The ibuprofen club

[Randy in Arizona]

Disclaimers:
I am not a doctor.
I am not a lawyer.
I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I have Osteo-arthritis. I was taking up to 400 mg of Celebrex a day.
Doctor was worried about my liver, I was concerned about the pain.
I had tried every common NSAID the doctor knew about, Celebrex worked the best.

I read an online article about Turmeric. I tried it. I works better than the Celebrex ever did.
Another article mentioned Bioperine (a pepper extract) allowing the body to better assimilate the Turmeric.
I now take 2000 mg of Turmeric and 20 mg of Bioperine twice a day. Only minor twinges from the Osteo-arthritis if I do some heavy (for me) work.

Try it, YMMV.

422

 

[Labguy47]

Disclaimers:
I am not a doctor.
I am not a lawyer.
I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.422

If only it where arthritis that would be amazing. Unfortunately my biggest problem stems from my pancreas shutting down 6 years ago, complete shut down.

 

[Mn Fats]

Well you still got a trigger finger and the will to shoot. As my Grandpa used to say "I still got a full deck, I just shuffle a little slower." Best of luck to you.

 

[doubleh]

I got down in my right knee and was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis at 40. I took ibuprofen for quite a few years along with injections but quit both. That stuff's rough on your gizzard. I took celebrex while having my rotator cuffs fixed. I quickly learned to take one about 45 minutes before going in for therapy as it made things much easier in the pain department. Celebrex is the most effective of the pain killers I've taken but it's even worse than ibuprofen. I quit it as soon as my second rotator cuff therapy was finished and have never taken it again. Supposedly aleve is the most benign of the nsaids. The way medical science changes their mind about what is good and not good for you that may or may not be true anymore. I don't use anything now except when I'm going to be doing something strenuous and I take an aleve before starting. It makes a world of difference in how I feel after I'm done with the job.

Monday I'll start my 82nd trip around the sun. It doesn't take much of a chore for me to classify it as strenuous now.

 

[Waveski]

Celebrex is indeed effective.

CAUTION - Celebrex + anticoagulants = danger.

 

[stonebuster]

Good luck Labguy. I just turned 68 have had 2 hip surgeries at 16 yrs old(three screws), a damaged left cornea(20/60), bi lateral tunnel carpal surgeries, right hand surgery(tenosynovitis)last Nov., osteoarthritis, an auto immune RA disease. The RA disease started last Oct and was the worst. For three months last winter my wife had to dress me. It was a shock since I seemed to be the picture of health before. Prednisone and methotrexate got me back on my feet and am still taking both. I cut, loaded and split 10 cords of wood since last May and went boogie boarding in Rhode Island on my 68th birthday last week in the rain. I feel it the next day but I can do it. I'm wearing myself out doing things now just because I can and don't know what the future holds. Like the country song "Live like you are dying". Whatever your health issues, try to stay as active as your conditions allow. Keeping your body as active as you can helps even though you have to adjust the level of intensity. I shoot mostly 38 specials instead of 357 mag now in my revolvers because of RA/Osteoarthritis. I've also limited my range trips and substituted some air gun target shooting at home to give my joints a break. I've also reconditioned my old log splitter and do less splitting with a sledge hammer/wedges. A positive mental attitude is an important factor when things get rough. An old friend of mine with bone cancer was given two years to live 10 years ago and I went out and had a beer with him last year. I asked how he kept so positive given his condition. He said "I figure a pair of threes is still better than a pair of twos."

 

[alsaqr]

Wishing you a speedy recovery from surgery.

At 79 i shoot rifles that some claim have serious recoil. i don't shoot as much as formerly; about 5-7,000 rounds of centerfire per year: About 2,000 rounds are .30 caliber and above.

Large caliber rifles don't beat me up. My shooting shirts have pads sewn into shoulder.

