I am 36 years old and my troubles started a little over a year ago, I had really bad hip pain for about 2 months, that went away on its own ( I thought I had just strained it somehow) That was in November 2005, in April of 2006 I had an Iritis, it responed very well to steroid drops and keeping it dilated. Then in Oct. 2006 my left ear became very painful and swollen my doc freaked out and told me I had relapsing polychondritis, he sent me to a specialist, he said he didn't think I had that, he did more blood work and I did test postive for BLA-H27, since then I am having pain and swelling in one joint in one finger and one toe (my big toe, so its painful to walk) and some pain in the upper part of my back, not bad. The toe and finger pain have been going on for about 4 months now. My doc wants me to take Celebrex, my problem is I am very scared of taking meds. I would like to know what, if any side effects people have had from this med. I would also like to know what is going on with me. My doc just said it was some kind of arthritis so we would just wait and see. If any of you could help with advice on what might be going on with me and also about the Celebrex. I wish I wasn't such a chicken about the meds.

Hi Stepk70:wave: I've been on Celebrex for a long time and so far I have had any bad side effects from it. I can tell a difference when I don't take it because my hands get real stiff and hurt when I try to pick things up or write. But with medicine what works for one might not work for the other, but it wouldn't hurt to try. If you have any problems just quit taking it.

Hi Stepk70:wave: I've been on Celebrex for a long time and so far I have had any bad side effects from it. I can tell a difference when I don't take it because my hands get real stiff and hurt when I try to pick things up or write. But with medicine what works for one might not work for the other, but it wouldn't hurt to try. If you have any problems just quit taking it.

Hi Stepk70:wave: I've been on Celebrex for a long time and so far I have had any bad side effects from it. I can tell a difference when I don't take it because my hands get real stiff and hurt when I try to pick things up or write. But with medicine what works for one might not work for the other, but it wouldn't hurt to try. If you have any problems just quit taking it.

Thank you so much for replying to my post, have you had any problems with retaining fluids?

No I've never had any problems with that Prednisone is the only problem I've ever has problems with and it can blow you up like a balloon and it also can irritate you stomach as well if you take too much. I've even took Vioxx but Celebrex better for me.

Hi stephk 70 I have AS & D.I.S.H all so sacroileiths (the spelling might be off a bit ) you can work it out. I have been on celebrex for a wile since thay put out the warning on vioxx I was put on Mobic about 12 month and not as good as Celebrex so now I take Celebrex every day. With out it I can not get through the day I am wating to get embrel but my (esr & crp) are not high enought to get it yet so I put up with the pain and when that gets to much I take Tremal slow releseand that helps a lot.So all I can say is it workes OK for me and I have not seen any side. I am a 62year old male.:wave:

Hi

I take celebrex, though I dont take it too often now because, for me, anyway, I think it causes my blood pressure to go up. I know my blood pressure was fluctuating alot due to the pain I was in before I had surgery (it went as high as 149/98 while being checked though it could have been higher at times). After my surgery and going to several doc appt's where they took my blood pressure, it was pretty stable at 110/70. But I still had some pain in other joints and my hips were bothering me more. So I was given scripts for Celebrex. I had tried this med for my spine problems, but nothing touched that. It does help my hips and other joints a little, though. However after 3 weeks of taking it & went to another doc (gyno)...my blood pressure was suddenly 143/90. So for myself, I decided not to take it every day. I only take it on days that my joints & stiffness are worse. Of course it does not affect everyone the same way...and there are sooo many meds out there can people have adverse effects, allergic reactions, or side effects from.
But if take it long term, keep an eye on your blood pressure b/c these COX type meds can possibly affect that.

HLA B27 is present in reactive arthritis and pain in your big toe can be a symptom. Everyone is different and we can all react differently. Listen to peoples opinions but make decisions that are best for you. Some advice sounds scary and depressing, do not let it get to you, be positive. Listen to your doc. Hope you are diagnosed soon.

Thank you so much!