I have rheumatoid arthritis getting sleeve May 22

[vgsmommy 7]

Hello,

I have rheumatoid arthritis and scheduled for sleeve on May 22. Anyone else with similar experience? If so any insight would be helpful. Also, I'm on 10mg of prednisone daily. My rheumatologist told me to continue it but stop methotrexate a wk prior to surgery.

[TammyDTM 391]

I have SLE and was on 10mg of prednisone prior to surgery. My surgeon told me she wanted me down to only 5mg by surgery date (Feb 25). I told my rheumatologist and he weaned me down 4 months prior to surgery. There were also a couple of medications that my surgeon wanted me off of by surgery and by coordinating with my PCP it was done.

My surgeon went over all of my medications and gave me a list of them with instructions on what to take and what not to take. Your surgeon will probably do the same with you. Just be sure to ask questions.

[vgsmommy 7]

Thank you! Did you find after surgery relief with your joints?

[TammyDTM 391]

I do have better flexibility with the weight loss. I am still on 5mg of prednisone. I don't need pain pills as often as before. Getting more exercise is a big help along with the weight loss.

Read some other posts here on BP regarding what to expect after surgery. I didn't have pain from my incisions, but suffered gas pain quite a bit those first 3 or 4 days. After that the gas disguised itself as hunger. Don't fall for it! If you aren't on a PPI, get on one if you experience that. You will also be very fatigued. Mine lasted about 5 weeks, but it's all good now.

Look forward to your surgery and keep a positive attitude! You'll be alright!

[vgsmommy 7]

Thank you TammyDTM!!

[cindyluc 1]

Hi

Just had my sleeve done Aug 17th. I was wondering how your RA has been since the surgery? I have RA and am off my prednisone and Dmard medication (Xeljanz) and was wondering when to go back on them. The weird thing about this past week is that my knees did not hurt AT ALL! The surgeon injected some kind of pain reliever in my incision sites and I guess it traveled to my knees as well. It would have been great if my tummy wasn't all cut up! Anyway, Just wanted to see how people are dealing with RA and the surgery.

cindy

[vgsmommy 7]

Hey Cindyluc! My doctor had me restart my methotrexate 25mg injector a week after my surgery. I am completely off prednisone now. But i am also on humera. Since getting sleeved in may my RA has been well managed. Only had 1 flare up since surgery. But i must say, the less I way the better my joints feel also. Best wishes to you!

[TammyDTM 391]

Glad to hear you are feeling well vgsmommy!

[halfpintvsg 18]

Similar to RA, I have psoriatic arthritis. I was sleeved 7/8 and find that my joint pain has lessened. I was on Enbrel shots prior to surgery, but went to Otezla pills to try based on no side effects.. I should be taking 2 - 30mg a day and only doing one a day by choice. I don't want the progression of arthritis to grow otherwise I might not even need the meds.