If we MUST have an NSAID does it matter which one?

 I just tried the volteran gel about two months ago and it helps me tremendously.  I also ice my left knee and that has been the winning combination.  You're right you have to get the swelling down to relieve the pain and that's the quandary you find because the things that get rid of the inflammation will cause damage to our precious pouch.  If you find out about anything else that work please let me know. 

Celebrex and Vioxx are selective in the sense that they affect the COX-2 sites but not the COX-1 sites. The COX-1 sites are associated with gastric issues, ulceration, kidney issues and nausea. 

 http://www.doctorslounge.com/gastroenterology/forums/backup/topic-27912.html

Interesting that it is not available in the US.  (I wonder why?)

Lora

 It may be approved now.  Might have still been in the works for getting approved at the time ?

I am so happy to hear about the limited absorption of the volteran. My thumbs are bad and I have one knee starting to give me issues. I will ask my doctor about it the next time I see her.

I have a major bulging disc in my back, waiting for spinal fusion surgery in September. Doctor still wouldnt clear NSAIDs for me. Though I already had an ulcer in '05 at the bottom pouch connection. Whatever your doc is willing to clear, make sure they're not extended release tablets, as your body will not break them down. And you will get more benefits from a pill if you dissolve them in something first, otherwise they may not break down completely in your system.

Celebrex has been the best choice for me so far. I actually developed an ulcer during my 2nd month post op, when I was NOT taking an NSAID. Once it healed, but while I was still taking carafate and protonix as protectants, I started my Celebrex for my degenrative hip pain. I have kept my eye on things very closely and eventually even quit the carafate then protonix. The celebrex is now not doing the job (Oh how I long for several massive doses of straight up ibuprophen!) so I am going to have to suck it up and schedule my hip replacement soon. Anyway, it is an individual thing. People respond differently to different meds. I find that Clelbrex actually helps better than it did preop and the risk is worth the reward at the moment. I also know what to look out for. The key is finding what works for you, weigh the risks and rewards and be very mindful of what your body is saying to you. Good luck!

 When taking the nexium my GI had me open the capsules and just take the stuff inside so it would have better absorption, you may want to see if you can get protonix as that **** will stop the stomach acid like nothing else.

Well, with NSAIDs, I'm the victim of my own complacency. I was 19 when I had surgery, almost 10 years ago. When I was in college, I stopped listening to the doctors, stopped going because I didn't have insurance anymore, and started the college student benge drinking thing. There was no warning, I was home one weekend after an interview for the highway patrol, had just gotten home from church started feeling sick and ran into the b-room and threw up alot of blood. Nine transfusions, an endoscopy with a cardier, and 2 weeks in the hospital later, I can never have NSAIDs again, and I was disqualified from my dream of being police officer. Not the brightest move I've ever made.