NSAID prescribed - Please provide your thoughts...

I saw my newest PCP out at the military base today and she prescribed Mobic to help me with the arthritis pain I am experiencing in my shoulder. 

In addition to the Mobic, she also prescribed Nexium and told me to take the two medications together. 

I did explain that I'd had WLS and was not permitted NSAIDS, but she said the Nexium would protect my pouch.

She put me on a very low dose of the Mobic (40 mg once each day).

So, I am soliciting thoughts and opinions on this. 

Do you think it's actually safe for me to take this medication if I take it in combination with the Nexium?

I'm always concerned about taking any medication prescribed by a physician that is not real familiar with all the in's and out's of WLS.

Thanking you in advance for your responses!!!

DEB

 

 

I would call the surgeon and ask them if it is something you would be ok taking or if there is another med to take. Or just go back to the doctors and ask for something else that isnt a NSAID., I always say better safe then sorry.

I'm with Shannon on this one---call your surgeon. If you can't speak directly to your surgeon speak to his/her nurse. That's what I always do.

You may be fine or not. If it is a long term thing - I would not do it.

My cardio doc recommended I take a 81mg baby aspiring daily. Before I began taking these, I asked my surgeon's nurse at a support group.  She said to ONLY TAKE IT in conjunction with Prilosec to coat he pouch.  Aspirin is one of those NSAID meds too--but the alternative to not taking is is to stop breathing. DAVE

Thanks for your response as I am really torn about taking this medication.  Though it is not a lifesaving measure such as yours, it is about quality of life.  I am so active and young for an old broad, that I hate that my shoulder is preventing me from being able to engage my life fully.

My husband and I put a pool in a couple of years back at a tremendous expense,  yet I cannot even swim because to rotate my shoulder is too painful...

I failed to mention that my PCP is also sending me for physical therapy, so I have hopes that this may help to the point where I might not have to take medication long term.

Again, thank you for your kind response.

DEB

Is this a short term thing or a long-term approach? If it is intended to be long-term, I would think twice about it. The longer you are on an NSAID, the greater the chances of an ulcer (because although a PPI can HELP protect your pouch and stomach, it is no guarantee that you won't get an ulcer). Being on a low dose is probably good, but -- again -- is no guarantee that you will be safe. If it were me, I would not take it every day even with the PPI.

Have you tried non-NSAID pain relievers? I know the anti-inflammatory action in the NSAIDs is helpful, but is it worth worrying about getting an ulcer in your blind stomach? I have severe arthritis in one knee and moderate arthritis in the other,but have only been taking Tramadol and Vicodin (and doing cortisone and Synvisc injections) because I don't want to risk it. I have heard horrible things about trying to treat an ulcer in the blind remnant stomach.

Lora

It appears that it's going to be the "long-term" approach.

I did take one last night because I have not been able to sleep, am exhausted, and thought I'd give it a try for some hopeful relief and much needed rest.

I slept like a baby and my shoulder is practically pain free this morning.

Do you know if the Mobic could be something I take as needed for pain?

I did speak to the nurse at my surgeon's office and she she gave me the go ahead, but have to say I'm just really uncomfortable with taking an NSAID.  However, my PCP gave me the impression that there was not really anything other than a NSAID that would treat the pain associated with the arthritis.

Gawd I hate getting old...  LoL

Thanks so much for your response.  I am most grateful...

DEB

Laura,

I have fibromyalgia and hurt terribly right now. I have Tramadol HCL50 mg. one to two tablets three times daily as needed for pain. My rheumatologiste gave it to me 1 month before my RNY. I stopped taking it because I thought I was not to take any pain meds from before my surgery.   My Neurologist took me off prozac 40 mg cold turkey to start taking Cymbalta 60 mg 5 days ago and I suffering from excruciating pain. I saw my PCP and he said I needed to be weaned from Prozac and that's what he will be doing for the next weeks to come.

Has the Tramadol helped with your pain enough to be able to go to work? I had to call in sick these past 2 days!

Thanks for all your help!

 

I take 50mg of Tramadol three times per day.  My PCP will not prescribe more than that because of potential problems with respiratory depression resulting in a blood oxygen content that is too low (which can result in lots of issues).  Some days (mostly during the warmer months) it is enough to make it bearable (but I sit at work all day, and except on rare days, I do as little activity that involves my knees as possible).  Most days, however, (and almost every day in the winter)  I also take Vicodin once during the day and/or right before bed.  There are a number of days that I have to take off or I ask permission to work all or art of the day at home so I can sit in the LaZBoy with ice packs and/or my cryo sleeve on my knee.

I hope you start to feel better.  You might need a higher dose of Cymbalta to make up for the fact that we do not absorb time-release medications fully.

Lora