I took Arthrotec and then Diclofenac (generic of the main ingred in Arthrotec) for years for my arthritis.  I also had periodic cortisone shots in both knees for the pain.  My knees are basically bone on bone now and I'm not even 40 yet.  I also have plantar fasciitis in my feet and that is very painful.  I also have degenerative disc disease in my lumbar spine and am supposed to take Ultram for the pain there.  The NSAIDs also helped with that inflammation... Since my surgery (actually about 3 days prior), no NSAIDs due to the risk of ulcer, etc.  And, the arthritis pain was unreal the first couple of months.  I have had some rough financial patches and even the Ultram is a $40 copay on my insurance, so I was using the generic of that (not extended release like the Ultram) which is tramadol for the pain.  It does next to nothing for me unless I take it religiously 3 times a day and I often forget to do so, so I don't get the relief that I might.  Exercise is often tough because of the pain in my knees and back, but I continue to try.  I keep telling myself that with every 10 pounds lost, the pain and trouble is much less.  But, when it hurts, it HURTS!  You just can't get around that, can you?  I had cortisone shots in both knees in October and then again early this month.  My ortho will only do them every 3 mos, so that is my limit on those.  But, they do help make it all a bit more bearable. I've been told that we can NOT take the NSAIDs ever again due to the ulcer risk.  I have heard of folks on OH saying that their pain was soooo bad that their doc decided to let them risk taking the NSAID meds again and see what happened.  I hope to not get to that point.  I know that the exercising helps build up the muscles that surround and support my knees and my spine.  That is very important for me as I know that once those areas are better supported, those other muscles will help carry the load as opposed to my poor knees and spine doing all the work.  I hate to say "work through the pain," but quite often that is where I end up.  I hope that in the long run the muscles will do the job and make up for all this pain in the meanwhile...  I can get around so much better already..... 

I just got my disability last May 2006. I had to quit my job because I couldn't keep up with the work due to pain. You should apply for disability and long term disability with your job and you will get both of them til legal retirement age. I applied with social security and they didn't get my correct medical records and I was denied, so I got a lawyer. They pay you back pay from the time they say you should have been disabled. I had to hire a lady to clean my house and my husband had to do all the grocery shopping. I am bone on bone in my left knee and my right knee is getting there too. My orthopedic dr gives me steriod shots in my knees and it helps with the pain. So I know how it feels. If you have any questions email me. Pattie

I have osetoarthitis in both knees and every where else. My wls surgeon sent me to physical therapy to see what exercise I can do. They said I should do the water aerobics since it is easier on your joints.

hi all i well be having totakknee replacement both knee on the 27th of this mo ...please pray for me Brenda .

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory.