Hi folks, I've lived on Advil, aspirin and Tylenol for many years due to chronic back and joint pains, but my surgeon expressed concern about this, essentially asking me what I intend to do about such pain after surgery because I'll no longer be able to take such medications, especially not on a regular basis. Now obviously I am hopeful that a certain portion of that pain will be more manageable 80 to 100 lbs lighter, in addition to a strengthened core and legs due to the improved ability to exercise. Any comments or observations about this issue would be appreciated, thanks, Pedro

Definitely agree about pain decreasing post-op! I am hoping the same thing for my joint pain. I know for me, taking Tylenol/Acetominaphen is okay. Of course that is up to your doctor! Have you looked into CBT/talk therapy for your pain? I have had a LOT of help coping with my chronic pain through that alone. Or getting a referral to a pain clinic? I have not been there myself, but have heard they can help.

I don't know if I have helped at all, but I wish you luck with your journey - and hoping you find relief from your pain!

Best of wishes.

I am also able to take Tylenol and do. I miss Advil somedays but I think it as more of a habit than anything. For joint pain, you may be able to get prescription for topical anti-inflammatory such as Voltaren Gel. Because it doesn't process through your stomach, it should be fine (at least my rheumatologist said it was!) Also, you can rely on ice and heat a lot. If it is too bad, a pain mgmt. dr should be able to help.

Man...!! thank you, kind folks, so much. Of course I'm a bit nervous here some 7 weeks till surgery, but this site helps alleviate the loneliness I feel concerning having the surgery. I will not be telling many people at all.

you could ask a pain specialist for a bottle of biofreeze its basically iceyhot with just the cold but you can only get it through a physical therapist office or chiropractor it works wonders for my back pain and i have sciatica on both sides and 3 bulging disks

This is great, thanks for the suggestions. It was a topic that was worrying me a bit. But I also believe a much stronger abdominal core will help a lot. I bought a gym membership yesterday, here goes nuttin!!!