I have some time today, and I've used "the net" to fill SOME of that time, although I admit I had a nice little nap after purchasing some generic Alleve this morning.

The question in my mind regarding pain-relievers [or anti-inflammatory drugs] actually grew in my mind since last Thursday. Several years ago, my mom [who is 88 now, for those who ignore my posts] couldn't put her own dress on because one arm wouldn't move above her head. Her doctor put her on Relefin. I've questioned why she needed this drug after that episode, but it seems that her new place ran out of that drug and last Thursday she was still in bed at 11am when I called. She hemmed and hawed on the phone, but the bottom-line was that she couldn't move her legs, and when she tried, she ended up on the floor [to be saved later by a couple down the hall.]

A few days ago, I discussed this Relefin prescription with the folks at her new place. They'd run out of it [which is why she didn't get it for a few days before last Thursday], but substituted Ibuprofen in dosages high enough to be considered the equivalent of Relefin until I can get her to a doctor closer to the new place to refill the prescription. I was confused, as I'd thought Ibuprofen to be simply an analgesic. They told me that both Ibuprofen and Alleve were anti-inflammatory drugs, as well.

Probably yesterday [although much more noticeable today], I found myself unable to move as I'd like, having probably thrown my back into contortions favoring my one foot [due to the broken bone in the other.] I can't say the "pain" was unfamiliar. It was more like the discomfort one feels after a heavy day of exercise on muscles that haven't been exercised enough. My usual routine is to "work it out", but I couldn't do that this time. I went to the store and purchased the generic equivalent of Alleve. I also purchased a six-back of natural beer, which may account for why I took a nap.

After my nap, I could swing my body from left to right with no discomfort. Heck...I can even walk on that broken bone with no discomfort. I can now "work it out" with no problem, but I have the feeling that I'm fooling myself and can do some damage.

What are your thoughts on pain-relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs?

For those who aren't accustomed to discussing the effects of over the counter pain relievers and their effect on the body, I ALSO found this article on Global Sex Workers of interest today. What are your thoughts on THIS?

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), July 04, 2001

Answers

Long term, anti-inflammatories will turn your liver to mush.

-- Try (Herbs@natural.com), July 04, 2001.

The newer the drug, the more suspect it is regarding longer term side effects. Many of them are hard on the kidneys and liver. All of the NSAID's are hard on the stomach and frequent use is bound to cause some internal bleeding. I'd stick with higher dose asprin, enteric coated to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestinal tract. Asprin is a heck of a lot safer for most people than any of the new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Hopefully Carlos will weigh in on this one.

-- Not (a@real.pharmacologist), July 04, 2001.

Anita,

Anyone with a knee problem will tell you that ibuprofen is a miracle drug. Most people I know who have had knee surgery or experience swelling in the knee carry it around by the bottle. The first time I tried it for my knee I couldn't believe the relief it brought.

True my joints will probably rot because of overuse but at least I can walk right now. As far as liver damage is concerned after the excesses of my youth I would consider ibuprofen a minor risk in this regard.

Sorry I didn't check that global sex worker link out yet. I will get back to you if it inspires any thoughts.

-- Jack Booted Thug (governmentconspiracy@NWO.com), July 05, 2001.

Anita,

Your global sex worker link reinforced my personal theory about decriminalizing prostitution. If women or men choose to pursue this career that is their choice and since no real harm comes from the transaction why should society interfere.

Now, my theory includes regulation of the trade and therefore protection for both sides of the transaction. I would also include taxation of the transaction to cover the costs of regulation and then some.

The old adage that "you can't legislate morality" is a cornerstone of my personal belief system. If you aren't going to be able to efectively eliminate a practice through criminal laws, and in fact by criminalizing a widespread practice create additional problems, then you should decriminalize and regulate.

For many women (and I suppose men too) this could be of great economic benefit and I look forward to the day when the Teamsters welcome the Courtesan to the ranks of skilled tradesmen.

-- Jack Booted Thug (governmentconspiracy@NWO.com), July 05, 2001.

I love you JBT. Should we send sex workers to class too?

-- helen >;) (too@old.to.care), July 05, 2001.

B&D 3143 -- Bondage Safety

This course is required for all prostitution majors. Training includes basic knots, quick-release methods, and cpr.

-- helen (bl@ck.stockings), July 05, 2001.

"Training includes basic knots, quick-release methods, and cpr. "

The mind boggles.

-- . (S&M@R.Us), July 05, 2001.

Prostitution Law 4003 -- Legal Issues Surrounding Death of a Client

This course is recommended for all prostitution majors and required for students minoring in dominance. The course covers various causes of and legal issues surrounding the death of a client. Contract disclaimers and malpractice insurance are covered in detail.

-- helen (stiletto@heel.s), July 05, 2001.

Well, my back feels MUCH better today. Two of those generic Alleve tablets and four beers had me doing the hokey-pokey most of the day yesterday. I don't think I'll worry about my mom and long-term use. My guess is that there's NOTHING in her body that can be considered long-term. A happy TODAY is HER goal and MY goal for her.

Helen: How do you know so much about prostitution? Did you research it for a term paper?

JBT: Perhaps of more interest to me in the article were the comparisons made between Asian workers who do the factory line for little pay [considered exploitation] and the prostitutes who do another form of factory line work. Are either being exploited, or did both know full well what the work would entail? My guess is that some knew and some didn't.

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), July 05, 2001.

Anita, I love you and PLEASE don't mix any type of pain reliever with alcohol. Acetaminophen was on the market for years before warnings were issued regarding liver failure when mixed with alcohol. Alleve hasn't been on the market very long in comparison. Liver damage can be cumulative, so you might not notice you're getting sick at first.

As for prostitution, I'm just trying to get a giggle.

-- helen (call@me.back), July 05, 2001.

Thanks for the warning, Helen. I love you, too. I DID shot-gun the problem yesterday, but it sure did feel good to swing my body around with no kinks. It might be that the swinging did more good than either the Alleve or the beer. I KNEW I was going to create a knot in my back when I noticed how stiff I was holding my left leg AND foot in an attempt to shift my weight to the right side. I walk around now telling myself "Grab the floor with your toes. Your toes aren't broken."

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), July 05, 2001.

Anita, you might be able to get relief from properly done massage. Chiropractors often have a licensed massage therapist in the office with them. If you have medical insurance, you might ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist.

-- helen (ouch@ow.oh), July 05, 2001.

Anita, I've been using ibruprofen for quite a while now.A 400mg tablet taken early enough will stop a migraine and cope with a dodgy back at the same time.They certainly work better for me than aspirin or paracetamol.I always thought they acted as a muscle relaxant too.

-- Chris (enquiries@griffenmill.com), July 05, 2001.

If you have medical insurance,

If I had medical insurance, Helen, I wouldn't be self-treating a broken bone in my foot. It's all spilt milk under the bridge at this point. My back is FINE today. I don't need any drugs and can STILL swing and do the hokey-pokey.

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), July 05, 2001.

Chris: I'm unfamiliar with paracetamol. I don't typically take ANY form of analgesic [even aspirin]. My feeling has always been that my body was sending a signal and I didn't want to MASK the signal. I'd feel differently about that if my body sent these signals daily, but it never has SO FAR. Heh...we'll see how the next 20-30 years go.

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), July 05, 2001.

Anita --

Paracetamol = Acetaminophen (Tylenol), if you're a Brit or Aussie.

-- Already Done Happened (oh.yeah@it.did.com), July 06, 2001.