[Stobey]

Iv'e dealt for 1.5 yrs. with what I THOUGHT was sciatica. Toward the end of Dec. , 2012, I was taking 4 motrin qid (3200 mg.!) and that only made the pain just bearable. Bloodwork showed significant renal impairment - like 50%. Rheumatologist didn't know what to make of that until I told him how I was trying to cope with the pain (excessive ibuprofen use). Said to STOP taking the ibuprofen. X-rays showed severe osteoarthritis of L4, L5 & S1. Doctor wanted to start giving me cortisone shots. I said: "Hey Doc, I already take 8mg Medrol DAILY for the Rheumatoid Arthritis" (+ Methotrexate weekly). Asked him if I could try Cymbalta.
(Got tired of hearing the commercials crowing: "Imagine yourself with less pain!")

I know that Cymbalta (60mg daily) is an SSRI anti-depressant; but for some strange reason, has worked wonders for the pain in the lower back. I know that Cymbalta is no CURE for the severe osteoarthritis - it's apparently masking the symptoms; and it will apparently work until... when? That I don't know; but I can walk upright now and don't feel like I'm 80 yrs. old!