DAMN, not trying to rub it in, but I'm feeling pretty BLESSED right about now.

I've been on etodolac (Lodine) for about 9 years, 3 herniated lumbar discs; it works MOST of the time....

When I broke the c-bone, I started on oxycodone (Oxycontin), then after the surgery, they put me on the hydrocodone (Vicodin); side effects! I talked to the docs about getting back to the oxy, and they were reluctant -- concerned about the addictive nature of oxy -- wanting instead to treat the side effects with other meds. I absolutely refused THAT, and won the debate, got the oxy. They scrip'd me 40 pills; that was ONE per day for the time I was supposed to be off per doc's orders. I took the one per day, felt fine, and when they ran out, it was time for me to be released to go back to work. Back on the etodolac, and been fine ever since.

I DO have joint deterioration in my shoulders, the right being much worse, but there's nothing much they can do right now. Etodolac helps SOME with that, but mostly I have to suffer with it. Changed my lifting practices, naturally......

Sorry, Tom, I know this doesn't help you; I remember some of your history, with the weight loss and all, that you've shared here, and I do wish I could offer you more. Truly, I get as much benefit from frequent stretching as any medication; I 'pop' my joints, slow stretch my back and legs, and it does the trick as much as anything.