Safe NSAID?

The data on ibuprofen is actually mixed. I take it when I'm sick or injured and have never had a problem. CBD is an option.

Do you see a specialist for the osteoarthritis? If so, I would explain the situation and ask them if they have any suggestions. I'm lucky in that I can take NSAIDs without any issues. I take Aleve for headaches (about 2-3 times per month on average). Is your knee pain something you deal with daily?

Thanks for the info, John. Will ask about celebrex

Let us know what the specialist recommends.

CcinPA, here is something else to consider instead of trying oral NSAIDS. I use an arthritis medication called Voltaren topical gel. I have never had a problem since it's a different delivery method. It is only available by script. I have a long history of knee problems with many scopes for different issues with my knees. They always try to clean things up some, but they can only do so much.

You can go to Drugs.com & look it up, same with Relafen.

CC...I know most people scoff at this, but I have had GREAT relief from minor arthritis pain, by drinking ginger root tea. Ginger root is available at most grocery stores, is easy to slice into thin pieces and all you need to do is boil it, let it seep, strain it, and add your favorite sweetener. I use about an inch of ginger root. Drink a cup every day and after a few days, you should find relief. Worth a try. You should check with your doctor first, just to be safe. Good luck.

DeltaForce, I have never heard of anyone using Voltaren gel for headaches. I have used it for years without any issues. I use a lot of OTC analgesics, including the patches that has some lidocaine in them. When those stop working I use the Voltaren.

I had asked about Relafen early on, but if a person has any heart issues it's off the list.

Regardless, CCinPA has lots of options & hopefully will find something that works.

I have been using Curio Wellness Lemon Honey Chews which have CBD and THC at a 5:1 ratio. I usually have half of one at night before bed and if I am especially sore I might have 1/4 during the day. I find I am sleeping a lot better and wake up with little to no pain.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I see the specialist on Monday. Right now my preference would be to try the topical first.

I'll be getting some ginger root to try for sure since I like ginger anyway

By blocking the Cox-1 enzyme and disrupting the production of prostaglandins. But I assume it does not affect everyone equally. I bleed just from taking fish oil. Others may never bleed. Maybe good to experiment?

Correct. The science isn't conclusive that NSAIDs are absolutely bad for us. It's a bit mixed, some studies say bad, other studies say inconclusive and they could not reproduce that it's bad for us. Current clinical recommendation is we should not take NSAIDs. I always add a BUT if you need to take them on rare occasion it isn't going to be end you. Just would not take NSAIDs regularly as there is some inherent risk in it.

Doc said mild to moderate OA (feels pretty darned bad -- can't imagine what severe would feel like!). I got a script for Voltaren gel and just put some on. Probably my imagination but seems like the pain has already decreased a bit. On Monday I will go for a PT evaluation and then start PT. He also recommended that I get Euflexxa (hyaluronic acid) injections in my knee since I just had a cortisone shot 2 weeks ago and he wouldn't do another one of those for 3 months. Waiting for insurance to approve the shots. It's a series of 3 shots given a week apart. Really cringing about the shots, but looking forward to getting some real relief from the pain

I also started drinking ginger root tea on Saturday. Can't say that I notice that it's doing anything. I made a whole pitcher full of the tea and fiddled with adding lime and honey until I got it tasting fairly good. When I read about the tea it sounds like it's good for many things so I'll drink all of it even if it isn't doing anything for my knee.

Stopped the pred today. 40 mg helped, but as I dropped the pain increased. I absolutely don't want to stay on prednisone so hopefully all the other stuff I am doing will get me through until I can get the shots and physical therapy.

It's hell getting old lol