Hi, Joanne, so nice to see you posting, you gave us all quite a scare
Yep, right on target with the Bextra, my rheumy will no longer prescribe Bextra, Celebrex or Vioxx until there is a whole lot more information. I had an unfortunate experience with Celebrex, my BP went from a comatose level (well, 110 over 65) to a soaring 190 over 90. And I was only on it a short time! Thank heavens there were symptoms (pounding headache, racing heart) particularly evident when I was exercising. I discontinued the Celebrex but now have to use BP meds to control the BP (called exercise induced high BP, physical exertion brings it on, which of course with AS means I can't quit exercising, hence the meds to allow me to do so). Coincidence? Hmmm. The only thing that changed in my life back then was taking Celebrex, and it happened very quickly. So I wasn't exactly surprised when the news broke about this class of drugs. So all of you out there, heed Joanne's (and my) warning, be very cautious with this class of meds and monitor your BP if you are taking any one of them. And keep in mind that these drugs are really no more effectivs than aspirin or any other NSAID, just allegedly easier on the tummy, not enough in my opinion to risk a heart attack/stroke. And especially if you smoke or have any other risk factors!
Give a hug to John from me - - and also one for you
Cheryl
My guy
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Author Unknown