 

[Armybrat]

When I turned 70 several years ago, my sons were delighted when they were gifted my two .44 magnums (a Model 29 and a SBH). The arthritic wrists were getting worn out and it was time to “downsize”.

Guess the boys will be adding my .357s to their safes before long, but I’ll be keeping my 9mm & .327 handguns a bit longer.

 

[Swifty Morgan]

Enjoy the relatively good time you have left, and don't overestimate your staying power. If there is something you want to do, start now. Don't be stupid enough to put things off until you're 70 or older, because when you get there, you may find you can't do what you want to do.

My dad thought he would live forever because he was strong and looked 10 years younger than he was. He started to lose control of his affairs, and at 84, he was diagnosed with dementia. He only had 4 guns. I took them without telling him. I sold his boat, where he spent most mornings and afternoons. He can't handle hobbies, so things had to be taken away from him for his own protection. When his driver's license expired, I let him forget to renew it, and I have both keys to his car. He can't even read books now; just periodicals. If he reads 20 pages of a book today, he'll forget it by tomorrow.

If you're over 55, and you've been thinking about learning to reload, going on a particular type of hunt, or buying a particular type of gun, you better get on it.

My dad wanted to buy an RV and travel. Unfortunately, he came up with the idea 6 years after my mother died. He thought I would go with him, and I had to tell him middle-aged men don't ride around the country in RV's with their aging fathers. He should have gotten started in 1982. It's smart to take a realistic look at the time you have left.

The other day I bought a maul. I had to ask myself if I would be able to use it in 10 years.

 

[Legionnaire]

Enjoy the relatively good time you have left, and don't overestimate your staying power ...

If you're over 55, and you've been thinking about learning to reload, going on a particular type of hunt, or buying a particular type of gun, you better get on it.

Good advice, that. I'm saddened to hear about your dad.

 

[Armybrat]

Yes, that is a sad thing to go through in the twilight of one's long life.
I don't buy green bananas.

 

[Drail]

I tried turmeric and it did work pretty well but it tastes really awful. I suppose it could be loaded into capsules. Be careful using Ibuprofen - that stuff will eat holes in your stomach and do serious liver damage over time. It has messed up a lot of people who did not know it is only for short term use. Of course they don't tell you that........

 

[scaatylobo]

As I prepare for surgery, again, I couldn’t help but think of my last range trip. How I couldn’t shoot any big bores with the ease and finesse of my youth. I was astonished, upset, embarrassed, and humbled. Is this what growing old has in store for me?
I’m already the one that gets more than a little ridicule for the ancient wheel gun on my hip.
Am I doomed to be the one with high dollar.22lr taking all day to draw a smiley face on the target?
Does anyone else face these kinds of dilemma?

About to turn 71.

And I note that the small and ultra light .357's are a big problem that I have to avoid.

Still shoot .44 magnums ,but the 329 Smith is not fun with full house loads [ it once was ].

I note the weight of a gun is my biggest thing.

 

[exbrit49]

