topic Re: Pain Medications in Wellness

Pain Medications

June222 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:00:54 GMT

So....Aspirin is bad for you....Tylenol is bad for you....Aleve and Motrin are bad for you....what is left? Strong pharmaceuticals and Pot. Back to the Good Stuff!

Re: Pain Medications

Danielle46 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:11:37 GMT

Oh come one, they are not "bad" for you if taken correctly. Don't take them on an empty stomach, take only as directed and for a short period of time. Unless your allergic to any of them, you should not have any problems.

Re: Pain Medications

Vivian — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:26:35 GMT

All medications, over-the-counter, prescription, or herbal supplements can have dangerous side effects, including problems with combinations of meds. The latest warning concerns the length of time one should take NSAIDs, e.g., Alleve, Celebrex, Motrin, etc. In the past it was long term use that was of concern. Now the warnings for stroke and heart attack in vulnerable populations are for short term use as well. Advice is that no more than ten days of these drugs are recommended.

Re: Pain Medications

Luvitorleaveit1 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:53:16 GMT

I saw on the news this morning that the FDA is ordering stronger labeling for popular pain medications:

<:time class=time datetime="2015-07-10T07:13:00-07:00">July 10, 2015, 7:13 AM|Common pain relievers like Advil, Motrin and Aleve will get stronger warning labels that will highlight the risk of heart attacks and strokes. CBS News medical contributor and Lenox Hill Hospital cardiologist Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the change.

I've been taking Aleve recently not everyday for the pain in my knee. I guess they might as well just legalize the good stuff like pot and whatever else helps with pain.

Re: Pain Medications

GCR18 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:58:41 GMT

It seems like every time you turn around there's an article saying one of them is bad for you. I don't take them daily, but rotate them. Do everything in moderation.

Re: Pain Medications

author — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:00:51 GMT

I have had bad back pain and hip/leg pain for the past 6 weeks, took aspirin, then some Motrin, and a week ago tried one Aleve each day. It was a miracle, felt so much better and then pain gone in 4 days, mobility back. I didn't take it for two days, then I saw this story, and had planned on trying one pill 3 times a week, but now I am afraid to try even that. Took aspirin today with breakfast and it is hurting as I go about my daily activity.

Perhaps a good stiff drink in the p.m. might help. I can only imagine how those who take these meds and have serious chronic unremitting pain must be feeling today.

Re: Pain Medications

Madisson — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:16:25 GMT

I used to take NSAIDS when I had a headache or other pain, but they are harsh on my stomach even when taken with food. I switched to tylenol (which blocks pain and fever), and it works great for me. If I have a simple headache, just 500 mg of tylenol will take it away.

Re: Pain Medications

Q4u — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:43:11 GMT

I have taken Tylonal from the time I was a little girl for TMJ pain. The pain has gotten worse over the years. In the 80's I went to a doctor who recommended surgery on my jaw (one side is worn down) but they couldn't guarantee that even restructuring the jaw would stop the pain because it's due to muscle contractions and muscle "memory" is tough to stop so I declined the surgery. So I have taken the dreaded Tylonal only when I really, really need it and never over the recommended dosage. I'm now 64.

I also take Aspirin to dull the pain (not quite as effective) and never over the prescribed amount and only when I really need it. No stomach issues.

I also take Advil on occasion, never a lot and only when I'm unable to take the pain. Have been doing that for a few years now.

I also have a pinched nerve in my neck from a serious fall in 2010. Actually, the pinched nerve is now more painful than the TMJ.... but I do the same thing. I take only what I need and never more than recommended.

I realize the pain I have is chronic and is forever and can be debilitating but I will NOT take anything stronger. I have developed some relaxation techniques which (believe it or not) works well as reducing the tension that seems to bring on the pain.

These pain meds have worked well for me with no side effects (thank goodness).....

Re: Pain Medications

sfnative — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:54:19 GMT

Believe me, I hear you on this one. Never thought I'd have a long-term issue with a medication, but I did and it's so not good.

I'm in year 31 of a chronic migraine. Have taken just about every medication which exists for pain and inflammation in order to quell the daily pain of this years long headache, which often morphs into a really bad, bad, months long flare.

Botox injections gave me a 2 year respite until my body developed a resistance to it.

The drug that's done a number on my kidneys is Mobic, which I took willingly for 12 years, as it was the most effective at controlling the chronic migraine (I'd say 75% effective, which is darn good when you've had that kind of pain for that long). Then my bi-annual labs started showing a change in my eGFR, which is a kidney function test and I'm now in Stage III kidney failure.

