I just read some very scary news aboud NSAIDs drugs, presented in a international cardiology congress in Denmark, a study conducted there, and of course non financed by pharmaceuticals, show that taking NSAIDs even for a short course elevated 50% the risk of a healthy person to have a stroke. the risk can be as high as 100% depending of the drug and the dose taken, and we are talking about over the counter NSAIDS like ibupofren and naprosen.
In 1989, was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue. In 1995,had 4 discs fused in my neck, in 1999, had L5S1 surgery.Acquired Polymyalgia Rheumatica in 1999 as well, along with large doses of Prednisone. Have been under the care of a Rheumatologist the majority of the time, as well as a Primary doctor.
Have been on NASIDS since 1989. This year, had my regular lab work done for a physical. Lo and behold, my kidney function levels were High!..Primary ordered a Renal Ultrasound which came out normal. No follow-up. However, Cardiologist noticed the rise and sent me to a Nephrologist, and guess what? I now have Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage III. Why and how? NSAIDS....THEY DAMAGE THE KIDNEYS. Funny, nobody ever discussed that with me.
I will be seen by a Pain Specialist shortly, sent by my Rheumatologist.
Unfortunately, by not taking any NSAIDS (READ THE LABELS PEOPLE) including over the counter, i.e. ALEVE...which has Naprosen in it, my chronic pain has returned two fold. I do not wih to become a mummy, and am curious as to what kind of medicines the Pain Specialist will order. I also have two cardiac stents, so as you see, I have a number of things against me as far as pain is concerned.
Followup in the future.
So why do doctors in Canada all try these Nsaids? I was giving Opioids this year due to suffering for over 7 years. I was on those Nsaids and they made me cough up blood and all kinds of horrible things. I haven't been taking anything for all this pain due to reactions. I ended up in the hospital and was giving Oxycontin. Wow ... pain was tolerable for the first time in 7 years? And then - my Muscular Skeletal doctor stated these meds are only short term they increase pain and refused to keep me on them. Why is it that doctors won't keep patients on medication that works? Not Humane suffering like this! At least my GP is keeping me on T3's with Codeine and the Spinal doctor says it is ok. Makes me nauseous though and only brings the pain down a level or two at most. Gravol, Reactine for all my environmental allergies now and T3's ... spend most of my time in bed too sore to stand or sit. Sore laying down too ... but at least I won't fall from the bed. How does one get a second opionion?
As the comments show, oral Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAID's) can cause some scary, life-threatening problems, yet many people seemed to be lulled into the notion that these medications are perfectly safe just because they are available without a prescription. Don't be fooled, long-term use of NSAID's is not safe. Here are some alternatives worth talking to your doctor about (or find another doctor who will listen).
1. Topical Anti-Inflammatory medications that can be applied where needed with much less risk to the rest of the body. Examples: Voltaren Gel, Pennsaid Ointment, Flector Patch.
2. An Anti-Inflammatory Diet can seriously help your body control inflammation naturally. The typical "western diet" promotes inflammation and pain.
3. Tylenol and Opioids are safer for controlling pain over a long period of time.
4. Ice is often overlooked as an effective way to control pain, swelling and inflammation.
Read the labels, stay informed, and don't fall asleep at the wheel....
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
I am afraid to take almost anything anymore. I took tylenol bit it never worked. I took asprin but I had to stop because it caused bleeding. I sometimes tke advil but it bothers my stomach. I take Aleve but the releif doesn t last. Ive taken hydrocodone and it helped but none of the doctors want to prescibe it anymore it seems. One dr took me to take Tylenol. I cant sleep at night . Three years ago I had a serious crush injury in my right knee and they had to remove 60% of my kneecap. TRhe doctor that did the surgery said arthritis has set in on that knee and suggested I start thinking about getting cortisone shots
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I have taken hyrocodone(5-500) for three + years, for Chornic lower back pain. I can only take 1/2 tablel at a time (six to eight each day). Because if I take a whole one, I have allegry reaction that makes me itch all over my body.I rather itch than be it pain.So I have it to a science for now..