Bariatric Surgery and PMR

[PJarret]

I had bariatric surgery almost six weeks ago and was finally allowed to have prednisone in the fifth week. Meanwhile I was on my fourth bout of PMR since getting it first in 2002. I was not allowed prednisone for the five months leading up to the surgery and one month after. In the last weeks of this fast, I was taken to the emergency room twice for debilitating pain. It was so bad I could barely think. I was given hydrocodone instead! I took it just so I could sleep.

Finally 36 hours before the deadline, I was given 10 mg of prednisone. It was, as expected, like day and night. Now I am happily on 5 to 10 mg of prednisone daily (my choice) and am doing very well with a mostly clear mind and mostly pain free body. I am happy that I can get back to my life. At least for a while...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Excellent - and I do hope the surgery achieves the desired result!

[suzy1959]

I was wondering how you were getting on. I think you had the surgery so you could have a knee replacement? Whereas, I skipped th3 bariatric surgery and went straight for a hip replacement last year and 9 days ago, a knee replacement. How is the eating and the weight? I have put on more weight recently and am hoping to lose it when I get my mobility back in a few weeks’ time. I have stayed on the pred. throughout. It sounds like you have been to hell and back with the pain? I’m glad you can take the pred. now.

[scats in reply to suzy1959]

We all want to know the same thing, how's it going? You must be amazingly strong to put yourself through all that. All best wishes for a successful outcome.

[PJarret in reply to scats]

I don't know how strong I am--I just want a (semi) normal life and I fought for it every minute of those six months. I am glad it is over, at least for bit. I just held on and got on with it! Thanks for the reply.

[scats in reply to PJarret]

You have my admiration anyway. Here's to a normal life.

There was someone who worked in my mother's care home who had the surgery, the change in her was amazing.

[PJarret in reply to scats]

I have already lost about 40 pounds. Now I have loose skin! Glad to have had it done...

[PJarret in reply to suzy1959]

Yes, knee replacement in August or so. With a near 40 pound loss (more I am sure is coming) and still eating very little, my knee feels pretty well. I still have to walk with a cane, though. How is the knee replacement going? I hear it is hard.

You are right! I do not want to go through that again! Thanks.

[suzy1959 in reply to PJarret]

A hip is much easier! The knee is challenging and I need all the pain relief I can get! But at least it is a healing pain, a positive one unlike PMR or OA pain. It will get better! I still need to hav3 the other knee done, so not finished yet!

[PJarret in reply to suzy1959]

Best of luck to you and your other knee. One, I imagine, is bad enough!

[SheffieldJane]

Wow! PJarret, what discipline. Glad it hadn’t lost its magic.

[Patience47]

Great news. So very happy for you.

Best wishes and good luck.

[Jackoh]

So pleased for you and that some normality is coming back. Think you were incredibly brave for those 6 months and you must be so pleased that at least that bit is over and done with!

[PJarret]

Thanks, Jackoh. It was an experience I never want to repeat! I am pleased that I was able to do it--it was especially painful the last month--and get the whole episode behind me.

[PJarret]

I have never thought of myself as disciplined before. Thanks, SheffieldJane!

[Telian]

Well done you! What a journey! So many different opinions re pred and surgery by different surgeons. Hope you told yours just how much pain you were in and that the desired results were achieved in terms of no infection.

[PJarret]

I met the surgeon only once several months ago. His assistants were who I saw. They got an earful. I am doing fairly well now with the small stomach. And the PMR has calmed considerably on 5 to 10 mgs of prednisone a day. Thanks for listening!