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Saw a Rheumatologist yesterday

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Posted 9/12/2008 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
I saw a rheumatologist yesterday to talk about my arthritis and joint pain. He reviewed al the UC medications I have taken in the past and performed a physical checkup on me. My worst joint is my left shoulder so he gave me a cortisone injection for it. The injection has not helped yet. I asked him about Celebrex for my arthritis and he gave me 3 weeks worth of sample and a prescription. He said if the samples help then use the prescription. He said Celebrex is considered a NSAID but that it is not as bad for UC as most and said to just watch my bleeding. If it increases then stop it. Has anyone here taken Celebrex before?
Posted 9/12/2008 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
I had good luck with Voltaren when I had temporary arthritis related to UC (in my rib cage, of all things), but it is also a NSAID and has risks. It worked immediately so I didn't have to take it very long.
I took Celebrex for my back, and don't remember that it made my UC worse. Now my insurance won't let me have it, so I've only used samples, short term.
Posted 9/12/2008 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't taken Celebrex, but I do take Naproxen daily for my arthritis. My GI is aware, and also knows that without the Naproxen I would be non-ambulatory within 48 hours. It has never bothered my UC.

I'd say just keep a close watch on your bleeding, and be sure to take it with food to protect your stomach.
Posted 9/12/2008 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
I took Celebrex and made my flare at the time much worse. Did help the joints though.
Posted 9/13/2008 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I have read some interesting information about Celebrex and other Cox 2 inhibitors at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COX-2_selective_inhibitor

I think I’ll give it a try starting tomorrow or should I say today (it is just after midnight). I’ll keep a close watch on my UC symptoms

Posted 9/13/2008 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently on Plaquenil per my rheumatologist and I'm getting pretty good results. You do have to be monitored by your eye Dr. every six months though because it has the potential for side effects that can change your vision.
Posted 9/13/2008 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
My grandmother was on Celebrex for many many years for her arthritis. My primary wanted me to start this one time but she placed a call to my GI and he vetoed the idea. I am a bleeder so I guess he didn't want to risk it with me. I hope that it works and I will keep my fingers crossed that it helps you Paul. Oh and btw, a cortisone injection can take up to 2 weeks before you notice a difference but the typical response is 2-7 days.
Posted 9/15/2008 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherry, I have read a few studies that suggest that NSAID are not as bad for UC patients as most GI think. It’s a mater of weighing the possible gains against the possible risks. If the Celebex aggravates my UC I can just stop taking it.

A few years ago I had cortisone injections by the same doctor in my heals for my Plantar Fasciitis. It took about 3 days to work and it lasted for about 6 months. I went back to the doctor for another injection and he said that I should wait at least a year between injections. After the year my feet weren’t as bad so I never got another injection. A few months ago before starting prednisone my Plantar Fasciitis was acting up again. The prednisone completely cleared it up and it hasn’t come back yet. My arthritis and joint pain in other parts of my body are almost back to the way they were before pred. My worst pain is in my left shoulder. For the last 2 weeks my shoulder pain has been constant. Today it has been on and of for several hours at a time. I don’t know if that means the injection or the Celebrex is starting to work.
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