question on arthritis meds...

since i've started walking longer in the past few weeks ( 1 1/2 to 3 miles daily) my arthritis in one of my ankles and knee has kicked back up. normally one or two doses of ibuprofen would do it but we can't take it anymore. tylenol is useless for the pain. i will see my surgeon next week but i was wondering what you all do? when i called my surgeon's office, they wanted me to ask my physician if they would prescribe celebrex or bextra. well, my physician wouldn't because she said it could weaken the heart. she suggests ibuprofen with prilosec (am i spelling that right?). do you take anything for pain that works? susan

Susan, I have osteoarthritis and I take Plaquenil. It is used for RA but my doctor had me try it and it really helps. I take 2 per day. Also I take Ultram as needed for pain. I haven't needed Ultram in a long time. When the pain is bad, I take 1 Ultram every 12 hours. Ultram works better when you take it continuously, not as needed. Good luck! Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -96lbs

I had back surgery a year ago and take Soma for my arthritis and pain. It works awesome! Good luck.