Looking back on those 12 years of taking Mobic, honestly I don't know that I'd do anything different, to tell you the truth, as I had a job I loved, but it required me to work very long hours and was stressful (not good for headaches). It wasn't possible for me to live on oxy at that time, because I was handling surgical instruments, etc., but am taking it now as I'm retired. I'm taking care of my body, especially diet now, having eliminated many, many foods from my daily meal plan and most importantly keeping myself as hydrated as possible.

The education that came along with this indicated that it's very important to determine if the kidney or liver is responsible for "clearance" of the medication one is taking. Though all are processed though the liver, not all clear though the liver. If you know you have an issue with one of those organs already, then avoiding medications which "clear" through that organ is a good idea.

God bless all who are in a daily struggle with pain.

Re: Pain Medications

PilatesLover — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:15:11 GMT

I take Voltaren daily to manage RA. I also use the Voltaren gel topically when a joint is acting up.

Whenever I have an EKG or get my BP checked, they say my heart is remarkably healthy. I exercise regularly, eat well and keep my weight in check, so that's got to count for something. I'm not going to quit taking my Voltaren because of this news report. I'd rather have the heart attack than live with that pain. Only a fellow RA sufferer can understand.

Re: Pain Medications

LilacTree — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:10:13 GMT

@author wrote:
I have had bad back pain and hip/leg pain for the past 6 weeks, took aspirin, then some Motrin, and a week ago tried one Aleve each day. It was a miracle, felt so much better and then pain gone in 4 days, mobility back. I didn't take it for two days, then I saw this story, and had planned on trying one pill 3 times a week, but now I am afraid to try even that. Took aspirin today with breakfast and it is hurting as I go about my daily activity.

Perhaps a good stiff drink in the p.m. might help. I can only imagine how those who take these meds and have serious chronic unremitting pain must be feeling today.

I have chronic pain every day from RA and osteoporosis in my spine. There is never a day without pain. I do not take any daily pain prescription or OTC meds for the pain, I just deal with it. Ever since I stopped taking ibuprofen every day because it caused high blood pressure, I have sworn off any and all pain meds. I wouldn't know what a day without pain feels like anymore. The ibuprofen hardly improved my pain levels anyway.

So this "news" means nothing to me. Nothing.

But I do thank you for thinking about those of us who have chronic pain.

Re: Pain Medications

Gooday — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:16:31 GMT

Not to worry, in another 6-12 months, these findings will be retracted. I remember in the 80's when cholesterol was the kiss of death. No eggs yolks, no cheese, no dairy, yada, yada....everything our grandparents and theirs before them lived on whatever they could raise or purchase. Now, it's not the gloom and doom they professed.

I personally do not have the medical issues that a majority of you posters seem to have but, I do take the occasional Tylenol for Arthritis when my knee acts up. I am vary enough that if I felt I needed it long term I would: a) be evaluated by my PCP, b) know enough to get liver enzymes and kidney function tests.

I also know that if I got relief from WHATEVER the medication was, I'd be taking it. I cannot imagine living with some of the pain you all describe. I'm not saying I've never had long lasting pain, my knee gave me fits for a year. It will never be the same but, my heart goes out to you all living with chronic pain.

Re: Pain Medications

hckynutjohn — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:25:50 GMT

@June2 wrote:
So....Aspirin is bad for you....Tylenol is bad for you....Aleve and Motrin are bad for you....what is left? Strong pharmaceuticals and Pot. Back to the Good Stuff!

June2

Where are you getting the info that all of the meds you mention are bad for you? Are you speaking in generalities, or because of your specific medical conditions?

There is a big difference depending on other meds a person may be taking. When for 7+ years I was taking Coumadin(warfarin) blood thinner, aspirin or any kind of a anti-inflammatory, could have been very bad for me. Thus I did not take any of those types of meds, which included the stronger NSAID family of meds, and of course opiates.

This also included avoiding foods high in Vitamin E and dark green veggies. Why? Because they are also blood thinners. So I pretty much stuck with Tylenol types of pain killers, and still do, even though I am no longer on blood thinners.

I Am thinking you are reading and/or hearing of people taking high dosages of these meds over very long periods of time. Aspirin(81mg) is part of my regular meds since my 1st heart attack, for most Cardiac patients this is quite normal.

As with many prescribed or OTC meds, the dosage size and the length of time they are taken is the key. Many injuries are treated with what are called "Theraputic Dosages", where the patient is required to have their blood tested at regular intervals.

These "theraputic dosages" are of course considerd to be short term, not on a continual basis. Depending on the type of prescription, different readings of the blood workups are the ones that are watched.

