Taking Nabumetone For Knee Osteoarthritis. Suggest Another Medication?

Question : I have been taking 750mg of Nabumetone 2x daily for years due to knee osteoarthritis condition (no cartilage in either knee). Last week, on vacation in the White Mountains, NH, having realized that I forgot to bring along the medication, I opted to take Ibuprofen. (Given, Hep C liver issues, I knew that Ibuprofen is not the med for me.) However, I thought that for 3-4 days, I would "risk" using it since I wanted to climb with my cane at tourist attractions (Flume; Lost River- 1000 steps.) Anyway, I did the "hike" with family members and I feel quite certain that my pain was minimized because I took 600 mg. of Ibuprofen in the morning with food and again later in the afternoon another 600 mg with food. Once I returned home and felt certain the ibuprofen left my system, I stopped the ibuprofen and resumed taking the Nabumetone. Although, I have no ill effects from the Nabumetone, I don't benefit much re: pain relief from it either. I ask if it seems reasonable to either (A) increase the dosage of the Nabumetone or (B) consider another non-addictive, anti-inflammatory pain medication that should offer relative safety in consideration of my inflated live blood counts (I have ultrasound tests 2x annually and am watched by a top M.D. ... I am anticipating a call back from him as I write you for your opinion. ) Note: The Hep C (formerly non-A, non-B designation), I have had since 1975 surgical procedures.
I am 57 years of age, male, and 290 lbs. Thank you very much.