Re: Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw Bextra (valdecoxib)

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset with me on

this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for the last year or

so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my meds. I take MTX and

Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two different emotions

simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one hand, I'm very nervous about what

I'll do without the Bextra (it definitely works better than any other

anti-inflammatory I've taken); on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to

finally chuck the stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at the same

time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to cure what ails us.

When it comes to pain management, there's a lot more out there besides taking

pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal supplements, meditation, relaxation,

guided imagery, acupuncture and acupressure, massage, and on and on!

Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw Bextra

(valdecoxib)

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset with me on

this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for the last year or

so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my meds. I take MTX and

Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two different emotions

simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one hand, I'm very nervous about what

I'll do without the Bextra (it definitely works better than any other

anti-inflammatory I've taken); on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to

finally chuck the stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at the same

time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to cure what ails us.

When it comes to pain management, there's a lot more out there besides taking

pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal supplements, meditation, relaxation,

guided imagery, acupuncture and acupressure, massage, and on and on!

Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw Bextra

(valdecoxib)

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: aclavern33@...

>I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no meds. I

still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I shall ration

that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't take

Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally out due to

having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I guess it

will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from overseas

pharmacy.

Everyone now is in the same boat I have always been in. I'm allergic to all

NSAIDs and anything remotely related to them. I have never even been able to

take aspirin, much less VIOXX or the other drugs that helped so many others. I

don't have an answer, just keep hoping that they will come out with something

new that won't kill us while it's making us feel better!

Nina

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: aclavern33@...

>I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no meds. I

still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I shall ration

that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't take

Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally out due to

having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I guess it

will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from overseas

pharmacy.

Everyone now is in the same boat I have always been in. I'm allergic to all

NSAIDs and anything remotely related to them. I have never even been able to

take aspirin, much less VIOXX or the other drugs that helped so many others. I

don't have an answer, just keep hoping that they will come out with something

new that won't kill us while it's making us feel better!

Nina

[Guest guest]

,

I feel the same way. I look for alternatives to meds and only take

them when I feel there is no choice.

Every drug we take alters our bodies in some way. Many of these drugs

have side effects we aren't even aware of. Others carry to heavy of a

price when the side effects are worse than the benefits. We all have

to make the decision what is right for us. But you're right about to

many people wanting to just pop a pill to fix what's wrong. Vioxx

increased my BP and although I don't feel I'm a cardiac risk, Vioxx may

have made me one if I continued taking it. My doctors dismissed the

increase in my BP, but I made the decision to go off it on my own. I

just wish they'd spend more time and research money on looking for

cures rather than treatment of symptoms.

a

On Apr 8, 2005, at 11:46 AM, wrote:

>

> I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset

> with me on this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for

> the last year or so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my

> meds. I take MTX and Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two

> different emotions simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one

> hand, I'm very nervous about what I'll do without the Bextra (it

> definitely works better than any other anti-inflammatory I've taken);

> on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to finally chuck the

> stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

> establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at

> the same time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to

> cure what ails us. When it comes to pain management, there's a lot

> more out there besides taking pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal

> supplements, meditation, relaxation, guided imagery, acupuncture and

> acupressure, massage, and on and on!

>

>

>

>

> Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw

> Bextra (valdecoxib)

>

>

>

> I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy

> based on misinformation.  You don't hear anyone talking about how

> 15,000 people die each year from bleeding ulcers.  You don't hear how

> the animals in the studies were subjected to very high doses of the

> drugs, and you don't hear how people with no history or risk factors

> for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and NSAIDs by the

> handful and not be in danger.  Celebrex has made such a difference for

> me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in

> terms of pain meds.  The US has the worst record for leaving patients

> in pain, but I was just hearing on the news that there is a new move

> to " clamp down " on people using pain medication regularly.  I also was

> told that Celebrex is no different from Relafen, but I have so much

> more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it is much easier on my

> stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the ! extra acid.

