Gastric bypass and Rheumetoid & Fibromyalgia - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Barbarajo · 10-26-2004, 08:38 PM

I was wondering is any of you have reumetoid Arthritis and fibromyaliga. I was wonderding if you have any sucess story and/or and struggles with medication.

I have Rhemumetiod Arthritis and Fibromyaliga and I am hoping and praying that lossing 100+ pounds will help with the pain and fatigue relating to these illnesses. The number one reason I am having this surgery is to be healthier and have less pain in my joints and mucles.

I am on Methotrexate and Remicade for RA and was wonderding if anyone is having issues with there medication after the surgery.

All information that you have is welcome! Please!!!

watergirl · 10-27-2004, 08:14 AM

I don't have those ailments, but from what I hear, the surgery does significantly reduce the painful affects. I wish you much luck in your journey.

Christina · 10-27-2004, 09:09 AM

I have Rheumatiod Arthritis and my symptoms have dramatically improved even after losing only 40 lbs I could tell. I am now down 105 lbs and I am healthier and happier than ever. As far as medications after surgery, you will not be on them. Don't worry, I know it is scary. I was on Relafen for my arthritis beforehand and did not think I would survive without it. However being an anti-inflamatory drug it is not recommended. You may be able to use your prescriptions during a flare up, however. I still get the occassional flare up due to the rainy weather lately, but I survive and it isn't nearly as bad as it was. It is so nice to be able to get up from a seated position and not have my knee buckle from underneath me. I hope this helps some.

Good luck on your journey.

Barbarajo · 10-27-2004, 09:56 AM

Thank you Cristian and watergirl for you comments.

I have to admit I am a little scared about being off my medication. I have been off of it in the past and was bad really bad. I was almost bed riden by the time my 2 months off of medication was over.

I may be able to still get Remicade once I heal from the surgery. Remicade in an infusion drug so it won't be going into my pouch. But the Methetraxate they will have to change to a liquid or and injection.

Thank you for your comments Cristina I am sad and happy to hear that you have RA as well. I am happy to hear that you getting some relieve post op. But sad to hear that you too struggle with RA.

Christina · 10-27-2004, 10:03 AM

Trust me, I know how scared you are at the prospect of not taking medication for RA. I have been there. I think that along with getting blood clots were my two biggest fears going into it. However, my flare ups are nothing like they used to be.. they don't put me down. I can do so much more than I could ever do pre-operatively. Trust in yourself and trust in Dr. Callery. You may be as suprised as I was to find that the weight loss and change in dietary habits really does help with it. Don't be sad for me, finailly I feel free of RA, just get reminded once in a while when it rains or whatnot..

But otherwise, I forget about it.

That's a huge thing for me.. it no longer controls my life.. I control it instead. YAY!!!!!!! I hope for you the same success..

Lynne J · 10-27-2004, 10:44 AM

Hi Barbara,

I have 'severe' RA. I was on Remacade before surgery, but was in the process of going to someting new, Remacade had stopped working. But after surgery, and down 30 pounds the doctor and I decided to give it a try without the injectables and I have been just fine!! I am still on all my other RA drugs (Methotrexate, Arava, Declofenac) along with the extra iron and miscellaneous supplements for borderline anemia. I have high hopes (and so does my RA doctor) that I will gradually be able to come off more and more meds. IT'S A WONDERFUL THING!!! My ankle is the only thing that gives me any trouble, but even that is so much better now and liveable!

Just wait, your going to feel terrific!!

Barbarajo · 10-27-2004, 11:00 AM

Thank you Lynn for your comments

I too have severe RA I am on disability at this point. I was wondering how you take the methatrexate. I take 10 every Friday night. How does your pouch do with it. Methatrexate and I don't get along very well. I have begged my doctor (in Doctor Kellers office) to please take me off of it. My biggest fear right now is the methatrexate and the new stomach.

Do you have any advice.

Lynne J · 10-27-2004, 11:07 AM

You know, I kind of have a cast iron stomach. Even the new pouchie seems to be forged the same way!! Methotrexate has never given me any problems. They kept me off of it for several weeks after the surgery (can't remember how long exactly), and I've been fine. I take 7 every Monday for now. They may put it up if they feel the need. Small world- I also go to Dr. Kellers office. Usually I see Tim or Dr. Mabaquio (sp?). If you want to come off of it, or change anything, from what I've found is if you see Tim, you need to go to one of the Doctors. Tim never changes meds...

So far so good. Good Luck!

Barbarajo · 10-27-2004, 11:26 AM

I had a feeling that we went to same doctor. I usually don't see Tim. I see Dr. Magaquio for RA and Dr. Gaverluck for Fibromyagia pain management.

I too have a cast iron stomach I can eat or drink anything with out any trouble but Methetrexate gives me nausia and diaria at times. It has lessoned in the year and half I have been on it. Just every one in awhile it will knock me off my feet.

I am glad to hear that you are tolerating the Methatrexate. I have hope now. Thank you so much.

Hey have you ever tried going to Dr G for pain. He is really great. When I see him he does trigger point injections and massage and acupressure. He is from Russia and was a surgeon in Russian but chose not to go back to school here and start over in surgery school. But he does a great job in releaving pain for RA and Fibro. Sometime I go in there not being able to walk or with severe back pain and by the time I leave he has fixed me. I have only great things to say about Dr M and Dr G. They have saved my life.

Now I am hoping to take my health to a higher level and loss weight to feel better. By the sounds of it, it will work.

You guys have been such a life support for me right now and I just want to thank you.

I have not had my surgery yet. I am going to the Nutrition class tonight and the Pre op class Nov 4th or 9th. I have completed all my test except the pshyc eval which I have scheduled for Nov 9th. So yipppee I am almost there. I can not wait.... But I have too.

Lynne J · 10-27-2004, 11:31 AM

Don't forget to let Dr. M know. Have him write a letter to your insurance company and Primary recommending the surgery. It helps to have their input. Just think, the insurance company has already made back their money on me. Remacade was costing $12,000 every 8 weeks.

I haven't tried the other doctor you talk about, it was never brought up... Does your insurance pay for it? I wonder if he could do anything for my ankle... HMMM...