Non-NSAIDs Pain Relievers

[blondiebabs 214]

So in my orientation today they told us that we would no longer be able to take NSAIDs after surgery, forever, because they cause erosion. This kind of worries me because at the moment I live off of prescription ibuprofen and naproxen due to scoliosis and a plethora of other issues. The nurse suggested tylenol, however I know that doesn't touch the pain. Anyone have any luck with finding more options for non-NSAIDs meds? Even script. I'd like to read about them.

I know that hopefully my aches and pains will alleviate with the weight loss, however I'd like to be educated just in case.

THANKS!

[Gammy10 37]

I am wondering the same thing. I have taken the highest dosage of Meloxicam for years due to bad articular cartilage in my knees. I have had three knee surgeries and this medication has definitely been my friend. I did stop taking it several weeks ago in anticipation of my upcoming surgery, but I am thinking I will be miserable without the meds until some of this weight comes off. The nurse did tell me about an Nsaid cream that is prescription that I could try, but I have not contacted my ortho surgeon about that yet.

[blondiebabs 214]

hmmm a cream sounds interesting. I'm going to talk to my PCP on Monday and ask him what options I have too, I'll post if he has any suggestions.

[KSTUZ 438]

Oh my, I have been heartbroken over not taking my Advil. I stop one month ago. It has not been fun, I bought the pain patch wraps from my ankle that has severe osteo arthritis from and accident 10 yrs ago.

I also ice it and putting off the inevitable of seeing ortho doc and getting a cortisone shot for the pain. I can barely walk without my advil

I thought at some point u can take Advil (any NSAIDs) after ur healed and u can tolerate it. I thought someone said only Bypass pts can't take Advil after but we can...anyone know for sure??

[Gammy10 37]

I was told never to take them again. Also, no birth control pills (which grandmas don't need those! ha!). I know losing weight will help immensely. I think I will call on Monday and ask about the cream. My surgery is next week, and I am so psyched about that!

[blondiebabs 214]

I don't know, that is what the nurses said today when they were going over the sleeve, I asked "Forever?" and she said yes, much to my dismay. She did say no more NSAIDs for the bypass and Lap-Band as well. I did search on here and see some people's surgeons cleared them to continue to use them after surgery, so I guess it depends on the surgeon. However since this particular hospital has been doing the WLS surgeries for over 30 years I tend to want to listen to them.

I have been putting off getting cortisone shots as well, in my hips.

[blondiebabs 214]

@@Gammy10 yay about the surgery next week! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts! That is exciting.

[KSTUZ 438]

I was hoping it was only pre op. BUT, like u said listing some weight off these poor bones should help. I was diagnosed with duodenitis after my endo too. That's how much I lived on them. Time to change EVERYTHING THO! So I can DO THIS!! Right tt?!?!

[blondiebabs 214]

@@KSTUZ YES M'AM! We will rock it!

[Gammy10 37]

Yes, @@KSTUZ we can do this! I do not like getting those cortisone shots either! We will feel so much better once we shed some of this extra weight. My ortho doctor says for every pound I lose, it takes 4 pounds of pressure off my joints. Now, that has to make a difference in how we feel.

Thank you @@blondiebabs ! I hope to be posting from the losing bench soon!

[Sleeveless in seattle 208]

Why no birth control pills? My surgeon ok'd those at 1 week post op.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I was taking a prescription NSAID (Feldene) consistently before my sleeve surgery, for osteoarthritis pain in several joints and in my lower back. I stopped it before surgery, per surgeon's orders, and took Tylenol or, rarely, prescription narcotics when I had to have something.

Immediately after the surgery I was delighted to find that my aches and pains were GONE. I don't know why (maybe endorphins?), but that low-to-moderate level nagging pain in my joints and lower back was no there. That lasted several months. When the aches gradually returned, they were at first less bothersome than pre-op, which I attributed to weight loss. Now, at 7 mos out, they're back to pre-surgery intensity but they're more episodic instead of constant.

My surgeon said I can take my Feldene now, but only intermittently. When the aches get to me I take it for a couple of weeks, then stop for at least a few weeks. He said to wait until I'm at least a full year post op before I take it consistently again.

The benefits of this particular NSAID are that I only have to take it once a day, and there are at least two strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg. Celebrex would be another good choice.

Please note that anytime that anyone (WLS or no) takes an NSAID they should always always always take it with food.

[#9grammy 274]

I use a cream called Volteran Gel. When I use this I'm not suppose to take my Celebrex. I wonder if that is the cream/gel everyone is talking about.

I too will have to be off my Celerex which I've been taking for many years

[mrshall617 10]

I take Excedrin Migraine for bad headaches (I take something else for actual migraines) and I won't be able to take that anymore - ever, according to my nurse and surgeon. I'm also wondering what I'll be able to take instead - I don't believe the surgery will alleviate my headache issue since I've had them since I was in my teens and before I was heavy. My surgery is Wed 6/18! My nurse told me to check with my neurologist to see if I could take tramadol instead. It's a script because it's a narcotic. I haven't called about it yet, I'll call on Monday and see what the neurologist says.

I haven't found anything that works for my bad knees - I'm looking forward to losing this weight so my knee pain is relieved!!!

I'm so glad you started this thread - this is one of my biggest concerns! I'll keep following to see if anyone else has something OTC that works as well as Excedrin Migraine for headaches!!!

[Georgia Pritchett 53]

I had to give up nsaids a couple of years ago because of kidney damage. It is difficult with fibro, Migraine, and tension headaches but I did make it. You can get Tylenol with caffeine and no aspirin which does help my tension headaches. Aspirin free excedrin. And I have a script for tramadol, too.