question regarding otc pain relief

[Gatodd]

I am currently on daily zytiga plus prednisone and monthly firmagon. . I have mostly avoided any pain meds.

Recently, I overexerted while doing yard work and hurt the lower back. We now are hiking in the Finger Lakes and rest on the back isn’t as practical, but the back isn’t cooperating.

Tylenol damages liver, ibuprofen damaged the kidneys. Zytiga isn’t good for either the liver or kidneys, but so far my numbers look ok after 18 months on this stuff. Any suggestions of which otc pain is better to take once per day. I am icing each day, which helps at night, but need a little boost.

By the way, the waterfalls in the finger lakes are outstanding.

[Derf4223]

Have you tried back exercises? They work for me and have for many years. On the floor on your back, various leg lifts. Crunches if you are able. Sometimes it takes me 2-3 sessions to sort out my back.

[Gatodd in reply to Derf4223]

yes. I was doing regularly for a while. Then I stopped when back got better. Silly me. I am stretching it now. But looking for some short term fix over the next few days.

Thanks for the reminder. I know the exercises will help.

[Tall_Allen]

Prilosec (omeprazol) prevents GI damage from ibuprofen. Diclofenac gel (Voltaren) may help.

[Gatodd in reply to Tall_Allen]

thanks.

[London441]

Short term use of either I wouldn’t be too concerned, but I would definitely resume the exercises and especially the stretching.

[Gatodd in reply to London441]

thanks. It gets better with rest, but haven’t chosen to rest while on hiking vacation. Will begin more rigorous stretching today.

[Grandpa4]

I think Tylenol and Advil are very safe taken for short periods of time. It is chronic use of Advil that can damage kidneys and cause GI bleeding. One dose on a trip is very safe. The same with Tylenol. If you keep the cumulative dose down and don’t mix in alcohol it is very safe.

[Gatodd in reply to Grandpa4]

Thanks. Gave up alcohol when starting Zytiga.

[SteveTheJ]

Too much of any medication is harmful; a safe dosage is not. (You can OD on water.) See a good physical therapist, not a personal trainer, get some exercises, and you'll find some relief.

If you're in Michigan, also consider legal THC/CBD therapies. Personally the jury is out on CBD but I know people find relief with them. THC can help stimulate appetite if that's an issue.

Good luck

[dentaltwin]

If your kidney/liver function is OK, short-term use shouldn't be a problem. Naproxen is supposed to last 12 hours. Personally ibuprofen works better for me though.

[Gatodd in reply to dentaltwin]

Thanks

[jfoesq]

My personal experience: I have been on ADT for most of my 11 years since DX and I am a frequent user of Advil, Tylenol and lately, Aleve. A day rarely goes by without me taking one or the other for knee pain ( my knee was replaced 6 years ago), back pain (had back surgery several years ago)…I am active and usually sore as a resuky, thus these meds. Also- I sleep better when taking these meds. I have had no issues with blood tests results, liver… I am presently 65 yrs old.

[Gatodd in reply to jfoesq]

Thanks for relating your experience. Glad no effects on liver for you.

[Jerseygirl13]

Tylenol Arthritis, its stronger

[Hidden]

I began using Voltaren several years ago. It's a blessing.

[j-o-h-n]

Go to your local drugstore.... walk over to the pharmacist's counter, then jump forth and back over the counter for about 15 minutes. I guarantee that you will experience the best over the counter relief for your back pain....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 06/07/2023 11:41 AM PST

[Gatodd in reply to j-o-h-n]

Funny. Afraid no longer athletic enough to execute this strategy.