<< A propensity for arthritis, aging, etc. That's what my docs tell me. Probably true for all of us as we age. >> My doctor put me on Vioxx after trying several other medications and wow what a difference. I was eating Ibuprofen like candy, now I take one Vioxx at bedtime and some Tylenol as needed in the afternoon and early evening for pain. I now can get a good nights sleep and get up in the morning without the horrid pain. I hurt my back two years ago, have a bulging disc, and a congenital narrowing of the spine, a hip problem all complicated and made worse by arthritis. Isn't grand this aging thing? Mary-Anne who's going w/hubby up to the Gold Country for the weekend. Great wineries up there for Zinfandel (the real stuff is red!!!! and earthy and wonderful like the wines of Tuscany, but better :-) Then my back will not hurt so much :-)