Yeah constipation is a nasty side effect of opioids. I did take them after my knees were replaced, along with a stool softener. It helped. It wasn't magic. I think I stayed on oxycodone for about a week after surgery, then a few days on Celebrex and then Tylenol.

I don't care much for Celebrex due to the increased possibility of heart attack or stroke. The risk is small. I guess this is true for all NSAIDs. I stick with Tylenol for pain and take ibuprofen or Alleve is I have a flare up of arthritis, but that is fortunately rare.

I think a good diet is the best protection against inflammation and the related joint pain. I avoid refines sugar as much as possible. I don't deny myself though. I do like a regular coke now and then and a cookie or something sweet at the end of the day. But that's about it.