Should have added that I don't really want to take pain pills, as I have strong addictive tendencies.

i do not know what to tell you. I would certainly go to my doctor fairly soon. There really isn't much out there that I a aware of besides prednisone or nsaids. I really recommend that you stay away from prednisone. I was on long term therapy as I have both RA and OA. I have some medical problems because of it. Celebrex was my BFF until I develop stomach ulcers despite being on Nexium. So tramadol and lortab for break thru pain is what I am left with or nothing. I am really trying to learn better coping mechanisms. I also take Lyrica for neuropathy pain but I find that it helps my overall pain level. It is a controlled drug. Perhaps it has addictive qualities but it has really helped me. I do get epidural steroid injections in my lumbar spine due to arthritis and DDD. I have done ok with that type of steroid and only get them every three months. I really try to stay away from the narcotics. I really so no positive results from tramadol so I discontinued that with my rheumy's blessing. I wish you all the best.

Melinda

spencermm;
With both RA and OA, I am lucky to have a high pain threshold. I don't like pain pills either but celebrex really helps keep my arthritis pain under control. I don't have a problem with stomach ulcers or anything like that so it really works for me.
Good luck and God bless,
Marcia

Thank you for your responses.
In the process of tests with cardiologist. He wont say if he thinks my problems are Meloxicam related yet. Maybe they aren't, in which case I can continue with the nsaid.

I am scared to death to take ANY NSAIDS AT ALL!

Txcountrygirl, I'm apprehensive about them too. Do you take anything, if so what do you take?

I too am in a situation where I know my new rhuemy is goign to try to put me on NSAIDS and I will refuse them! I am on no pain meds at all, as my reg. doc will not give me anything except tell me to take tylenol. B***** I have stiffness in my wrist, hand and thumb right around that time of the month, so what I am goign to try to ask this new rhuemy is if he can put me on some pain med just for that two weeks I have REAL issues then I will just take tylenol for everyday pain.

I have a very fragil body due to a time in my life a few years ago where I was down to 80 lbs and literally starving to death, not by choice, so for me to take any NSAIDS at all, I am not willing to take any changes! I have voiced that opinion to my reg doc and she will not listen to me.

I talk to my husband about it and all he says is "it's your body and it is up to you" well Ge thanks for the support and thanks for talking to me about it! :(

I have done some homework online and found these drugs called disease modifying anthirheumatic drugs or DMAD's, but even though they are a BIT less dangerous, I still don't like what they have to say either! can cause liver damage and kidney damage.

My reg doc and I do regular blood tests to make sure all my organs are functioning correctly due to my malnutriean (spelling) so I am not willing to take the change and I know this new rheumy will try to get me to take something once we find out exactly what it is, whether it be RA, OA, MS or lupus! I personally know in my heart of hearts they will find RA, but that is just me!

I am SO confused as to what to do? I have nobody to talk to about this but you guys!

I talk to my best friend and her answer is if an NSAID works then take it and worry about the other issues later IF they happen. My neighbor says the same thing and my husband says NOTHING!

I am in such a state of confusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, alot of folks think doctors ALWAYS KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR US...they are human, they make mistakes, and they are willing to take chances with our bodies based on information they get from the drug companies.SO IT IS UP TO US TO STAND UP FOR OURSELVES...maybe we can try a drug and watch for side effects, but maybe we shouldn't.

I would do alot of research and present the info to the doctor in a non-threatening way. Fortunately, some doctors do recognize that we know our bodies and what works for us vs. what won't work.

See if your regular doc will communicate his concerns to your cardiologist and/or rheumy so that they don't have you all over the map with meds. Another great resource is your pharmacist.

Good luck and God bless,
Marcia

Some doctors find it too much trouble to explain all the reasons they have for not giving you a drug or pain med. But I can see that if your body was depleted of nutrition for a long time it would be dangerous to take pain meds ect.. Your weight, organs and bone density all have to be taken into consideration. I have known people who took meds for years and then organs and or bones crap out. YOu must be careful what you put in your body. Solve one problem create another!
I'm praying for you! Painless (((HUGS))) Chila : )