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Erosive Osteoarthritis

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Oct 16 8:17am | Replies (147)
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Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Hi msm,

Thanks for this info. I take Diclofenac tabs 2x daily with food as well for my shoulder. I have tried Celebrex and IMO Diclofenac works better. It is harder on the stomach though, and I don't know if it's ok to use long term.

I was not aware that there is an Rx-strength version of the cream/gel. I'll check that out, and thanks.

Are you considering a total replacement for one or both knees? I had both of mine replaced, 4 months apart, in 2022. I was 68 y/o at the time. Best thing I've done for myself, all pain gone. Post-op rehab is a must.

All the best.

Joe

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Replies to "Hi msm, Thanks for this info. I take Diclofenac tabs 2x daily with food as well..."
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 13 6:23am

Hi everyone,

I'm updating a comment I made in April of this year re: the use of NSAIDs, specifically diclofenac to treat arthritis joint pain.

Taking any NSAIDs, prescription (Celebrex, diclofenac) or OTC on a daily basis can be hard on the kidneys. I was taking diclofenac to treat an arthritic hip (later replaced) and it worked well. At the same time, my left shoulder was in need of replacement and very painful. So I kept taking diclofenac.

I had my left shoulder replaced on August 6th, and had a pre-op physical in July. My creatinine number ( a measure of kidney function) was too high, and had increased 50% from the last time it was taken. My reading was 1.5 and the max is 1.3. This just means that my kidneys are not cleaning my blood well.

The NP for the pre-op contacted me with this info and suggested I stop taking diclofenac or any NSAIDs. Given the pain I was in, that was easier said than done, but I did manage to cut usage below 50%, and the week before surgery I wasn't allowed to take any NSAIDs. On the day of surgery, my creatinine count was just under 1.

So please be careful with these drugs, Rx or otherwise. They aren't meant for long-term use, as I learned. They are still helpful for short-term use. As always, check with your Dr.

(Follow up - I'm two months post-op for an anatomical TSR and I don't need any pain meds, not even Tylenol.)

All the best to all of you.

Joe

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