About six weeks ago my right leg started to hurt. The pain started in my lower back and shot down the back of my leg to my ankle. I took ibuprofen and it lessened the pain…for a few days. Then, even though I increased my dose of ibuprofen, it had minimal effect on my leg pain. I contacted my orthopedic surgeon, got an MRI and X-ray and then attended an appointment with Dr. Stube to go over the results.
Dr. Stube, basing his opinion on the test results, diagnosed me as having spinal stenosis. From the print-out report of our meeting: “Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.” That “pressure on the nerves” resulted in my leg pain.
Dr. Stube told me, “I want to put you on Celebrex.” He called in the prescription, I picked it up at Rite-Aid, ate lunch with Diane, took a Celebrex (Dr. Stube advised me to take Celebrex with food)…and an hour later HALF OF MY LEG PAIN WAS GONE! For the first time in weeks, I was actually able to get a good night sleep!
The next morning, the pain was increasing so after breakfast I took another Celebrex. An hour later ALL MY LEG PAIN WAS GONE. I’ve now been on Celebrex for three weeks and I’m pain-free. Celebrex is a Wonder Drug…at least for me!
I know a number of the participants of this blog are suffering from pain. There are risks with all medications. But if the benefits–freedom from pain–out-weigh the risks (in this case, Celebrex can cause your blood pressure to go up), you might consider it. Here’s the Mayo Clinic description of Celebrex:
“This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities.”
Good. But keep up (and with your doctor) with the reports on Celebrex…hope it continues to work well.
Todd, after being in pain for six weeks, taking Celbrix was like magic! Within 48 hours I was completely PAIN FREE! I’ve never experienced a drug that worked that fast…and effectively!
I have spinal stenosis and had to be out of work on sick leave last year for three months because I could not walk. During that time, I had two epidural procedures: one didn’t do too much, but the second one–focused on my right hip–helped enough so that I could move around and go back to work. I was given some prescription pain-killers (which I used sparingly), but no one mentioned Celebrex (perhaps because I have high blood pressure and am on medication for it). I have a vague memory of Celebrex being on the market at one time and then withdrawn/recalled, but if it’s truly that good, I’ll certainly ask my doctor about it next time my stenosis flares up. (Although, be forewarned George, the spine doctor told me that any intervention short of surgery to open up the compressed area, is usually only short-term.)
Deb, I’ve done some research on Celebrex and I’ll get more information when I meet with my internist next month. But, until then, I’m enjoying ZERO pain after suffering for six weeks. Since you have spinal stenosis too, you know what that pain feels like. If/when Celebrex stops working, my next step is an epidermal shot.
As another who has spinal stenosis (as well as other back problems), I’m glad Celebrex is working so well for you, George. As Todd said, keep on top of the situation. I hope the drug continues to work well for you.
Jerry, I monitor my blood pressure every day. This morning it was 124/78, pulse 71
And here is another candidate for it. Hope it continues to work well for you. My drugs all seem to interact with each other right now.
Patti, I’m cautious with taking new medication (side effects are always problematic), but the constant pain drove me to take Celebrex. It’s immediate effects in relieving my pain astonished me!
As long as it is safe and works, sounds great. And it isn’t an opiod.
It’s hell getting old!
Jeff, Katie’s dance instructor used to be on Celebrex. She was alway raving about how good it was. Yes, it’s hell getting old…but it’s better than the alternative!
Jeff, none of us are getting old. That’s my motto whenever I have a “senior moment.”
Jerry, I seem to have a senior moment every day!
nothing wrong with opioids, it’s MISUSE and ABUSE of them that’s the problem. They are highly effective.
I’m glad it’s working for you. I used cherry juice for my arthritis pain. I had one shot which took longer than they said to work, and helped but didn’t last as long as they said. I was told about cherry juice by a clerk at a dispensary (where I went to get weed cream, which also helped, but not fully).
What has really helped me is I’ve lost 31 lbs since the first of the year. I wondered if the weight loss would also help with blood pressure, so stopped taking those meds for a bit. Blood pressure went up, so got back on the meds and blood pressure is even better than previously with meds. My oxygenation has been 100% 2 of the last 3 visits.
I’m starting tai chi today
Maggie, congratulations on losing those 31 pounds. I’ve only managed to lose 10 pounds in 2022. It’s hard work. Several of my friends use cherry juice for their arthritis pain. One of the guys at the Pool jumped through all the New York State hoops to get medical marijuana. He says it doesn’t do much for his arthritis but it has improved his sleep.
a friend gave me some choc with either thc or cbd. It helped me sleep I shared it with my friend, but he hasn’t told me if it helped.
Maggie, I know a couple of people taking those marijuana gummies as sleep aids. They claim they work!
Unfortunately neither my husband or I can take NSAID’s but I have heard that Celebrex is a very effective drug. So I am very glad it is working for you.
My husband has a long standing allergy to NSAID’s, but luckily hasn’t had much need for that kind of pain killer. I had a bleeding ulcer once that put me in the hospital for a few days, and it was caused by NSAID use, so I have been told not to use them at all. I do have some back pains (lower back) which affects my ability to walk much or garden, but it is minor in comparison to most back problems.
Tracy, I was careful not to use NSAIDs much because they tend to drive my blood pressure up. Several of my friends have problems with NSAIDs: they’re allergic or have drug-interactions with their other medications. Almost everyone I know seems to have back problems.
Glad you’re happy, George.
Rick, it’s hard to be happy if you’re in constant pain. Pain changes you.
Don’t forget to report on the psychotic episodes and oily discharges when they kick in!
Bob, will do!