YOUR HEALTH DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 65 years old and a reasonably healthy man who has been dealing with osteoarthritis for 30 years. I have tried all kinds of medicine and have found I can maintain reasonable joint movement only with Feldene. Three weeks without it, and I am unable to move.

Does this medication have any long-term effects when taken for so long? -- T.C.

ANSWER: Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis, and it has to do with a disintegration of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. That cartilage covering makes it possible for one bone to move over another -- that is a joint.

The generic name for your Feldene is piroxicam, and it is marketed under both names. It is a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug -- NSAID -- that not only relieves inflammation but also relieves pain. There is not a great deal of inflammation in osteoarthritis, but there is a great deal of pain, so the use of an NSAID is justified. There are 22 of them available. Finding which one is the right one is a matter of ongoing trial. You have found the one that suits you best. You're a lucky man.

Yes, NSAIDs have undesirable side effects. The most serious ones are stomach irritation, ulcer formation and bleeding from the digestive tract. The chances for untoward consequences increase with the length of time the medicine is taken. That's true for all medicines, but the information should not unsettle you. Millions of people have osteoarthritis, and millions of them take NSAIDs for life. Only a few ever get into trouble. Your doctor is there to monitor trouble and to stop the medicine at the first signs of any disturbance.

Have you made use of nondrug arthritis treatment? A physical therapist can tailor an exercise program for you that strengthens muscles adjacent to arthritic joints. Strong muscles serve as braces for such joints. An occupational therapist can devise appliances for you that help you to do things you weren't able to do because of joint stiffness and pain. You should consult both.

The arthritis booklet delves more deeply into the forms of arthritis and their treatments. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 301, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6.50 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.