i have had RA, OA and fibro Diagnosis now for almost 3 yrs. I also have aggressive disease. I am on Enbrel 25mg twice weekly, MTX 17.5 mg weekly injections, Bextra 10mg daily, folic acid 5 mg, Leukovorin, prednisone 5mg daily, calcium, Vit D, magnesium, multi-vit, envening primrose oil, B complex vit, Nexium, reglan, and actigall. I had my lapband surgery May 10, 2004. I did not chose RNY because I have a lot of problems with folic acid, B-vit defi****ncy and anemia from the MTX(which is a chemo drug). Bypassing small bowel would only make the problem worst and also cause me to have problems absorbing my meds. I talked with my Surgeon and Rheummy about this. My rheummy was not helpful at all. He is not a support of WLS. My PCP was very supportive and agreed with all the problems I had with mouth, throat and eye sores as well as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting from MTX. RNY Was not for me. I have been wondering how RNY patients do with RA cause of malabsorption? Do you have to take more of you meds or adjust your dosages? I think for those of use with RA this medication absorption issue is one to be discussed in detail before surgery. I am also sure proximal, medial or distal RNY will also make major difference in how you absorb meds. Another lady suggested crushing meds and taking in apple sauce or yogurt so they are better absorbed for RNY patients. This might be worth a try for all meds that are not time released. I also take tylenol, ultram or darvocet for pain as needed. I rarely take anything stronger than the ultram. I had 4 weeks of no meds before and after surgery. I had a 4 week remission of no pain or swelling. It was great. Though with the terrible weather we have been having here in Texas my remission was short lived and I am back on all meds. I also had to have a greenfield vena cava filter inserted one week before my surgery and it was a breeze. Antoinette in TX banded 5-10-04 256/238/150

I have RA also...I've had it for 5 years now.....I have tried Plaquenil...methotrexate..Vioxx..Celebrex.....now I also take Humira.....which has helped me so much with the pain and stiffness...RA ruined my left knee to the point I need a total knee replacement but cant get one till the weight comes off and the swelling in my legs go down....Im scheduled for surgery on July 15th...my biggest fear is being mobile after the surgery...I can barely walk now...I wonder does anyone have any sugestions on what I should do?..Ive heard about a greenfield filter but I am scared to death of that

Irish,I came to this forum to ask about ra after wls, My pcp seems to think that weight loss will help it.I hope that someone els posts with something positive.I was told that I would not be able to take pred, or vioxx after wls.I will pray for you.God bless. Dar

First off I'll start with sayin that I do not have any type of arthritis or joint pain but I do enjoy trying to help the ones that do. I'm an independent distributer that helps market a health beverage from Tahiti called Tahitian Noni juice. Now I cannot guarantee any results but there have been many cases where people have had arthritis and after taking just a few ounces of juice a day for a few weeks they feel much much better. I would also like to say that if for any reason (any reason at all) your not satisfied you may return the juice not questions asked. But I would atleast check out the two sites I'll post below and read a little bit about the product. I really feel this may help you all. For Arthritis Testimonials: www.incc.org/sfs/testimonials/category_5.htm For other information and to order Juice: www.WheresYourNoni.com Thank you and hope all goes well, Gavin

She did take a blood test, but I didn't ask her how it came out. Yesterday she ordered me some indocine. Much much better. Still there but hopefully by Monday, it will be almost gone. Thanks for assisting. Judy