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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

NP here.  I hate to say it, but unfortunately even if this offers a more accurate diagnosis, there isn't much to be done about it.  I've been to three orthopedists and found myself getting hooked on pain meds (finally off now, thankfully).  My options seem to be:  live with the pain or have surgery -- which no one who's had it recommends.[/quote]

If you have what OP is complaining about, one of those orthopedists should have referred you to a rheumatologist.

Pain pills in general are not good for a chronic pain condition, though a very occasional pill to get you through a flare is okay.  There are medications that I described earlier.  In addition you can take steroids to help through a rough patch or get steroid shots. And if your case is very recalcitrant, there are the anti-TNF inhibitors.  There is also exercise.  Surgery is not really recommended except in some highly specialized circumstances.

Treatments are improving every year.  PP--please do not give up.  Please take yourself to a good rheumatologist.[/quote]

Thank you for the advice.  I should follow up with a rheumatologist (and I've never been referred to one).  Unfortunately, I can't take oral anti-inflammatory drugs because I've had gastric bypass surgery.  Ten years later, I discover I have a lot of issues with inflammation -- doh!  And when I went down the exercise path, I strained it worse than ever before, so now I'm scared of that too.  But I'll explore some of these other meds.[/quote]

Apparently, you can take methotrexate post bariatric surgery, but it may not be absorbed as well.  I understand it also is available by injection so the stomach can be avoided altogether. I found this article, which actually mentions in passing that rheumatologists often see post gastric bypass arthritis syndromes, so it sounds like it is a thing.

http://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/does-gastric-bypass-result-in-reduced-absorption-of-methotrexate/[/quote]

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