Severe Osteoarthritis-Knees

[chilihot59 156]

Has anyone noted any improvement in mobility and/or level of pain post sleeve? Since I can't take Ibuprofen/NSAIDS, acetaminophen just doesn't cut it on the real achy days. There is some improvement with mobility and pain but, not as much as I had hoped for. I'm 8 wks out so, maybe I'm just impatient! I don't know if I should consult with my orthopedic doctor, my primary, or my surgeon? I still have to use my walker, when I have to do any substantial walking, because my knee will suddenly buckle on me.

[Doreykn 113]

I too, have bad knees... as I injured them years ago. I'm almost 11 months out & they are much improved! I still have bad days with them, but nothing like before WLS... I used Tylenol # 3 when the pain is bad. They do make a liquid in that, which in my opinion works better. And I no longer have to use my cane... Good luck!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Check out the NSV post by TJMOM. She was using a wheelchair before surgery. Now she's walking and being active in only a few months. Taking the weight off helps tremendously.

[RickM 1,747]

Is there something in your history, other than your recent sleeve, that contraindicates the use of NSAIDs? Some surgeons like to avoid NSAIDs early on during the immediate healing phase, but long term there is no reason that NSAIDs can't be taken with the sleeve - indeed, thats one of the major benefits of the sleeve over the RNY, and NSAIDs requirements are often used to overturn insurance company decisions denying the VSG or DS in favor of the RNY (though many RNY focused surgeons who are relatively new to the sleeve are slow to understand or accept this.)

If your NSAID restriction is from your sleeve surgeon, then certainly you should go to him for approval, as he may have some specific reasons for you not using them. If there is not something specific to you, politely ask him to do a bit more research on the subject, as most of the long experienced sleeve and DS (which uses the sleeve as its basis) surgeons have no problem with NSAID use post op - it's even in my patient binder for use once the prescribed narcotic pain relievers are exhausted (they have about twenty years of sleeve experience behind them, so I tend to trust their word on the care and feeding of a sleeve.) If there is some other issue with your history that precludes the use of NSAIDs, then your orthopedic or primary docs would be the place to go.

While there is nothing about the sleeve that specifically addresses or improves joint conditions, as others have noted, things can improve markedly just by getting the weight off, so that just takes a little patience. So, good luck with it, and things should be improving as you progress,

[chilihot59 156]

Thanks guys for the info!!!

[Dooter 1,457]

I'm being sent to PT for my knee. Being 200 lbs overweight, I NEVER had knee problems. Once I started exercising to prep for surgery.....BLEW MY KNEE OUT!!! Oh well. In the long run, I find it worth it. I just need to get this knee fixed now, but can't use any steroids!! BAH!!! (not that I enjoy steroids....BUT...)

[suzjag 107]

Has anyone noted any improvement in mobility and/or level of pain post sleeve? Since I can't take Ibuprofen/NSAIDS' date=' acetaminophen just doesn't cut it on the real achy days. There is some improvement with mobility and pain but, not as much as I had hoped for. I'm 8 wks out so, maybe I'm just impatient! I don't know if I should consult with my orthopedic doctor, my primary, or my surgeon? I still have to use my walker, when I have to do any substantial walking, because my knee will suddenly buckle on me.[/quote']

My knees are soooo much better. I went from 282 to now 235 and I can walk with zero pain now. It will come, keep the faith. Wishing u well.

[Catracks 865]

I had a lateral release operation on my right knee 25 years ago. When I gained the weight it put enormous pressure on my knees and lower back. I have the beginning of arthritis in my back. I was walking with a limp and couldn't/didn't want to walk far.

Now I hike up 10,000 ft. mountains.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I had a lateral release operation on my right knee 25 years ago. When I gained the weight it put enormous pressure on my knees and lower back. I have the beginning of arthritis in my back. I was walking with a limp and couldn't/didn't want to walk far.

Now I hike up 10' date='000 ft. mountains.[/quote']

Show off.

[Catracks 865]

Show off.

Am not!

[chilihot59 156]

Sounds like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, lol!

[doxieville 799]

Oh Catracks...you SO are!!! And that's ok!!! You've worked hard to get to this point!

One of the main reasons I got this surgery is because i had both knees replaced 5 and 6 years ago when I was in my 40's. . With the weigtht I was carrying, I would need both knees replaced in my late 50's and again in my 70's! That's 6 knee replacements in my lifetime!!!! That's crazy!

[Catracks 865]

Ok, maybe I am ... a little. I just want to show what's possible for a person who used to complain about having to walk down the street.

[doxieville 799]

Catracks,

You just KEEP on bragging!! People like me who are just starting out are really motivated by stories like yours. Thank you so much for sharing.

[samsmom 54]

chillihot59....years before my surgery, I was taking shots (orthovisc) in both knees every 6 months. I didnt go back to my orthopedist until 3 weeks ago....to start my shot therapy again:(. You see, I last had my shots about 4 months before surgery (in Dec '11). But becuz of the weight loss, my knees were feeling great. The problem is, my knees caught up with my weight becuz of my stalls and sloooooow losing. I had a feeling that was going to happen. I am now wearing my leg brace that I had to have special-made for me prior to surgery...sure fits a lot better since my calves and thighs have shrunk a bit!

I think surgery was too little/too late to save my knees...I have no cartilage and no amount of weight loss can rebuild that. My doctor & I still see knee replacement surgery in my future...im just hoping that my sleeve surgery will help me hold off having it done for years and years and years from now!