Arthrotec is designed to relieve the symptoms of arthritis in people who are also prone to ulcers. It contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for control of the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, since NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers in susceptible people, Arthrotec also contains misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin that serves to reduce the production of stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, and thus prevent ulcers.

Although Arthrotec is designed to protect against stomach ulcers and bleeding, they remain a possibility. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of bleeding such as black tarry stools. Also call the doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, cramping, or nausea, or if milder symptoms persist for more than 7 days.

i have osteoarthritis.  i am in pain.  i have been taking advil.  2 every 4-6 hrs w little to no relief.  i was thinking of switching to asprin. 
thought i would ask others who would understand the discomfort first. 
any feed back would be great.

Good luck tomorrow. It will be ok. Try to get some rest! :)

wow. thats good to know. i have been taking morphine for so long and still have pain. i will be glad to be off of it. i am hoping for less pain. my poor ankles, hips, back, knees, shoulders could really use a break. my surgery is tomorrow and i'm scared and excited. i hope i will be able to ride my bicycle again. i used to ride 20 miles a day and now i can barely walk up the stairs to my bedroom,

Hi Murf!

I have RA and also broke my back in 2003 so I have a fusion now. I used to be in daily pain and was on painkillers for years. To be honest with you, already I've seen a huge difference since having the surgery. I can't exactly explain it. I was 155lbs when I got in the accident that broke my back, and I've had 6 to 7 surgeries overall since then.

I ended up at 255lbs by the time I decided to look into WLS. I didn't expect it to impact my pain level, because it had been so high for so long but it really has. I still have bad days here and there. I'm usually a little sore at night. But it's nothing like it was before. My body is so happy to be free of the extra weight that the pain level I'm in now is very tolerable. Which is good because no NSAIDs now. I'm happy to say I haven't needed them.

When you do have the surgery, there is a good possibility that the reduction in weight may also bring with it a reduction in pain. I very much hope that it does and wish you luck! It's been worth it every step of the way.