Self inflicted back pain. Nurofen or not?

[Ebiker]

Well it seems I don't learn. After what we thought was 'a not usual flare' earlier in year had to go up to 15mg...Now on 11mg and starting to function again with some really good days. Digestive problems improved and refurn of my spark and energy. In fact I am beginning to wonder if the symptons I had were indeed pmr or pred withdrawal or something else

Back to light gardening tasks but stupidly over did it when feeling really good, thus managing to have the old war wounds (slipped discs muscle strain in back) truly prodded. Paracetamol helping a bit but think I read on here that a blast with nurofen once or twice would be ok?

Any thoughts please.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I use 800mg ibuprofen, taken with food (a proper meal) and if necessary some famotidine if I need to take it more than just once or twice. My rheumy approves. 800mg is the flooding dose which is needed for it to work properly - all the receptors must be used up. And I find that lasts the best part of 24 hours so I actually use far less overall.

[Ebiker in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro for your usual speedy reply. You are amazing!I am being sensible today ie not bending or reaching and walking gently around. Also resting in a comfortable position so will give a zap with 800mg with this evening meal and hope I can get out of bed in the morning without using lots if expletives. 🤣🙀

[Marijo1951 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm a bit confused because I've always understood that those of us on prednisolone should avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin. Can you enlighten me please? Would I be okay to take ibuprofen to deal with the osteoarthritis pains in my knees?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marijo1951]

It isn't recommended to be taken regularly long term. Both it and pred can lead to stomach irritation and bleeding which isn't good. Some doctors realise that the antiinflammatory aspect is needed and will use NSAIDs at times but mine insists on stomach protection when he uses NSAIDs more than 1 or 2 days at a time. You do need to discuss it with YOUR doctor.

Even topical NSAID creams are a problem but have you tried Flexiseq? It is a cream that eases osteoarthritis symptoms but has no drugs in it. It isn't cheap but many on the forum use it very successfully

flexiseq.com/

You can get it on Amazon and they have offers and a subscribe and save service which reduces the price even further,

[Marijo1951 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for clarifying matters, PMRPro. I haven't tried Flexiseq yet, but I am aware of it. Both my local branches of Superdrug were out of stock so I'll probably buy some online.