To me, this is why reading things on the internet and listening to non-health professionals, can do more harm than good. Too many unfounded fears or anxieties can be had by those more prone to worry just about anything and everything when it comes to these types of topics.

While knowledge can be helpful, having only a partial part of it can be just the opposite for many.

Re: Pain Medications

hckynutjohn — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:59:45 GMT

@author wrote:
, then I saw this story, and had planned on trying one pill 3 times a week, but now I am afraid to try even that.

Perhaps a good stiff drink in the p.m. might help. I can only imagine how those who take these meds and have serious chronic unremitting pain must be feeling today

This is exactly what I was referring to in my post to "June2". "then you read the story". I am sure this was written by a reknowned Professional in this field of medicine! NOT!!! More than likely by a so-called author or journalist that isn't even good in their own chosen field.
Stories without a complete backround on the patient(s) or the why or what for of the meds or dosage? And now their is you "author", that is needlessly "afraid", because of a story.

You might want to read my previous very long post!

Re: Pain Medications

Reba055 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:11:05 GMT

NSAIDs are very dangerous drugs (even at therapeutic doses) and this is no fly by night warning. It has long been known in the medical field. You have to weigh the benefit vs risk but they can cause some serious damage.

Re: Pain Medications

hckynutjohn — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:21:22 GMT

@Reba055 wrote:
NSAIDs are very dangerous drugs (even a

t therapeutic doses) and this is no fly by night warning. It has long been known in the medical field. You have to weigh thissues benefit vs risk but they can cause some serious damage.

Making sure we are on the same page. A "Theraputic Dose" is a much higher dosage than a regular often ordered dose Reba, your comment camd across to me as "meaning a smaller dose". That is why I want to make sure we are talking the same thing.

Viox was taken off the market many years ago because it was found to cause heart valve issues to an unexceptable number of patients taking this prescription only NSAD. At that time I had had only 1 heart attack, and I was taking Celebrex for my much riddled body of Osteo arthritis. Prescribed by my doctor friend that was a Sports Med Ortopod.

I then had heart attact #2 and I dicussed this with my Ortho friend and my Cardiologist. They left the decision up to me since at that time Celebrex did not seem to cause heart issues. I am the one that decided to quit taking Celebrex, not my doctors. They both told me I would probably suffer from much more arthritic pain if I chose that route.

They were/are right on that count for sure. At the time of my 2nd heart attack I was still on Coumadin(warfarin) because of my 2 bouts with PE(deadly lung blood clots for those not familiar with PE). My other Ortho friend, that specializes in Spinal Surgery, then entered the picture. Why? Because he did an MRI that showed I had a ruptured L-3, which is a lumbar disc.

He would not do any invasive procedure to remove this ruptured disc until I had been off of Coumadin for 10 days. He was aware of my high risk of having another(possibly fatal) PE issue. He told me also to have a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter installed right away. 2 days later I had that procedure, which involves placing this filter into a blood vessel in the groin. This reduces the risk of PE and that helped later(years later) in deciding to go off blood thinners.

So I had back surgery and that, for the most part, relieved my back and left leg/left knee and hip issues. Anyways I am off thinners/NSAIDS and deal with the pain by taking Tylenol. Doesn't do much in comparison, but that was/is my choice.

Re: Pain Medications

Kachina624 — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:24:18 GMT

I don't know why people who suffer with chronic pain don't see the appropriate specialist like a rheumatologist and get prescribed medication instead of taking OTC junk that may be harmful. If the doctor prescribes it and there is danger of side-effects, he's going to monitor the patient to look for signs of trouble. Also there is a large assortment of NSAIDs that could potentially be far more effective than OTC with fewer side-effects.

I've taken the NSAID Lodine for about 20 years and the doctor schedules me for a follow-up exam and blood test every 3 months to assure all is well. The drug itself is like 100X more effective than anything OTC.

Re: Pain Medications

Luvitorleaveit1 — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:44:45 GMT

That is so true and I met with my doctor who referred me to a specialist for my knee.

Re: Pain Medications

willdob3 — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 22:44:10 GMT

I don't think any of them are "good" for us. Sometimes one has to weigh the choices. Depends on what is causing the pain, too.

When I got picky about my food and started eating only real food, unprocessed/low processed foods, non-GMOs, etc. My chronic pain (from arthritis, fibro and more) disappeared. I'd been living on ibuprofen 24/7 for years. Talk about an eye-opening experience!

Re: Pain Medications

LilacTree — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 14:27:15 GMT

Big Pharma must be rejoicing! They're probably behind it anyway. The FDA goes along with whatever they want.

Their prescription pain killers have far worse side effects and are far more expensive. Big bonanza for them!!