I spoke too soon

Kathy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009, 10:25 PM

Dale,
I know you want to be off the medications so badly. It is no fun having to take something to function. I would love to not take anything and hope to one day be there; but if doing so means a poor quality of life, then I will continue to take meds as well. I am sorry that you were 'off meds' and now you will have to be back on them. I wish you the best of luck.

SandyW · #2 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009, 10:54 PM

Dale,

Sorry to hear you can't get along without the anti-inflammatories. Maybe the doctor can try something other than Celebrex. Sometimes we have to give in and take those pills. Just wish you could have managed without.

I know I would feel much better if I could take anti-inflammatories. Have taken OC ibuphrophen for years and it worked so well. Started having severe chest pains, trips to the emergency room. Had all the heart tests. Doctors decided my heart was fine, but my stomach wasn't.

My husband takes OC ibuphrophen for his ankle replacement in 2001 and more now for his back pain - up to 9. Sure hope he has a strong tummy. Doesn't need any pain meds for the back yet. He reads all your posts and says "no way do I want lumbar surgery." He's getting smarter about using his back correctly, more core building and less lifting. Hasn't had the legs go out on him for 6 months or so.

Best wishes and hang in there - be cool

! Sandy

phylly · #3 (**permalink**) 01-28-2009, 03:35 AM

Dale,
I understand how you may need the Celebrex. I have had to go off mine for my surgery and the rest of me hurts so much. It is a great drug and if it helps and does no harm then you may need to stay on it for awhile.
Phylly

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 01-28-2009, 02:43 PM

I do what I have to medication wise to be functional. I've tried decreasing both my Neurontin and Methadone and the result was horrific pain that laid me out and had me in terrible pain and crying sooo much. I was totally emotionally and functionally debilitated. So obviously it's just not worth to me.

Maybe some day I can stop the Methadone w/help but I'm pretty sure I'll be on the Neurontin or something like it for a long time re burning nerve type pain. Even the Methadone helps with this I think....

So here's what I say~ live your life with what helps you to live it as long as it's not creating other medical or other problems for you

fortitudine · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 05:08 PM

I have been on a prescription anti-inflammatory for so many years I can't remember - probably twelve or more, for arthritis since my late 40's. First it was Arthrotec and then Celebrex when it came on the market. Celebrex stopped working for me after about 5 year and I went back on Arthrotec. It's an old drug - a good anti-inflammatory combined with a stomach protector that has worked great for me for many years. I don't know why more docs don't prescribe it.

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 05:37 PM

I'll ask my new pm about Arthrotec. My concern is more about liver damage over long term use. So far my stomach is OK. I'm not opposed to taking drugs as needed but known side effects have me concerned. I'm the side effect queen!

treefrog · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maria

Maybe some day I can stop the Methadone w/help but I'm pretty sure I'll be on the Neurontin or something like it for a long time re burning nerve type pain. Even the Methadone helps with this I think....

Maria, I think my pain med (Opana-ER = oxymorphone) also helps my nerve pain. I had been having nerve pain that went from my right hip into my thigh for the longest time, and even neurontin only helped a little. But after my discogram caused me lots of extra pain, nerve pain at that (in my knee, calf and feet), my doctor increased the Opana-ER. Since then, I haven't had the pain in my hip or thigh. I do still have some tingling and slight numbness in both heels, and my right calf and knee feel a little numb, but it's not nearly as bad as the other pain had been.