDs allow me to live with it.