Wobenzym n ???????

[Jack-of-all-trades]

I'm gonna have arthroplasty on my left hand CMC joint -- the joint that gives us humans an opposable thumb. I did a bunch of reading about other folks' experience with this on .

I appreciate your support!

Dawn -- Chiacat[/QUOTE]

I had this done on my left thumb about 9 years ago. At the time, the procedure that was in vogue was to take the trapezium out, take a piece of flexor tendon out of you forearm, roll it into a ball and put it where the bone came from. The surgeon that did mine used a gutter splint made of plaster instead of fiberglass and a steel pin through my palm and thumb to hold everything in place. I liked this better than a cast as I could remove it to clean/scratch my arm in July heat. As far as I'm concerned, the surgery was a complete success. I'm left handed. I did lose about 20-25% of my grip strength but much stronger than before surgery. The steel pin (stainless) stayed in place for 6 weeks. This was my first experience with pain other than tooth ache or sprained ankle. At the time, it hurt like a *****, but not as bad as back pain. My surgeon said "you are going to hate me for about 3 months" and he was right. I was physically using it after 3 months but strength wasn't up to snuff yet and it still hurt from time to time. It took about a year for full recovery. So far, I've been able to get by with a steroid injection about once every 18 months with my right hand. Not having surgery on the right resulted in a greater loss of grip strength as the thumb migrates to the palm.The CMC joint on the right doesn't really look like a joint any more on x-ray. It's the whole arthritic thing that affects joints of those not blessed.

[runagain]

Chia,

No problemo. I learned about all of them before the back surgery I was supposed to have. I just remembered another one: Beer. It was my doctor's surgery scheduler who had them all listed. Yes, garlic surprised me. I always call the Goinko, Goinko Boinko--easier to remember it that way.
I just looked carefully at your avatar and that is one funny cat picture.

happy surgery,

R

Another one, I think, is St. John's Wort. Although I could not find a reference, I did also read it interacts with benzodiazepines, like Versed (Wikipedia).

[KBear]

Another blood thinner is fish oil. My hubby and I both take it for heart health, supposed to be good since we both have high cholesterol. Anyhow, when I have had to have blood drawn or something and been taking it, I bleed like crazy. Makes sense though, since that is why it is supposed to be heart healthy, is because it does thin your blood. I always quit taking it 2 weeks before any surgeries/procedures.

[runagain]

Yup, KBear.

Hey, I wonder if that applies to eating too many tuna fish sandwiches.
There are a number of herbs/supplements/foods that can increase risk of bleeding.
Is there a sticky on here about them? Just wondering.

R

[KBear]

Yup, KBear.

Hey, I wonder if that applies to eating too many tuna fish sandwiches.
There are a number of herbs/supplements/foods that can increase risk of bleeding.
Is there a sticky on here about them? Just wondering.

R

I don't think there is a sticky, but that's a great idea. I would definitely tell your doctor of any supplements and possibly research on your own if in doubt, as not all of them are aware of all the side effects. I know my step mom, who is a NP, took one of her continuing education courses on herbs and such, but it wasn't required class (as in she got to pick which classes for the credits.) Anyhow, it's definitely good to be sure of possible interactions, you can also run things by your pharmacist for a 2nd opinion.

[Chiacat]

OK -- I got some, and have taken it for about a week. I kinda ramped up the dosage, because after the first dose I kept burping, but that has gone away, and I'm now using 3 tabs twice/day. I'm waiting a few more weeks before I post a review, but I've read enough about this stuff to continue, and next time I will order the souped up "professional strength" version, Wobenzym PS.

I've tried to determine an 'official' definition of "take on an empty stomach", and have come up with various results -- from 30 minutes after eating to 3 hours. Does anyone have an opinion?

Helmut, thanks for the recommendation. Hope you're doing well.

Dawn, Chiacat

[Cindylou]

Dawn, with all my digestive issues, I will eagerly be watching for your "data" on the consumption of Wobenzymn. I really hope this works for you. Cindylou

[helmut]

OK -- I got some, and have taken it for about a week. I kinda ramped up the dosage, because after the first dose I kept burping, but that has gone away, and I'm now using 3 tabs twice/day. I'm waiting a few more weeks before I post a review, but I've read enough about this stuff to continue, and next time I will order the souped up "professional strength" version, Wobenzym PS.

I've tried to determine an 'official' definition of "take on an empty stomach", and have come up with various results -- from 30 minutes after eating to 3 hours. Does anyone have an opinion?

Helmut, thanks for the recommendation. Hope you're doing well.

Dawn, Chiacat

I usually try to be about 2 hours after and before a meal, when I take it. I have it next to my bed so many times I will take some when I go to bed or early morning when I wake up a couple hours before its actually time to get up.
If you feel that its improving your digestion then it may also be good to take some after meals for a while.