Bextra update

[Sandy Tschopp]

In mid-July I reported that 20 mg of Bextra daily completely eliminated the bad pain days that methadone didn't handle. This is to let you know I continue to be totally pain-free while cutting my methadone dose in half.
My pain doc said the drug hasn't been around long enough to know for sure about the consequences of long term use, but he doesn't anticipate any problems as long as I take it with food as the directions specify. Unfortunately it doesn't help everyone - only about 35% of the folks who take it for nerve pain, so I clearly am one of the lucky ones.
Interestingly,at first I felt guilty about my good fortune, and my depression got worse rather than better. It took me a little while to figure out a new direction for myself since pain was no longer dominating my life. I know I may not remain pain-free forever, but for now I'm feeling very blessed.

[ronin]

I'm glad to hear you're doin so well--What kind of side effects are you experiencing? Particularly stomach-wise.Anything at all like nausea, the "runs"
any ulcer type problems? Those are my main problems with meds. Hope you keep having good results---Ronin

[Sandy Tschopp]

Hi Ronin I haven't noticed any problems at all; the 2 you mention are certainly hard to overlook!
I do wish you luck finding a funding source for your trip, etc. Was the www.pain.org any help at all?

[Sandy Tschopp]

Oops, the web site address is www.painfoundation.org. I seem to remember they give some info on $$$, but don't know if it's what you're looking for, Ronin. It's worth a look, I think.

[Gayle Ozzy]

Hi Sandy,
I was soooo keen to try this drug and as I told you in my e-mail they coukd find the drug I was talking about here in Australia. Thanks to you I tracked it down and after reading up on it, I haven't even asked my doc about it because it says if you are allergic to sulphur based products you may get a severe allergic reaction. I think I am allergic to sulphur, but not 100% sure. I guess there would be a test for it.
I am so glad it is still giving you relief and I just hope it stays that way. It must be just like a miracle for you.

[Sandy Tschopp]

It does seem like a miracle, Gayle, and I hope it turns out you are able to give it a try. If a skin prick test can show whether or not a person is allergic to wheat or ragweed or whatever, it seems like they should be able to test for sulpher, too. I just happen to have an appointment with my allergy doc on Monday, I'll ask him and let you know what he says.
Sandy