>

> Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

> I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

> filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

> withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved

> that

> it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

> problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

> also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

> but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

>

> I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you

> tried

> any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

> very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not

> as

> effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

> medication if I can avoid it.

>

> I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time.  Sue

>

> On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37  PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

> >

> > Sue,

> > I am in the same boat.  Though I have been in remission and on no 

> > meds.  I

> > still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying  around.  I

> > shall ration

> > that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain  relief.  I

> can't

> > take

> > Celebrex because I am allergic to it.  The other  NSAIDS are totally

> > out due to

> > having has weight loss surgery and they cause  stomach problems. 

> So I

> > guess it

> > will be tylenol when this runs out or I  shall be buying mine from

> > overseas

> > pharmacy.

> >

> > I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication

> review. 

> >  Maybe

> > he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been

> noticing a

> > gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> > this

> > remission is coming to an end.  I hope not...cause as it looks there

> > are  really no

> > drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

> >

> > Toni

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I feel the same way. I look for alternatives to meds and only take

them when I feel there is no choice.

Every drug we take alters our bodies in some way. Many of these drugs

have side effects we aren't even aware of. Others carry to heavy of a

price when the side effects are worse than the benefits. We all have

to make the decision what is right for us. But you're right about to

many people wanting to just pop a pill to fix what's wrong. Vioxx

increased my BP and although I don't feel I'm a cardiac risk, Vioxx may

have made me one if I continued taking it. My doctors dismissed the

increase in my BP, but I made the decision to go off it on my own. I

just wish they'd spend more time and research money on looking for

cures rather than treatment of symptoms.

a

On Apr 8, 2005, at 11:46 AM, wrote:

>

> I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset

> with me on this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for

> the last year or so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my

> meds. I take MTX and Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two

> different emotions simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one

> hand, I'm very nervous about what I'll do without the Bextra (it

> definitely works better than any other anti-inflammatory I've taken);

> on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to finally chuck the

> stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

> establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at

> the same time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to

> cure what ails us. When it comes to pain management, there's a lot

> more out there besides taking pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal

> supplements, meditation, relaxation, guided imagery, acupuncture and

> acupressure, massage, and on and on!

>

>

>

>

> Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw

> Bextra (valdecoxib)

>

>

>

> I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy

> based on misinformation.  You don't hear anyone talking about how

> 15,000 people die each year from bleeding ulcers.  You don't hear how

> the animals in the studies were subjected to very high doses of the

> drugs, and you don't hear how people with no history or risk factors

> for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and NSAIDs by the

> handful and not be in danger.  Celebrex has made such a difference for

> me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in

> terms of pain meds.  The US has the worst record for leaving patients

> in pain, but I was just hearing on the news that there is a new move

> to " clamp down " on people using pain medication regularly.  I also was

> told that Celebrex is no different from Relafen, but I have so much

> more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it is much easier on my

> stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the ! extra acid.

>

> Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

> I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

> filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

> withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved

> that

> it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

> problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

> also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

> but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

>

> I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you

> tried

> any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

> very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not

> as

> effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

> medication if I can avoid it.

>

> I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time.  Sue

>

> On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37  PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

> >

> > Sue,

> > I am in the same boat.  Though I have been in remission and on no 

> > meds.  I

> > still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying  around.  I

> > shall ration

> > that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain  relief.  I

> can't

> > take

> > Celebrex because I am allergic to it.  The other  NSAIDS are totally

> > out due to

> > having has weight loss surgery and they cause  stomach problems. 

> So I

> > guess it

> > will be tylenol when this runs out or I  shall be buying mine from

> > overseas

> > pharmacy.

> >

> > I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication

> review. 

> >  Maybe

> > he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been

> noticing a

> > gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> > this

> > remission is coming to an end.  I hope not...cause as it looks there

> > are  really no

> > drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

> >

> > Toni

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I had been on Enbrel with and without Methotrexate. I went off to have

weight loss surgery in May 2004 and never went back on my meds..felt great no

problems. So I have been lucky to have gone nearly a year with no

meds...beside

the occasional tylenol or Bextra.

