Elismom1992

I've been diagnosed with RA for about the last 2 years and I can completely identify with what you're going through. When it first started for me, it was absolutely horrible and the worst thing I had ever went through in my life. I was barely able to walk with the pain in my feet and knees and would cry and cry every evening. It's hard to explain to others who've never experienced that pain and stiffness. It intrudes on and overwhelms every area of your life; and it is depressing. There's definitely a mental aspect of the disease you're going to have to work through along the way. But, first, you need to get in with a good rheumatologist and get your symptoms under control. My doc started me off on prednisone and sulfasalazine. The prednisone did get the inflammation and pain under control at the beginning, but the side effects are not good. I could have eaten my own leg at times. HUNGRY, HUNGRY, HUNGRY. But it did get things under control some what. I went off of it pretty quickly and am now on an Enbrel auto-injector weekly & sulfasalazine daily. Like the others have said, take the NSAID either on an empty stomach, or (if it's a crushable pill like the sulfasalazine) crush it up and mix it with some yogurt or other soft-food. Just enough to not irritate the pouch. Then, follow it up with at least 8 oz of Water. It will flush it throgh the pouch. Good luck and I promise, it is something that is controlable, although right now, I'm sure it doesn't seem that way. The key is a rheumatologist who will listen to you and work with your symptoms and your situation.

Angela, I don't know if they take outside patients or not, but there is a monthly support meeting at Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis. You can call 740 446 5000 and ask for the weight loss center. The office staff would be able to tell you. Good luck!

Hey, I just ran across this thread - sorry, I'm a little slow. I was banded @ Holzer by Dr. Grandia. He is absolutely fabulous and his bed-side manner is top-notch. I would recommend him to anyone. I've only met Dr. Canady in passing, but I hear he's very good as well. Good luck with your surgery.

I'm from Southern Ohio - right down on the river. Good luck with your band journey. :thumbup:

I think that part of the problem has to do with the medication needed for inflammation with a lot of autoimmune disorders. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my surgeon did discuss the issue of taking large amounts of anti-inflammatories and pain medication, but he said it was something he was willing to work with and keep an eye on in the future. I have a great deal of problems with my lower back, knees, and feet so both the surgeon and my rheumatologist were completely supportive of the surgery due to the extra strain my joints were under due to the excess weight. But, I have also read arguments against the insertion of a foreign object into a person who's body has already demonstrated an ability to attack it's own tissue. So, there are questions about how that kind of system will react to a completely unknown item being introduced. However, I haven't had any flare-ups or other extreme episodes since my surgery in August. Hopefully that will continue.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and suspected anklosing spondylitis (? sp) along with a bulging and herniated disk. So, I can completely relate to the pain aspect of your situation. I've been pretty successful with doing the exercises the PT gave me in conjunction with my medication and such. But, I really think, especially with my condition, it's a combination of all these things that's allowed me to at least maintain. Hopefully you'll be able to find the best combination for your situation with the help of your doctor. Good luck & I wish you the best!

I've had real problems with my back for years also. Sporadically, issues would pop up from time to time. But then about a year ago, I had a terrible episode where I could not move and ended up at the local clinic. In the end I had with an MRI, a whole truck load of meds (pain meds, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories), physical therapy for a couple of months, and a series of epidural injections over about 9 months. So, I know exactly what you're going through! It sounds like you're in a lot of pain so you might have more going on that a simple muscle pull. You might want to get in with a back specialist or a physical medicine doctor and get a full work up. I really got a lot of relief with going to PT and doing the exercises they gave me. Strengthening the muscles in your back will help alleviate the pain and inflammation you're experiencing. Back pain's nothing to mess around with and when you're having problems with your back, it affects everything you do. Hope you get in to see someone and you find some relief soon. Good Luck!

Actually, my mom and I went to classes for a about 3 months, twice a week, and really enjoyed it. I'm not sure how many calories we actually burned doing it - - but, we did have a good time!!! I think more than anything, my balance and concentration were improved. It was kind of like I learned to zone out everything else and just concentrate on the form. We were in a really small class with a terrific instructor, so that was great. Alas, my son wrestles on his high school team and we're right in the crazy part of the season. The wrestling matches take a ton of time, so the t'ai chi is on the back burner for now. But, I would like to get back into it when I get some more time. Good luck, I really did enjoy it.

I have RA also and was banded in August. I've had no problems, but like the others here have said; my back, knees, and feet feel better with each and every pound I lose. My rheumatologist was very much in favor of the band. He said for every pound you drop, the pressure is exponentially decreased, especially on the lower back. However, sometimes I do have problems taking my daily medication. I take Sulfasalazine (2 pills X2 daily) after eating. Well, i don't eat much and sometimes the pills don't want to go down and STAY down. I just keep swallowing and walk around a little - it seems to help the food pass! Good luck!

Elismom1992 surgery date August 13th.

I'm scheduled to be banded tomorrow morning, August 13th. I'm soooooo excited. :clap2:

I lost about 12 pounds in 14 days. However, I was supposed to have 3-4 Slim Fasts and 3 servings of fruits & milk per day & I had a hard time sticking to the diet. I guess I could have done better, but that's a tough diet for 2 weeks. :faint:

I can identify with the knee pain. I had to have my left ACL repaired and about 75% of the meniscus scoped out at the same time. It was a mess. The ortho doctor told me then I would probably need to have it completely replaced before I turned 50. :cry Unfortunately, I've also been recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is why I was asking about so many questions kind of pain you were having. Have you been to an orthopedic or rheumatologist to have them give you an indepth evaluation? It might be well worth the time to see if there's anything to be done to give you some relief while you are in the process of being banded and losing the excess weight. I know the pain of arthritis can be absolutely excruciating. I hope you find some relief with the surgery and weight loss. GOOD LUCK!