Hi, @nancyjt. That is a good question about the NSAIDs, especially if you are getting to the point of needing a knee replacement and are likely experiencing pain.

Here are a couple of publications related to this topic that may be useful:

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211824033244?via%3Dihub

- Gastritis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355807

Please note this part in particular in the Mayo Clinic article, found under the "Risk factors" subheading: Regular use of pain relievers. Pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs, can cause both acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS). Using these pain relievers regularly or taking too much of these medicines may damage the stomach lining.

However, I'm wondering what your gastrointestinal specialist or your primary care physician suggest regarding the use of NSAIDs for you, given your particular medical situation?