Recent Posts

(deactivated member)
on 1/22/08 10:52 am, edited 1/22/08 10:53 am - MD
Topic: RE: degenerated disc disease in my neck now
Hang in there.  At least now you will weigh less so your joints will have less stress on them.  That is a good thing.  I'm in the same boat with you.  Hopefully you do not need neck surgery. celebrex is what my doctor will put me on ater my RNY. 
(deactivated member)
on 1/22/08 10:48 am - MD
Topic: RE: Arthroscopy

For me the answer was yes the pain was helped by having the arthroscopic knee surgery.  I had my knee repaired after I tore the meniscus in two places and also had severe chondromalacia, which the surgeon cleaned up and smoothed out well.  He somehow took photos during the procedure and gave me copies of before and after.  For me, jogging is out but I can walk. As soon as I get some of this weight off I can walk really fast.  I still have to be careful on stairs because I don't think either of my knees are strong enough to carry me at this weight.  Do your physical therapy religiously, even at home.  The pain after surgery was horrible so I did take the pain meds even though I was afraid to.  I was back on my feet at work after 5 days, though.     I have not had knee replacement, only repair, but I know three people who have had knee replacement and they all say it made a huge difference in their ability to be mobile and pain free. 

(deactivated member)
on 1/22/08 10:40 am - MD
Topic: RE: arthritis meds
I am preop right now and take800 mg of ibuprofen each day along with 75mg 3x day Lyrica  I also take Tylenol Arthritis when I need extra pain relief.  I was on Bextra before it went off the market and I loved how I felt then.  I asked my bariatric surgeon about arthritis meds after surgery for me, and he said he will manage it with narcotic pain meds for two months and then I will be on Celebrex.  This is the only cox 2 inhibitor on the market other than the herbal ones, and is made by the drug co. that mede bextra.  I am actually glad not to have to take so many ibuprofen caplets every day.  I am also looking forward to not having such joint pain after the weight loss.  That will be wondderful. 
(deactivated member)
on 1/22/08 10:33 am - MD
Topic: RE: Anyone taking Lyrica?
I have been taking Lyrica for over a year now.  I was overweight when i started taking it and my weight has not gone up.  It hasn't gone down much either, which is why I am seeking WLS.  I noticed effects the very next day after starting to use it.  And I REALLY notice how helpful it is if I forget to refill and run out.  It does a good job on the pain I have from osteoaerthritis, degenerative disc disease with entrapped nerves causing what's termed radiculopathy or "sciatica", neuropathic pain.  I have no drowsiness on it, bit some folks do.  It's not for everyone.  I titrated up slowly on it, and now take 75 3 x daily.  I can get away with 2x day so that is what I do now.  I accidentally took it twice last night and ended up having to stay home today feeling all loopy, so be careful.  That's why i have to use my pill organizer to keep track.  The side effects listed include increased appetite, but that does not happen in all cases.  If anything, for me I ate less because I stopped trying to distract myself from the pain with eating something soothing.  I have had a good experience with Lyrica.  I hope it helps.
(deactivated member)
on 1/22/08 10:19 am, edited 1/22/08 10:21 am - MD
Topic: RE: Capal Tunnel Advice
Seaking from my own experience with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, when it gets to this point, you must see a hand surgeon.  You need your hands in order to function.  In addition to wrist  splints, cortisone injections, EMG nerve conduction studies, carpal tunnnel,  release surgery, followed by hand physical therapy afterward, my surgeon had me on B-6 to reduce and extra water retention and had me avoid adding salt to any food and avoid salty foods altogether.  This kept the problem to a minimum but it is still there and can flare up, so i sleep with carpal tunnel wrist splints to this day.  It is manageble now for me, but I can never forget that agonizing pain I had back then, and I feel for you that you are going through that.  Please take care of yourself and see a Dr. who specializes in hand surgery.  Good luck
Lilee_Thinks_Thin
on 1/19/08 10:23 pm - IN
Topic: Help with elevated uric acid (gout) and elevated potassium
Has anyone experienced elevated uric acid (gout) and elevated potassium levels post WLS and what was the outcome? My kidney function is slightly decrease. I have only one kidney. I am 3 months from having lap band surgery and have been working with a dietitian for 4 months to help me prepare for my new life style. My PCP and dietitian think that it is possible the increased  protein intake is causing the problem. My protein intake is well within (60 to 80 grams) but it is more than I have had in the past. Most of that protein is coming from Any-Whey and chicken.
mspisces
on 1/19/08 1:51 am - Somewhere, AL
Topic: RE: should my pain be getting worse?
After having wls my rheumatoid pain did get worse and pain meds eases it some extent with me. I have also had a total right knee replacement and still healing after 11 mos. I still use a cane and am stiff for about 4 hrs after getting out of bed in hands fingers feet knees hips and lower back. I have had 3 back surgeries and cold weather is worse for me and it is snowing today here. I have yet to get warm all day. Irish aka Ms Pisce
mspisces
on 1/19/08 1:44 am - Somewhere, AL
Topic: RE: Arthroscopy
Had my right knee scoped over 10 yrs ago. 11 months ago I had a total knee replacement. Hardest surgery I have ever had done. I can say I can walk better and the pain is not the same type pain. It still gets very hot to the touch and swells as well as I have no feeling about 5 inches down the incision and 4 inches to the side of it on both sides. The pain is dull and not constant as before but when I walk for long time or stand it does hurt quite a bit. Pain meds help take edge off though. I was told it would take over a year to get back to almost normal and it has been a struggle at times. I have rheumaotoid arthritis and since wls I have flare ups more often than before wls. By the time I am done with one area another area starts to act up. Frustrating but I have learned to deal with it quite well after 30 yrs diagnosed. My mobility is very good compared to almost none before surgery. Running or joggin I have never tried but walkimng is definately better for me. My left knee is rubbing bone on bone now and have to look forward to having it done this year also. Irish aka Ms Pisces
whitespots
on 1/15/08 10:10 am - Pittsfield, NH
Topic: RA and Lap Band?
Hello all, New to this board as I am just starting to learn about WLS and the Lap-Band.  I have RA and fibromyalgia (had it for 13 years) and am wondering how that may affect the lap band proceedure.  Specifically the meds I take daily - medrol, diclofenac, tylenol, tramadol, humira and methotrexate.  I've read you can't take pills as easily when you have the lap-band - is this true?  Also that anti-inflammatories are out as well. For those that have RA/fibro and have had WLS, did you experience a bad flare due to the surgery stress on your body? Thanks and I look forward to chatting with you women some more! Jenn
Susie221
on 1/15/08 7:18 am - UK
Topic: Arthroscopy
Am waiting to have this done on my knees  Will this help the pain? I have loose bodies and also torn meniscus as well  Been told I have no cartlige either and now bone on bone ,is the pain very bad after knee replacements? Can you flex the knees as before ?as mine have very good flexion  Am very confused, hate the pain and lack of mobility,but at the same time I am very flexible and dont want to lose that  I would really love to be able to maybe jog, or go to the gym ,would this be possible after knee replacement?
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