Arthritis Pain

I had to stop my arthritis pills before my surgury Sept 26th and i am in so much pain and HURT so much pain and stiff. I just keep thonking I will NEVER be able to take arthritis med's again!! Doc's keep saying with the weight off i will be better. I hope so i do not want to be this good looking skinny gal and all crippled up. LOL Anyone have any experience with this ?? I also have fibromyalgia too and my arthritis is so bad I have had 2 total knee replacements !! Help I need some support Pam

I just have two bad knees, which was why I had the surgery! I whined for a long time until the weight loss made the knees better. All my docs told me was Tylenol, which did next to nothing. I used, on my worst days, the pain killers from when the knees were swollen due to an allergic reaction. I seldom even notice my knees now; they leave me alone and I leave them alone. Except for 45 minute walks at 3 miles per hour, for exercise. They aren't complaining. In the short run, I have no good news, but it WILL get better.

I don't have any answers for you. I just wanted to tell you I am sorry you are in so much pain. Many hugs, Loris

Pam, I have terrific knee pain from time to time, but, I have to tell you, with 150 lbs gone they are so much better! Yes, I miss my arthritis meds when they hurt, but, it is still so worth it! I do feel for you. When I had to stop my arthritis meds 10 days before surgery, I was so crippled up! But, again, it is so worth it. Tough it out...you will get so much better...but, it will take time. Hugs, Lori 384/235/199

Pam, I'm with all of you. But my surgeon and family doc has said I can take Tramadol. I am taking them morning and evening and if my knees are really bad, I can take more through the day. My understanding is that it's kind of like a super charged Tylenol and it's no Vioxx, but it has given me some releif. Not a ton, but it's a start until I can get off some more weight. You might ask about it. Let me know what they say. Kelle From the web: Tramadol is an effective pain reliever (analgesic). Its mode of action resembles that of narcotics, but it has significantly less potential for abuse and addiction than the narcotics. Tramadol is as effective as narcotics in relieving pain but does not depress respiration, a side effect of most narcotics. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), and does not have the increased risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding that can occur with the use of NSAIDs.