When to start taking pain killers?

[purplegrapea]

My consultant has replaced my Mefenamic Acid with Diclofenac instead, and said to start taking it a 'few days' before the pain starts. How many days ahead do you find helps?

[foursimplewords]

I don't like taking painkillers too much so I aim for 1-2 just to help reduce prostaglandin levels

[purplegrapea in reply to foursimplewords]

Thank you. It's so many things to think about with various body chemistry. :-S

[luthien]

I'm trying for the first time to do the same as you - a few days before (as doc suggested) I'm not on the same ones though. I've taken mine 2 days before, and it has helped take the edge off my period pain, but I still feel exhausted, dizzy and like there's still something not quite right; well whatever's producing the pain is still there the painkillers just stop those signals getting far.

I'm not sure I like the idea of taking painkillers before when there's no pain as it feels strange but if it helps to block the pain early then it seems like a good idea

[purplegrapea in reply to luthien]

It is odd isn't it? I'm sorry you still feel rubbish. That was my problem with Mef Acid, along with bad stomach upsets.

I think you're right. I did just find this article (Hopefully I'm allowed to post links) endometriosis.org/treatment... . Basically sounds like painkillers are no good if the nasties that contribute to the pain are already there - kind of like trying to close the barn door when the horse has already bolted! (I think...)

[luthien in reply to purplegrapea]

yeah pretty much that idea. I get what you mean anyway!

I'm trying out over the counter first; 1g paracetamol and 800mg ibuprofen 4 times a day for four days, then I'll go to the docs if it doesn't work / doesn't agree with me; work needs to see me doing something even though I don't agree with just popping pills. I get a bad stomach with ibuprofen though

I'm worried about long term liver damage from taking so many painkillers, as some affect it more than others, and docs don't seem bothered about that: I was told a while back I had an enlarged liver (blood tests and ultrasound) due to paracetamol. So I don't know if I'm supposed to get that checked again.

How are you feeling these days?

[purplegrapea]

That sounds like a lot of medication. Was that a doctor's recommendation? If so, do you think it might be worth double-checking with them about the paracetamol and liver thing? Could be helpful to avoid accidental issues.

Personally, I'm just really tired .all.the.time! After my first meeting with a consultant last month I am waiting on a laparoscopy to get formally diagnosed. At 38, I've only just started getting very bad pain and I feel like I'm on the right track with getting care... but it takes so long! I'm also about to finish a fixed-term contract so I am worried/stressed/panicking about having to work a new job with a chronic pain condition.

How about you?