From time to time, patients come to see me with a problem or a pain. When I offer them a solution, I am told "I hate to take pills!" Why? Why would not someone want to treat or help his or her problem with a pill? So I started an experiment.
As many of you patients or acquaintances know, or can tell my watching me, I have arthritis. Yes, I was a faithful Vioxx user until I found out that it closes arteries shut. More recently I have been taking Sulendac (brand name is Clinoril). It is quite an old drug. I was actually surprised to note how well it works.
March first I quit taking Sulendac. The first three days, I felt great. Then the medication cleared from my system. I grabbed the Arthritis Strength Tylenol, brand name.
People often ask me whether Arthritis Strength is better than Extra Strengh. Tylenol Arthritis contains some acetaminophen that is released into your system in about 20 minutes and some that is slowly released over the next 8 hours.
As many of you know, this doctor is not a morning person. When I wake up, I lay in bed and evaluate the situation, to see if I can face the day. I have been in the habit of taking a physical assessment: What hurts: left knee, right anke, left toe. Stretching each part before I finally pry myelf out of bed, seems to help; as does congratulating myself on what does not hurt.
I lost my Tylenol Arthritis Strength about a week ago. I think I left it on the train, but that is a whole different story. "I will be one of those people who doesn't take pills for their condition just because they don't like to take pills!" I thought.
I awoke today at 4:00 am. This in itself is a miracle. As I lay in bed I noted a burning tenderness; an achy soreness, a stiffness. This is the pain that I ascribe to arthritis. What hurts today: neck, upper back, lower back, both shoulders, left knee, both ankles....
Then suddenly it dawns on me. The pain is not so bad. I can certainly tolerate it. But I feel so old! I am stiff and sore. I move less and do it more slowly. Why wouldn't anyone, if they could, want to take a pill to feel better and younger? So when you tell me you hate to take pills, I may look at you incredulously. Yes, medication has side effects and can be dangerous; but with a good doctor, and some trial and error, you can find a medicine that will make you feel better. Go for it. Use your "well time" as much as you can!
Take two aspririn and call me in the morning (after 10:00am). I will be at the drug store buying more Tylenol Arthritis Strength!
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