Date: 14.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Anti-inflammatories
OK I have a question. I have suspected PA and at the moment just have a swollen finger which is not too bad. Was told to continue anti-inflammatories. But always had a sensative stomach and now woken up with pains in it. Took last one Sat morning cos wanted a drink over weekend. What I really want to know is if there is a benefit to taking them regularly if I am really not to bad at the moment? Says on packet "as needed". They are the coated tablets by the way which helps stop stomach upset. Thanks guys. Boo hubby just left. He working away all week too.
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: louloubelle
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
hey Christine I think they're often best to take continually as they do stay in your system a bit. What sort are you taking 'cos I've never had any where you cannot have an alcofrolic beverage? I've been advised not to drink fruit juice or eat fruit at the same time as taking the tablets as the acidity can make them upset your tummy. Instead, it is recommended to take them with water at meal time or with milk as the small amount of fat in milk stops your tummy from becoming unsettled when taking them. I suppose by taking the tablets continually you are going along the prevention route so when you do have a flare it shouldn't be as bad (in theory). Hope that helps. Lou x
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Hi I am on Diclofenac. A lot of Internet sites say not to touch alcohol. I have a sensitive stomach and suffer with indigestion a lot - something I am trying to cure with my wheat/dairy free diet. Feel better in a lot of ways except this. Hmm maybe I need to go get my stomach checked aswell. Had a bad back from December and this really upset my stomach/heart rate which has settled again in the past month so reluctant to upset it again. Thing is docs think that was stress related and it was only my Osteopath that related the problems with my back. Docs don't believe it all stopped once my back was better so not sure what they will say about stomach now. I really want to go down the alternative medicine route to get better. Thanks for reply.
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: louloubelle
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
that's not fun having tummy troubles when you need to take anti-inflams. I was on Diclofenac for donkey's years (from the age of 9 to about the age of 24). I used to get completely trollied at weekends and still take the diclofenac (and pain killers :s). I suppose I was lucky that I never really suffered with tummy trouble! Like I said though, it is best to take them with milk if you're not taking them with food (I think it's to do with helping absorborption of the drugs). Best wishes
Lou
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Thanks again Lou - think I will make appt to see GP - not sure what else to do. Finger stiff today but only slightly sore - feet not too bad at all so dont feel like I NEED to take them but if it helps in the longrun then perhaps I need to. He did prescribe a course of tablets to take away the acidity in my stomach and I have been told I can take them together but I am so nervous of side effects that I wont take them - also hubby away for two weeks and I am here with two young kids so would rather just put up with it for now that start taking new meds.
Oh the joys!!
Christine.
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Verity
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Hey, Ive been on diclofenac for the past 10 yrs nearly. I think Im lucky coz Ive never hadany probs with them. I used to drink stupid amounts on tem and never had any probs. Do you take any stomach protectors with them?? xxx
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Lynn B
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
I think you need to take Gastro-Resistant tablets to protect your stomach from acid, and any irritation your medication may cause especialy anti-inflams I would certainly ask your GP. tc x
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Verity I do have something called Lansoprasol which the chemist said I can take at the same time. And Lynn they are gastro resistant ones. But I am such a coward at taking tablets that I just wont take them. I really need to get over this phobia - think it stems from a couple of things. Once I had blockages in my jugular veins shown up in an MRI but the angiogram showed nothing - it scared me cos even the professor did not know what they were. Then during surgery two years ago I was given Augmentine and anaethetist said I went beetroot and my blood pressure plummeted but I rectified myself straight away - was an op on my ovaries and tubes but he was not sure if it was due to hormones or this drug - so I am scared stiff of taking anything.
Sounds stupid I know cos I am suffering with my stomach - think I need to go lay my cards on the table and have a good chat with my doc.
Thanks guys - good to know I can chat with you all.
XX
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Lynn B
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Christine I take Lansoprasol, and have taken it every day for the past 5yrs. It protects my stomach from the aspirin and all the other meds i take. It is wonderful i never have heartburn anymore and hardly ever suffer with my stomach. tc xx
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: c
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Thanks Lynn - do they have side effects though? I have read on a website here that they can have nasty ones.
See here I go again!! Goodness knows what I will do if I have to take medication for the arthritis - I just know I cannot do it.
Been on a dairy/wheat diet for two days and feeling a lot better apart from this dull ache in stomach.
Will call docs in the morning.
Thanks again.
Christine.
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Date: 15.06.2010
From: Verity
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Reading side effects online isnt always beneficial! You must must must take the stomach protecting tablets coz you'll end up with gastritis and then you'll have something to worry about!! Ive never had or known of any side effects. I take omeprazole. I think its practically the same as the one you have.
