Guest guest Posted May 22, 2003 Report Share Posted May 22, 2003 I must join the discussion about Vioxx. I have been taking some form of NSAID's for 10 years. I have severe arthritis of both knees. Before WLS I was disabled with the disease, needed knee replacements but I was told it would be difficult withthe weight I was carrying. You know the story, can't lose because you can't move the large body, vicious cycle. Immobility leads to weight gain. I began taking Vioxx before WLS because it is a small pill and is supposed to be easier on the stomach. Now 2 1/2 years after WLS and a 210 lb loss I am still taking Vioxx, 25 mg per day. I have never had any discomfort from it. I take it in AM, then eat something immediately. A piece of toast, egg, yogurt, cottage cheese, whatever. I became concerned after reading your posts. I stopped the Vioxx, I had great pain and after 2 days my knees were quite swollen and stiff. (With the Vioxx, I had no pain, don't use canes, and can walk 2 miles, do steps and I'm very mobile.) I called my surgeon, PCP, orthopedist, and my gastroenterologist son. They all said the same thing. If it hasn't hurt me yet then chances are it won't. The ulcers associated with NSAIDS are because of disturbances in the stomach. If your stomach produces enough mucus then you will be okay. It is not the liquid that helps as much as the mucus release or the soft food taken with the pill. You don't want to take acidy foods with the pill. I hope I have explained this right. Sometimes it is difficult to repeat the info, even though i understand it when they say it. Also this is me and my stomach that we are talking about. It may not apply to everyone. We all react differently to medication. They all told me to ask the question at the ASBS Conference with the 1500 physicians present in the room. I hope to be able to do that. The question about long plane ride after surgery. I traveled 15 days after WLS. I told the flight attendant that I had recently had surgery and needed room to move, put my feet up and walk in the aisle. She was great. She asked the person next to me to move to another seat and kept checking on me to see if I needed any help. My husband was with me. It won't hurt to try it. But be really sweet and not demanding. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.