The only surgery I have had since I was diagnosed with RA was shoulder surgery. The surgeon cleaned up tendinitis, bursitis, removed bone spur and a strip of shoulder bone was shaved off so that I would have better mobility for my arm. The issues in my shoulder were OA. It was coordinated with my rheumatologist -I am on a Retuxin infusion every few months. I was given a dose of antibiotic before the surgery.

I was told this would take 5-6 months to heal. I get therapy twice a week, exercises at home. It has not been 2 months yet, and for the most part I feel pretty good. Can't do everything yet, but over all, really good. compared to now I felt before, if this is all the better it gets, I would be content......but I will continue and hopefully get even better.

Steph, it's so wonderful to see you! I've wondered how you were doing.

Bariatric surgery is a biggie. I've seen people on PsA sites say they have done well with it. If you are off all meds, that's a plus for doing it now. When you are healed, then go back on what you & your new, hopefully good rheumy agree on. If your weight is such that you could qualify for the surgery, you know as well as anyone how much extra stress is on your feet, knees, hips, back, etc.

I'm sure you have looked at all the lifestyle changes necessary after the surgery and are willing to commit to a lifetime of small, frequent meals, restricted diet, massive supplements, etc.

Have you talked to a bariatric clinic? One that's medically careful and not just out for the bucks? They may have experience with RA patients. Your new rheumy may have experience also, as limited mobility and weight gain are best friends.

I too was told that I shouldn't have bariatric surgery(I was 5'2" and 250lbs) with Ra but studies have shown that most do okay. They recommend you have an procedure using a scope so you aren't trying to heal a big scar. Ask the surgeon what is available. And beware that some insurance companies won't pay for bariatric surgery...United Health Care and Medicare both refused me.

I have had 2 major surgeries while on Orencia(biologic). I had to stop the drug each time and it never was as good as it first was but I have found out the drug only works for about 3 years before it starts to decline. I was at 3 years with the first surgery. But The Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, now does surgery while you are on a biologic. Their studies have shown that the increased inflammation is worse for us than the increased chance of post-op infection(I went there for a second opinion). Might want to consider seeing a rheumy there prior to surgery to help you through it. Don't think they do bariatric surgery there but you can check it out...they seem to do whatever a patient with Ra needs.

In fact, I had to have part of my nose removed for 2 kinds of skin cancer and the plastic surgeon wanted me to stay on my biologic to prevent inflammation as the graft he put on healed(part of my ear replaced what they removed). But my rheumy resisted. So I scheduled the procedure when my next IV infusion was due so I only missed that one. No inflammation and it healed just fine. But god all mighty, stitches inside your nose HURT!.

So I'd say...check it out!

hugs......Jen

PS...I'm down to 170 with dieting.

Jen - Way to go on the weight loss!!

I know someone who had RA for quite a few years and got bariatric surgery. She really had no problems EXCEPT, she only lost about 40 or 50 lbs and she is still quite overweight. I know she was very careful about following the eating program, but whether RA is the issue I do not know. I also know someone with another autoimmune disease who got the surgery and did very well with it, losing over 100 lbs.

Probably dealing with soft tissue is not as hard as bones. I had my right foot reconstructed, and it took 5 months for the bones to heal, instead of the projected 6 weeks. I also have broken my elbow and wrist in the last couple of years, and they both took 9 weeks instead of 6 weeks to heal. I definitely feel those healing times were due to RA.

As for going off the biologic, if I had to have surgery, of any type, I would NOT go off. I went off mthx and Kineret to have my foot done, and I got an RA nodule on my throat which compromised my breathing, to say nothing of flares in all my other joints. I have permanent throat damage, including choking on things, and losing my singing and speaking voice. (Including 2 months of not being able to even make a noise, and permanent damage to the vocal folds, although I can talk.)

There are now studies that do show it is worse to be flared after surgery than the threat of infection. And since I have never yet had an infection after 10 years of biologics, I am simply not going to let some old, unproved nonsense about gettting infections make me go off.

I did not go off my biologic when I broke my bones, and the wrist was a bad one, and no problems.

And I don't blame you for being frustrated with this disease, and I hope you keep pushing to get your Master's. I finished my Master of Divinity in 2013, which was a 3 year full time, 7 year for me part time effort. I can never regret the time and money spent, as I am a much better person for having done the degree.

thanks everyone.

alto - i'm familiar with the pre/post surgery changes. i've made those changes in the past and have not been able to sustain them because i don't lose the weight. doctors say all my hormones are normal, thyroid functions well. no reason for the trouble losing weight and/or maintaining any small weight loss. i already eat 4-5 times a day, most are smaller meals with lunch probably being the biggest. i'm scared about the lifestyle change but i just can't keep anything off for more than a couple of months.

jen - congrats on the weight loss! i've tried so many ways to lose weight, even amphetamines, and nothing helps long-term. the surgeries i'm looking at would be laparoscopic - no huge scars. i'm certain i can get my insurance to cover it... well once i'm insured again after january 1st.

Luckily, I had it before RA. After losing and gaining the same 20 lbs over and over I decided to go that route.

It's been 6 years and I've kept it off....except now with the RA...I am losing like crazy.

Good luck Steph....I know many insurance companies will cover it. I had/have an HMO and I think they rather pay for the wellness it brings rather than all the obesity issues later. Cost them less in the long run....unless you get RA 6 years later. Oops. I had laproscopic and was up and around the day of surgery.