Are the anti inflams the only meds youre taking for the arthur so far? Unfortunately pratically all arthur meds have side effects. Its all just weighing up the pros n cons : )
Dont worry the though. The docs tend to know theyre stuff ; ) xx
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Date: 15.06.2010
From: Teresa
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Hi Christine, I totally understand where your coming from about worrying about the side effects of all these medications. Although I also agree with Verity when she says reading about the side effects online not being beneficial!! (That said I cant help but do just that) When I was diagnosed with PA last year and told to start taking Sulfasalazine the first thing I did was look up all the side effects online. Needless to say that I soon became convinced that I would suffer some terrible side effect like my liver packing up! It took me 5 weeks to get the courage to take the first tablet... and guess what? I had NO side effects whatsoever!! Not even any mild ones!! Unfortunatly the Sulfasalazine has not had any effect on the PA and so I am to start on Methotrexate in a few weeks. I told myself that I would not look up the side effects of Methotrexate, but of course I have and am winding myself up nicely!!!
Also as Verity says you really should take the stomach protecting medicine if you have been given them I take Omeprazole and have no side effects at all.
Take care
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Date: 15.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Thanks guys - I need to speak to my doctor I think as I have had a bad stomach for a while - always been told its down to lifestyle and I must admit when I eat healthy it tends to be fine. Hubby will be home in a couple of weeks and think I will start again then - cannot take them when I am on my own with the kids - just not an option for me. Never used to be like this but just got worse as I got older. I believe in complimentary/alternative medicines and think I would like to give them ago first - just dont know who to turn to first (its sooo expensive too).
Im just a coward - LOL.
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Date: 16.06.2010
From: maz.aust
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Hi Christine, I take Voltaren as well, however I take it if & when I need it, not all the time. If I take a voltaren I need to take a Nexium at bedtime that night to protect the stomach. Have you looked into leaky gut - that may contribute to your nausea as well ??
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Date: 18.06.2010
From: Verity
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Hey Christine,
Ive tried tons of alternative therapies over the years, like, accupuncture, massage, herbal, homoeopathy, reiki, spiritual healing, nutritionist, wheat free, lactose free, meat free blah blah blah lol! The only thing Ive ever experienced any sign of change is acid free diet. None of the others helped (although the massage is very good. I still have one every now and then).
I think maybe my body is just stubborn. Arthritis can be sooo deep rooted that I think its a tricky one. Although some ppl respond well. Im interested in how you get on with whatever you try to do first : ) xx
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Date: 21.06.2010
From: Abbie
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
I was put on diclofenac with lansoprazole to protect my stomache but had awful stomache problems so was then put on naproxen but they were crap. Finally ended up on relifex but with extra lansoprazole and these were fine and very effective. X
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Date: 21.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Thanks Abbie. Will see doc and check. Verity, been on wheat and dairy free for almost two weeks. Hubby been away a week and he noticed that my psoriasis looked a lot better. Feel better and pain and stiffness in hands and feet better. Also just beginning to lose some weight. Yeah. So generally feeling good. Odd thing is the pain in my finger seems to be moving up to the tip!! Was worse at the base before but although still a little swollen at base, the pain is more at the top now. How odd!! Lol. Christine.
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Date: 24.06.2010
From: englishrose
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Just a word of warning re anti-inflams. For 7 years I yook moloxicam (was not prescribed a tummy protector) - never suffered from indigestion. Started to feel most unwell with pains in my back. To cut a long story short had an ulcer that burst. Better now but cannot ever take anti-inflams and boy, do I miss them.
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Date: 25.06.2010
From: Christine.
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Ooh that's not good Englishrose. One of the reasons I don't want to take them. Have been feeling much better on wheat free diet so decided to have a small piece of fish in breadcrumbs today. Mistake. Within two hours I had my indigestion back and my feet and finger are stiff and painful again. Finally think I have realised I may be wheat/gluten intolerant. My psoriasis is also much better off the wheat and dairy. X
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Date: 19.07.2010
From: Steve
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
hello all,ive had OA for the past 3yrs.i had been taking ibuprofen 400mg daily then changed to voltoral,i found voltoral worked beter for me.i heard about high potency vitamins and minerals having anti inflammatory effects,i am currently taking cod liver oil and glucosamine tabs and have been pleasantly suprised,have nt touched an ibuprofen or voltoral in the past 4months.i know different things work beter for others but pls contact "natures best" site and if you wish give their products a go.have noticed my mood has changed since coming of the ibuprofen\voltarol.take care.
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Date: 20.07.2010
From: Abbie
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
I have been taking Lansoprazole 30mg twice a day for GORD for donkey's years. When started anti inflams were fine on everything except diclofenec. Even really strong ones were fine but diclofenec really messed my tummy up. As things are not so bad right now why don't you talk to your GP about using a milder one like Naproxen instead? Anyway, I hope you sort it all out! X
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Date: 20.07.2010
From: jill
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Subject: Re: Anti-inflammatories
Everyone MUST take a Stomach Protector.....I have Gastritis now, and have becos of having Gastritis(inflamed stomach lining) I now have Pernicious Anemia.....for life....needing injections for life.....im shattered more than ever! U must all take Tummy protectors if your taking strong Meds.....I was Never offered them, so didnt know that I had to take them...Cock up on Rhumatologists part!!
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