Well after reading all the posts, I have to consider myself extremely lucky. I am 74 and still extremely active, I work out at the gym 3 days a week and walk a minimum of 2 miles a day and most days up to 6 miles. Yes, I have some aches and pains as I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have for 15 years. But I have refused to give in and as stated lead a very active life. The biggest problem has been my eyes, I have a real problem with my right retina and am mostly blind in the center of my right eye. ( my dominant eye) after one bad day at the range I decided I was going to start using my left eye despite the fact that I shoot right handed. It took a month or so but after several extended trips to the range I made real progress and although my shooting stance looks odd. ( My heads tilted back as well so that I can see through my variable bi-focal lenses)..
In short I have refused to give in the the problems that age can bring and am shooting as much as ever. In fact just two days ago I spent the afternoon at the range and my first 50 rounds were some hot 45 Colt loads. After that I shot 100 rounds of 45.ACP. Then stepped down to the .357 Mag and put off another 50 rounds, and then a final 75 rounds of HOT .38 Spl+P Wow it was a great afternoon and with all calibers I was holding just under 2 inch groups at 10 yards offhand. All shots were with revolvers! Got to love that 45Colt/ 45 ACP Ruger Blackjack Combo
Came home and threw all the brass in the vibratory cleaner and after supper went back to the loading bench and resized all the brass. Then today I got up and reloaded every piece. ( single stage Rock Chucker. So yes I am a very lucky individual but I think that the gym workouts and the walking really help. I go to the range pretty much every week and hope to keep going like the Energizer Bunny.
Have fun and keep shooting, yes we have to make some changes as we AGE but its worth it.
PS the range officer often comes and stands close by, I was worried that perhaps he saw something wrong or didn't like. We got talking and he finally told me he likes to watch me shoot, He said that he loved to watch me hold the 2 inch groups while most of the younger guys around me are just spraying the target with their 9mm, In fact a couple weeks ago, one of the guys next to me asked how the heck i could hold those little groups. So it was quite a compliment to an old Fart to have the younger guys want some advise and assistance. Also nice was the fact that we had young guys and old Fart finish up shooting together and having a great time.
This post is not meant to be boastful, but more an word of encouragement to others that are seeing the years creep up on them.
Keep on shooting!!!!

 

[Jim Watson]

You tumble mixed brass?

 

[TAK]

Good luck with your surgery.

I was 51 last year on July 26 when I was in the shower and felt a twinge in my back. I had spent the night before at my youngest son's mowing his ditches. Just figured I'd pulled a muscle. As the day went on the pain got worse, woke up the next morning with pain that was something I had never experienced. Went to the ER they told me it was sciatica, gave some bs injections and told me to take a few days off.

Pain didn't I'm prove went to the family doc he sent me to physical therapy. On the same day went to the cardiologist for palpitations and chest pain. (Yeah what a good time).

Therapy didnt help. Had an MRI two and a half weeks later. While all the time dragging my right leg and the pain was what I called suicidal. Yes it was that bad. All I could do is either pace or lay on my right side. Yep kept going to work pushing carts.
As I reviewed the images with my radiologist. He looks at me and says how the hell are you still walking and controlling your bladder? At that point I was told by him and my family doctor to not go to work. 2 weeks later 1 day before my surgery I get the call you need a stress test before the cardiologist will relaese you. So we slip it in. The neurologist surgeon does his job as guided by the Good Lord above and I wake up with no pain. Yes I was once again touched by the hand of God.

The spasms were breath taking for weeks after. I told my very good friend I was going to make it one painful step at a time. And I did. With in 2 weeks post surgery I was walking 2 miles a day. Within a month it was 2-4 miles.

Yes I took the occasional tramadol for the pain.

Been off the meds for awhile now.

Have carpal tunnel in both hands.
Go to range run the RIA commander size and Ruger SBH 44 mag with medium hand loads.

Pain is a sign that a person is alive. After the back and leg experience I'm thankful every day that I can walk and still be active.

Oh yeah speaking of pain I was awake for the heart ablation and that was one of the worst painful experiences I've ever had.

It's all good when you have faith and a good supportive friend to help you through.

Sorry this was so long. But drive on.

 

[TAK]

Exbrit 49. That's great. Keep up the good work. I hope you set an example for many to come.

 

[earplug]

Neck and Back fuzed, dominate shoulder reworked and foot ankle crushed. Biggest issue is hands can't grip like they used to due to fingers. Best thing I did was switch to minor single stack (9mm 1911) instead of beating myself up with major. I still mess around with bulls eye and enjoy shooting precision 22 LR rifle and some fun local matches with a AR. Steel Challange is fun when I can make a match.
Recently had eye surgery to correct a fuzzy patch on the retina.
If it hurts try and find a different game to play. Medical science is your friend.

 

[4v50 Gary]

It's OK to grow old and find magnums uncomfortable. Remember the gun writter Mel Tappan admitted to carpal tunnel from shooting too many magnums in his younger years. You don't want to wind up like him.

