Post Op NSAID replacement?

[Cheryl Smith 7]

Long time, first time. Forums have been a great help during my 2 year approval drama. Surgery on 12/15 and have been doing great on liquid diet. BUT, going off my Nsaid (Celebrex) for RArthritis is killing me. Has anyone found a suitable patch or liquid replacement for after surgery?

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Nsaids taken regularly aren't good for your sleeved stomach -- whether taken orally or intravenously or via patch. Google is your friend -- check it out.

You don't have a ticker up or show how heavy you are right now.

But here's my experience -- I went off NSAIDs several months pre-op. And I also started walking. And a few months post-op (after having lost about 40 pounds) I didn't hurt any worse than I did when I was heavier and on NSAIDs.

I would propose you just try to get through surgery and see how you feel after losing some more weight.

And now, after losing all my excess weight and maintaining easily, my knees don't hurt unless I wear high heels all day, which I rarely do. I walk 4 miles most days at about 4 mph. I could NEVER have done that pre-op. NEVER! Not even to save my life.

Not sure this will work for you. Just reporting my experience.

[Cheryl Smith 7]

Thanks for replying so quickly. I figured out how to enter more info :-) My Ortho surgeon wanted me to wait and do knee replacement surgery after WLS and weight loss. Since my approval process with BC/BS Kansas took almost 2 years, he finally did my left knee 9/15. I think the scathing letter he wrote to BC helped me get approval. I've been on the Nsaid to deal with the RA pain and won't have my right knee replaced until April 2016. After that my ability to take more than short walks should improve.

I was just shocked at the overall body stiffness and pain I've encountered since going off my meds pre surgery. Like the 600 calorie liquid pre op diet not even bothering me in comparison! Luckily I'm retired and can make recovery and following the plan my full time job.

I was just hoping someone had found a short term solution that would work till the excess weight comes off.

[dmedic72 130]

Idk if this will help you, but I started taking turmeric. It has anti inflammatory properties. I take it twice a day, everyday. My joints and back have felt significant relief.

[losinglily 17]

Hi Cheryl. I was wondering the same thing. I also have RA and am off of my Humira, Methotrexate and Relafen (NSAID). I am seeing my primary for final approval on Monday. Saw something (briefly) about NSAID Patches on TV, but don't know if they are widely available yet. It's good to see someone else on here that has RA. Best of luck to you!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

If you can get to the pool. If you can tolerate Water aerobics do so. If not try just walk laps in the pool. I have osteo in both knees. I realize they are different diagnosis, but aquafit classes really helped. The water helped keep me flexible and losing the weight really made a difference. Some doctors will allow pts to use NSAIDs in extreme cases but you have to be monitored closely because there is am increased risk of developing ulcers.

[Cheryl Smith 7]

The pool has been my major exercise. Just started back up a couple weeks ago because I had to wait for the knee incision to heal. I'm thinking the lap surgery won't take as long to heal so I can get back to the pool quicker!

Am very interested in exploring the turmeric. Always glad to use natural products.

Like I siad, the pain has made the liquid diet seem like a minor blip on the annoyance meter!

[cbrr 70]

I am 3 1/2 wks post-op and can barely move now that I had to stop taking ibuprofen. Tylenol does nothing. I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and sacroiliac displacement disorder (my hip is tilted and won't stay in place). I was not very mobile before surgery because of this hip condition but it hurts even more now to stand and walk. I would really love it if someone has information on a NSAID patch or topical. I'm enjoying the weight loss of 20lbs but would like to be able to move better and enjoy that loss. I have my 4 wk checkup with the doctor this coming week and it would be great to know of some medication to ask him to prescribe.

Edited December 12, 2015 by cbrr

[dmedic72 130]

You might consider consulting a pain management doctor.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[sunflowerchild 146]

I am 3 1/2 wks post-op and can barely move now that I had to stop taking ibuprofen. Tylenol does nothing. I have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and sacroiliac displacement disorder (my hip is tilted and won't stay in place). I was not very mobile before surgery because of this hip condition but it hurts even more now to stand and walk. I would really love it if someone has information on a NSAID patch or topical. I'm enjoying the weight loss of 20lbs but would like to be able to move better and enjoy that loss. I have my 4 wk checkup with the doctor this coming week and it would be great to know of some medication to ask him to prescribe.

Voltaren (sp?) is a topical NSAID. I personally didn't have any relief from it but my situation is different from yours so you may have better luck.

[Cheryl Smith 7]

When I had my final meeting with the Surgeon last Monday, she did mention that I might need to consult a pain management Dr. I had taken my Celebrex trough the weekend due to performances (I'm a musician). Pain started to kick in Wed and keeps getting worse. I have some Voltaran for my knees, but the pain is overall stiffness and tightness (good old RA).

Thanks to all for the help. I've ordered some turmeric and am going to the pool tomorrow. I just figure the next few months are all about healing.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Guys, once again ...

... the NSAID drugs have the same potential to hurt your stomach by causing ulcers (not guaranteed result -- just raised odds of doing that) whether you take them orally or intravenously or as a patch.

Again, Google is your friend.

[dmedic72 130]

Guys, once again ...

... the NSAID drugs have the same potential to hurt your stomach by causing ulcers (not guaranteed result -- just raised odds of doing that) whether you take them orally or intravenously or as a patch.

Again, Google is your friend.

NSAIDS thin the inner lining of your stomach as a systemic response. It doesn't have to do with how their taken. Topical gels, like Voltaren, however, don't have significant systemic absorption.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[cbrr 70]

Thanks for your feedback. I will ask my doctor about the Voltaren topical. I have tried the turmeric and it "wires" me...restless or no sleep for the 4 days I took it. I used to be a swimmer and developed a chlorine allergy and can't find a public pool that doesn't add some chlorine(CA law even if they're saltwater or ozone). I really miss swimming! It kept me limber and happy. We'll see what my doctor has up his sleeve and go from there. I'm really not into taking heavy duty pain meds. I figure that once I get about 1/2 my obesity off, I'll go to my chiropractor and see if he can get this hip to stay in place.Still miss my NSAIDS, though. Patience is what this journey is about

[Cheryl Smith 7]

Thanks for your feedback. I will ask my doctor about the Voltaren topical. I have tried the turmeric and it "wires" me...restless or no sleep for the 4 days I took it. I used to be a swimmer and developed a chlorine allergy and can't find a public pool that doesn't add some chlorine(CA law even if they're saltwater or ozone). I really miss swimming! It kept me limber and happy. We'll see what my doctor has up his sleeve and go from there. I'm really not into taking heavy duty pain meds. I figure that once I get about 1/2 my obesity off, I'll go to my chiropractor and see if he can get this hip to stay in place.Still miss my NSAIDS, though. Patience is what this journey is about

That's the attitude! I ordered the turmeric - we'll see if I have the same reaction. Sorry you're having issues with mobility. One of the many reasons we are all pursuing this 'tool' to help us be better.