This is a stressful time for people who take strong medicines for their pain.

The withdrawal of two COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID) and the more stringent, FDA-mandated warnings on all NSAIDs have created fear and confusion about what's safe and effective for treating pain.

You may feel overwhelmed and confused. You may be asking yourself:

• What's safe?
• What medications can I take?
• What can I do now that I can no longer take this medication?
• What things can I do to improve my quality of life?

The important thing to remember is that you are not alone.

Millions of Americans suffer from pain and there are many organizations working to address this serious, life-altering and profoundly difficult problem. Now, more than ever, is the time to educate yourself about treatment options and empower yourself by doing what you can to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The American Chronic Pain Association, the American Pain Foundation and The National Pain Foundation have cooperatively prepared information for this Web site to help people with pain and their families better understand the current situation and to regain a sense of control over the critical and personal decisions involved in managing pain.

You can learn more about the resources offered by these organizations at their Web sites:

• American Chronic Pain Association: www.theacpa.org
• American Pain Foundation: www.painfoundation.org
• National Pain Foundation: www.nationalpainfoundation.org