Question: Would you recommend ibuprofen for arthritis pain in knees, lower back, shoulders? I am 61 years old. I Have worked outside most of my life as I am a Land Surveyor. My knees are real weak. I retired at age 52 and gained approximately 100 lbs. I decided that this was enough and I decided to come out of retirement in 2014 and get myself going again. I now walk 2-3 miles every other day, swim laps at a health club, and of course working outside is quite challenging. I also have a heart pacemaker for afib and have vertigo for the last 8 years. Do you have any suggestions for strengthening my knees? (exercises?, leg presses?, Etc)

As of this date, I have lost approximately 55 lbs. I also drink water with organic lemon juice in it. I now weigh 275 lbs and am already feeling better. I now have more stamina and breathing isn't as labored. I am just now taking Coreg for high blood pressure; (135-160/75-90) on the direction of my cardiologist. I hate taking pills. I have one cup of coffee in the morning with creamer (lo-fat). I drink 6-8 oz. of prune juice every morning. And one of my doctors' told me to also drink green tea with lemon and a little honey. He is also a believer in turmeric. I have a light breakfast - 2 bagels with cream cheese, 2 bananas and sometimes a couple of pieces of dill Havarti with some salami for protein. I usually don't have a regular lunch. I have some apples along with water and usually have a good dinner. I also take Lamictal (100 mg), Lorazepam (0.5 mg x3 daily), Duloxetine (Cymbalta - 60 mg/day), Eliquis (5 mg/ 2x/day).

Do you have any suggestions for strengthening my knees? I used to use an elliptical trainer years ago. Do you recommend this? And, do you also have any other exercises that you can suggest? I forgot to tell you that I have had 2 arthroscopic knee surgeries - each knee, back in 1994 and 1996. They are weak and painful after walking/working long distances, accompanied by lower back pain.