Robin made a very good point - medications work differently for each of us. By the same token, we all share some symptoms, but differ in others. Personally I have little to no bowel problems, other than being "slow" to move. I also don't find that what I eat affects the pain levels. I drink at least 5 to 6 cups of coffee a day, but on the days that I don't drink that much, the pain does not decrease any. Then again, I am able to indulge in fresh fruit and veggies, and I know some on the list cannot do so without agony.
As for pain control, Naproxen does not help my pelvic pain at all, but it does ease the joint tenderness and swelling that I have started experiencing the past few months. For the ARD pain, I use Oxycontin with Percocet for breakthrough. So far, so good - it has been effective in reducing the pain to a manageable level without significant side effects. I know some have not been that lucky, and have had serious side effects to these meds.
Welcome to all the newcomers, and my apologies for not being here to respond sooner. Unfortunately, my pain levels have not allowed me to "be" here as much as I would like. I am "in training" at this moment to enable me to moderate the Bombo Beach chat room this evening at 8:00 p.m. EST. Hope to see you there.
Gentle pain-free hugs to all.
Nancy in NB
Help spread the word. Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week September 23-29, 2002, at http://www.invisibleillness.com