Enbrel after a period of time was getting less and less effective. I will

NEVER take methotrexate again. The side effects were horrible. Toward the

end I started to get some pretty bad reactions to the Enbrel anyway...so it was

just as well...not to mention the cost.

Celebrex is not an option for me neither is NSAIDS because of my weight loss

surgery. i will not take a chance and end up with ulcers...which would end

in another surgery to remove my band. I have lapband...which I love and is

very effective.

toni

In a message dated 4/8/05 6:39:01 A.M. Central Daylight Time,

writes:

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I had been on Enbrel with and without Methotrexate. I went off to have

weight loss surgery in May 2004 and never went back on my meds..felt great no

problems. So I have been lucky to have gone nearly a year with no

meds...beside

the occasional tylenol or Bextra.

Enbrel after a period of time was getting less and less effective. I will

NEVER take methotrexate again. The side effects were horrible. Toward the

end I started to get some pretty bad reactions to the Enbrel anyway...so it was

just as well...not to mention the cost.

Celebrex is not an option for me neither is NSAIDS because of my weight loss

surgery. i will not take a chance and end up with ulcers...which would end

in another surgery to remove my band. I have lapband...which I love and is

very effective.

toni

In a message dated 4/8/05 6:39:01 A.M. Central Daylight Time,

writes:

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

[Guest guest]

You know what? I have lived a pretty holistic lifestyle. The reason I've been

managing up to now with just Celebrex (and I've had a few months out of the last

year when I did not take any) is because I have done the diet, the exercise, the

supplements, etc. But, if I say I'm in pain and I want to take something to get

rid of the pain, that's my choice to make...to take a medication after educating

myself about its effects, both good and bad.

Also, having done it, I will say that a holistic lifestyle is a choice, and it's

one that many people might not be able to make, or may not want to make. That's

fine, too.

One major problem, though, is that the US is one of the worst countries in terms

of pain management, based on the political puritanism that has extended the

so-called war on drugs to include substances that really help people and that

people can take legitimately. Now, obviously this is extending to the COX-2

camp of drugs. Also, I have trouble believing that some of the big-business

HMOs are not fueling this COX-2 thing. How coincidental that the big

controversy came out right after a case involving an HMO patient who was denied

a COX-2 and ended up with an ulcer made its way to the Supreme Court. And why

isn't the number of people who die from ulcers each year being publicized? Or

the fact that for the overwhelming majority of people, taking a low dose of a

COX-2 probably will not affect heart health?

<msimmons@...> wrote:

I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset with me on

this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for the last year or

so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my meds. I take MTX and

Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two different emotions

simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one hand, I'm very nervous about what

I'll do without the Bextra (it definitely works better than any other

anti-inflammatory I've taken); on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to

finally chuck the stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at the same

time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to cure what ails us.

When it comes to pain management, there's a lot more out there besides taking

pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal supplements, meditation, relaxation,

guided imagery, acupuncture and acupressure, massage, and on and on!

Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw Bextra

(valdecoxib)

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni

[Guest guest]

You know what? I have lived a pretty holistic lifestyle. The reason I've been

managing up to now with just Celebrex (and I've had a few months out of the last

year when I did not take any) is because I have done the diet, the exercise, the

supplements, etc. But, if I say I'm in pain and I want to take something to get

rid of the pain, that's my choice to make...to take a medication after educating

myself about its effects, both good and bad.

Also, having done it, I will say that a holistic lifestyle is a choice, and it's

one that many people might not be able to make, or may not want to make. That's

fine, too.

