Hi there,
Well, on Monday I am having a wrist fusion done on my left hand, index finger. Really did not want to do this but not much choice, as my lumbar will be requiring surgery and need this hand to be functioning well first. A cast for 4 to 6 weeks, ugh, have had this done twice before for the thumbs. So tired of the pain issues, I have fibro as well.

Wish me well,
Thanks, Anna 

Would you please accept me as a Friend so I can private message you?  Or send me your email address, please?  Really wanting to talk to you more about your knee replacement.

Hi

I absolutely recommend getting it done.  I had it done on January 16 and I can't believe how much relief I have in that knee.  I am still healing and the swelling causes discomfort but I can see my walk improve.

I have used Celebrex for over 3 years.  I had RNY in 2006.  I still take Nexium daily.


Jeanne

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

When my Dad had his knees done(both at the same time) about 20 years ago age was a big factor because the knees then were only guaranteed for 15 years.
I had my left knee done Dec 2010, and age should not be a factor now because they guarantee these new knees for life.
The did say that because my right knee did not appear to hurt as much they would wait to do it, but lo and behold after I had the first one done the second one started to hurt more