When my neck gives me problems, I pop a couple of those pills (never on an empty stomach though).

 

[EIB0879]

I can still shoot my 300 Wby off the bench for 6-7 rounds but it will hurt for a couple of days.

 

[doubleh]

It's OK to grow old and find magnums uncomfortable. Remember the gun writter Mel Tappan admitted to carpal tunnel from shooting too many magnums in his younger years. You don't want to wind up like him.

When my neck gives me problems, I pop a couple of those pills (never on an empty stomach though).

I am happy to grow old instead of doing the only alternative. Carpal tunnel is a quick and easy fix. I have never had it done but my wife has had both fixed and if it were difficult I would certainly have heard that it is.

 

[Bottom Gun]

I woke up one morning this spring and discovered my 25 yr old mind was trapped in a 70 yr old body. Aging is no fun but you have to make the most of your situation.

I had both shoulders replaced this year and have had to modify my shooting habits a bit. Prior to my surgery, the surgeon showed me the artificial joint they were installing. Examining the hardware, I knew that my shotgun days were over. I didn’t feel good about subjecting this hardware to 12 GA recoil. Same thing with my beloved Sako elk rifle in .338 Win Mag. I sensed that both were now beyond my ability so I sold my hard recoiling stuff. The jury is still out in my .308 rifles.

I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I may have to stick to shooting rimfire and .223 now. That’s actually OK with me. I have a number of nice Anschutz rinmfire rifles in .22 LR and .22 Magnum that I really enjoy shooting. I only THOUGHT I enjoyed shooting rimfire until I started buying Anschutz. Now I REALLY enjoy shooting rimfire.
Mrs Bottom Gun enjoys shooting rimfire as well and, since we have now been shooting more rimfire together, she has become a fairly respectable rifle shooter.

I also have a few excellent bolt action .223 Sako rifles that are absolute tack drivers. I can hunt just about anything around here including deer with one of them or an AR15 and recoil is negligible.

So that only leaves elk hunting that is unresolved because I’m undecided on shooting .308. Although I hate muzzle brakes, I’m considering adding one along with a couple pounds of extra weight to my AR10 if I want to fill another elk tag.

I have a question for suppressor users. Will adding a suppressor to my AR10 reduce recoil by a worthwhile amount?

My handgun use has changed as well. My .44 mag days are over and I shoot more rimfire than ever.I still use my trusty 1911s but for most of my carry these days, it’s the .357 Sig in various Sig pistols. It’s flatter shooting than the .45 ACP, has less recoil, more energy and most pistols chambered for the Sig round have a much greater round capacity than a 1911. I use a lot of 9MM these days too. I’ve recently changed my opinion of the 9MM round.

So, despite having had to modify my shooting habits a bit, it’s still one of my favorite pastimes and I intend to shoot as long as I’m able to. If I have to make further concessions later, I’ll do what it takes to continue. Same for my ATV riding.

 

[mrmike7189]

I shoot a lot more rifles now than pistols.
Pistols are painful on the hand wrist and elbows.
with rifles, its just the shoulder that gets abused,
with a good rubber butt pad, I can suffer through it.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one geting old!

 

[exbrit49]

You tumble mixed brass?

Yep and it doesn't take much to sort it out after tumbling

 

[375supermag]

Yep and it doesn't take much to sort it out after tumbling

Hi...
I have to agree.
I tumble my pistol brass together all the time...revolver and semi auto pistol included.
I just dump all of it into the tumbler and turn it on.
It isn't that big of an issue to separate them after tumbling.
I just put a bin for each caliber on the bench and throw them into the appropriate bin... doesn't take that long.
The biggest problem is pulling 9mm cases out of larger cases if they get stuck now and then.

I usually don't mix rifle brass because I segregate brass as it is shot...fired cases go back into the case it came out of. I just wait until I have a few hundred cases and do each caliber separately.