One major problem, though, is that the US is one of the worst countries in terms

of pain management, based on the political puritanism that has extended the

so-called war on drugs to include substances that really help people and that

people can take legitimately. Now, obviously this is extending to the COX-2

camp of drugs. Also, I have trouble believing that some of the big-business

HMOs are not fueling this COX-2 thing. How coincidental that the big

controversy came out right after a case involving an HMO patient who was denied

a COX-2 and ended up with an ulcer made its way to the Supreme Court. And why

isn't the number of people who die from ulcers each year being publicized? Or

the fact that for the overwhelming majority of people, taking a low dose of a

COX-2 probably will not affect heart health?

<msimmons@...> wrote:

I have a somewhat different perspective, and I hope no one gets upset with me on

this one! I've had a love-hate relationship with Bextra for the last year or

so--it's really a love-hate relationship with ALL my meds. I take MTX and

Bextra, and to tell the truth, I'm feeling two different emotions

simultaneously: anxiety and relief. On the one hand, I'm very nervous about what

I'll do without the Bextra (it definitely works better than any other

anti-inflammatory I've taken); on the other hand, this gives me the excuse to

finally chuck the stupid things and do more for myself. This country's medical

establishment may have a terrible record regarding pain management; at the same

time our culture relies much too heavily on popping pills to cure what ails us.

When it comes to pain management, there's a lot more out there besides taking

pills--there's exercise, diet, herbal supplements, meditation, relaxation,

guided imagery, acupuncture and acupressure, massage, and on and on!

Re: [ ] Re: NEWS - FDA asks Pfizer to withdraw Bextra

(valdecoxib)

I really think this is all some kind of backlash or public frenzy based on

misinformation. You don't hear anyone talking about how 15,000 people die each

year from bleeding ulcers. You don't hear how the animals in the studies were

subjected to very high doses of the drugs, and you don't hear how people with no

history or risk factors for heart disease might be able to gulp down -2s and

NSAIDs by the handful and not be in danger. Celebrex has made such a difference

for me, and it seems that things are getting more and more puritannical in terms

of pain meds. The US has the worst record for leaving patients in pain, but I

was just hearing on the news that there is a new move to " clamp down " on people

using pain medication regularly. I also was told that Celebrex is no different

from Relafen, but I have so much more freedom of movement with Celebrex, and it

is much easier on my stomach...I have a hiatal hernia and I really notice the

extra acid.

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:Hi Toni,

I wish I had a three month supply, LOL. I just got my prescription

filled, but it was just for one month. I wonder how soon Pfizer will

withdraw it; I guess in a day or so. They say that it's not proved that

it's easier on the stomach, but I know that I've had no stomach

problems with it. OTC Aleve, however, gave me a bleeding ulcer. They

also say that it's no better at relieving pain than the older NSAIDS,

but I know that it's better at relieving MY pain.

I'm sorry your remission shows signs of ending. Too bad. Have you tried

any of the biologics? The combination of Enbrel and Bextra worked so

very well for me. I guess I'll switch to Celebrex, but it's just not as

effective as Bextra for me. I don't want to take narcotic pain

medication if I can avoid it.

I hope your Bextra lasts a long, long time. Sue

On Thursday, April 7, 2005, at 08:37 PM, aclavern33@... wrote:

>

> Sue,

> I am in the same boat. Though I have been in remission and on no

> meds. I

> still have almost three month supply of Bextra laying around. I

> shall ration

> that out when I do need anti-inflammatory type pain relief. I can't

> take

> Celebrex because I am allergic to it. The other NSAIDS are totally

> out due to

> having has weight loss surgery and they cause stomach problems. So I

> guess it

> will be tylenol when this runs out or I shall be buying mine from

> overseas

> pharmacy.

>

> I guess I should make an appnt with my rheummy for medication review.

> Maybe

> he has gotten better and is not such a bonehead! I have been noticing a

> gradual increase in pain and stiffness in the past month...so maybe

> this

> remission is coming to an end. I hope not...cause as it looks there

> are really no

> drugs out there for me that I am willing to take.

>

> Toni