Bextra info

[seabell]

I'm writing for my 80 year old dad who suffers horribly from severe arthritis of his spine. As his doctor say, his spine looks like a piece of swiss cheese.

He started taking Bextra over the summer and the change in him was wonderful. The pain diminished and he was able to get around a bit (he is also missing toes from diabetes and has the numbness/tingling associated with diabetes).

However, due to the celebrex, vioxx scare, he was advised to stop taking bextra (he has a history of small strokes and heart problems). Now he cannot move, cannot walk, cannot sleep because of the pain. When he absolutely cannot take the pain, he takes his percocet (sp?) but he does not want to take that sort of drug continuously (makes him dopey he says).

So finally, my question(s) if anyone is still reading

Where can I find good truthful info on Bextra ...

and... are there any other medications anyone can recommend that may help him?

Thanks in advance!

Seabell

[Susanbrennan80]

Originally Posted by seabell

I'm writing for my 80 year old dad who suffers horribly from severe arthritis of his spine. As his doctor say, his spine looks like a piece of swiss cheese.

He started taking Bextra over the summer and the change in him was wonderful. The pain diminished and he was able to get around a bit (he is also missing toes from diabetes and has the numbness/tingling associated with diabetes).

However, due to the celebrex, vioxx scare, he was advised to stop taking bextra (he has a history of small strokes and heart problems). Now he cannot move, cannot walk, cannot sleep because of the pain. When he absolutely cannot take the pain, he takes his percocet (sp?) but he does not want to take that sort of drug continuously (makes him dopey he says).

So finally, my question(s) if anyone is still reading

Where can I find good truthful info on Bextra ...

and... are there any other medications anyone can recommend that may help him?

Thanks in advance!

Seabell

[Susanbrennan80]

I had wonderful luck with mobic, immediate relief, please let me know if he gets it and how he does with it. give him a tiny hug from me, Susan

[GLSheridan]

Unfortunately, Celebrex, Bextra, Mobic, and Vioxx are all similar. I'm not surprised at the bad press Bextra and Celebrex are getting since Vioxx has been pulled. While the drugs aren't identical, their formulas are very similar, so it's only logical that the cardiac problems would extend to all of the drugs.

All that's left is other NSAID's like Motrin and Aleve (which is also getting bad press), or older arthritis drugs like Relafen and Lodine. Unfortunately, these drugs can damage the stomach when used over long periods of time. There isn't a clear answer for your father. Good luck.

[LaurieCrochets]

It seems as if, 'if' the benefits outweigh the risks, then you would continue to take them??? I would think the benefits outweigh the risks for you Dad??? But, then again, if your Dad's Dr thinks he should stop, then ??????? I don't know????? I cringe about thinking I may not get to continue with my Bextra. Now, granted, it does not take everything away, but sure does help with the 'excrutiating' pain. Bextra really DID change my life!!! Good luck for you and your Dad. Keep us posted!
Laurie