I have just started on the drug after reinjuring my knee after kneecap replacement surgery. Due to the injury, my doc says I have some more arthritis developing. She gave me a Cortisone shot to help make me more comfortable until the Celebrex kicks in. Don't want to do another. OUCH! They hurt and have not helped in the past, but doc wants to give it a try for comfort measures. Any advice would be welcome! Thanks!
How long does it normally take Celebrex to work?
Question posted by Ouch14250 on 12 Aug 2011
Last updated on 26 October 2018
Answers
Inactive
14 Aug 2011
When I first tried Celebrex I got relief right away from my arthritis pain, but unfortunately as with all other NSAIDs, my tummy cannot tolerate it. I wish you luck. It worked great for me. Sometimes, & you know if you have had the cortisone shot in the knee before, that can take a few days to stop hurting.
Ouch14250
20 Aug 2011
Thanks Mary632009. Luckily, I don't have tummy trouble with meds. I've been on Celebrex for over a week now and so far have not noticed any difference in the pain, which is a bummer. The cortisone shot did nothing, also; but no surprise there. While in PT both before and after my surgeries, my PT used EStim with ice. I got AMAZING relief with that (about 24-36 hours). I thought about asking my doc for a home TENS unit. Anyone have any experience with these? I understand they may not be as effective as the ones they use in rehab, but considering my experience, I thought it might be worth asking. Any thoughts? Thanks
Inactive
20 Aug 2011
Actually I do have a TENS unit for my lower back & leg pain. I haven't really found it to be to helpful, but my back pain is from messed up surgery & arthritis so too much to handle. The ones the chiros & PT use are a lot stronger than the home units. Depending on your insurance, look into buying one online if you decide to get one. They are outrageous in price otherwise. Mine was over $700 back in the 90's. Good luck to you. Sorry the Celebrex hasn't helped...
NUTTER OR NOT
26 Oct 2018
I got the small tens unit from Amazon. It brings a lot of relief. I'm waiting to see if Celebrex gives me consistent relief. Does anyone know if that's possible?
auntniknik
14 Aug 2011
It took about 2 weeks for me to feel real relief from Celebrex, but I have friends that can use it as needed. It is designed to take regularly. Other friends got relief within days. I really hope it works for you before you get this answer. I guess I didn't hit the right buttons Friday when I answered you. Best of luck!
Ouch14250
20 Aug 2011
Thanks for your reply auntniknik. I've been on it just over a week now and so far no relief whatsoever. Same with the cortisone shot, but no surprise there. The doc gave me an 18 day supply to try, so I'll keep taking it and hope it kicks in. If not, I'll go back and see what other options are available. I may ask for a home TENS unit and see if I get relief with that. I used EStim in PT and found AMAZING relief! But the machines they have in rehab are a little more powerful than the home units (I hear). Have you had any experience with TENS? Thanks for your help!
Related topics
celebrex, osteoarthritis, cortisone, surgery, knee
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