No more anti flams 😞

[sciqueen]

Hi All

Saw my Rheumy yesterday and we discussed my gastritis and the upshot is that she recommends that I no longer take any anti flams as it could lead to an ulcer. My gastritis is caused by H pylori an infection in my stomach that’s caused agrivation to the lining of my stomach. This lead to me bleeding and low heamoglobin level, which was picked up on the last blood test that I did in April. I am now taking a high dose iron tablet to treat the anaemia that the bleeding caused.

What am I suppose to do without anti flams? I’ve got low level lower back pain, which I would normally take Arcoxia for at the moment, but now I can’t take arcoxia- so I’ve just taken normal pain meds. From experience this will not be enough.

What do others take, when they cannot take anti flams? Please advise.

Cheers Joanne

[medway-lady]

My husband tested posative for Helo and was prescibed a 6 month course of 2 antibiotics and was cleared od the disease so ask to be treated for it as its cureable very easily. I have RA and do you mean no DMARDS ?

[sciqueen]

I was given antibiotics triple therapy upon diagnosis. So in theory I’m cured, but I was one of those that did not know I had the infection as I had no symptoms. H pylori was discovered by having an endoscopy investigation.

[Sarahg62]

I had to stop anti flamms about 5 years ago, for the same reason as you. Luckily I am reasonably controlled on methotrexate and Humira. When I do have problems I am put on low dose steroids. I have some gel, which sort of helps, but otherwise have to rely on painkillers. One of the many downsides of RA I’m afraid.

[wishbone]

I all but stopped taking naproxen about 2 years ago because of stomach trouble, which combined with hydroxy and pain killers was pretty effective. I did pop the odd well spaced tablet for a while when I had a bad flare, but even that had to stop eventually. Still on hydroxy, high dose tramadol and paracetomol. I sure do miss the naproxen though!

[sciqueen in reply to wishbone]

What mg are you taking in regards to tramadol? I’m on 50, have been on this for about 2 yrs now. I have toyed with the idea of increasing pain meds. Thanks for you comment 😉

[wishbone in reply to sciqueen]

You're speaking to one of the big boys now!...... Been on 150mg slow release tramadol and 1000mg paracetomol twice daily for the last approx 2 years. Was on a lower dose for the previous year until pain got too bad, can't remember how much though. I believe 400mg of tramadol per day is the max dose. Best to try to get by with as lower dose as possible.

I'll be starting a new med tomorrow, so hopefully I can cut down and eventually stop taking tramadol completely. Don't think it'll be easy though after 3 years.

[sciqueen in reply to wishbone]

Cheers, will have a think on it. Prefer tram compared to codeine & cocodomols, less addictive

[wishbone in reply to sciqueen]

Thanks, I didn't know that.

[MissMinto]

Hi Sciqueen,

Ibuleve gel rubbed into the small of your back should help, it does contain anti-inflam but as this just goes directly into bloodstream via skin it shouldn't upset your tum or increase risk of an ulcer. I find it very effective and it works really quickly.

Good luck x

[sciqueen in reply to MissMinto]

Never thought abought the gel. I’ll get some in thanks