Voltaren Stories, Anyone?

fortune · ‎03-14-2010

I'm between a rock and a hard place. I really had bad knee pain. Several orthopedic specialists. said I needed both knees replaced. My internist said he wouldn't have a knee replacement even if it meant he'd have to crawl everywhere.

One orthopedist gave me a RX for Voltaren. Wow! I could suddenly do a lot that I hadn't been able to do!! My knee pain was almost gone! Then came the side effects--gastro-intestinal bloating, cramps, and discomfort. It's bearable, but I can't sleep at night and am thinking of going to a lower dosage or getting another medicine that works as well but without the side effects!

Anyone have any experience with Voltaren? I think it comes in a topical gel and suppository, as well.

Reba055 · ‎06-23-2014

If it's just your knees and not all over, you might be able to use the topical gel and have less side effects. I can't take anti inflammatories at all now, but when I tried Voltaren it was one of the worst. Some people do better on Arthrotec because it has an added ingredient to protect the stomach. It was still terrible for me and remember all the risks associated with NSAIDs. I would try the topical.

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

Get a new internist. If you're heavy, try to lose some weight. Find an orthopedic surgeon that does many knee replacements and go for it.

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

I was given a prescription for it once but when I read the possible side-effects, I didn't fill the prescription.

There are other topical anti-inflammatories available, but your knee may be so painful that you need the strength of a prescription medication. Or maybe you have tried those available over the counter. Additionally, if you are overweight, even losing 10 lbs. can help feet, ankles, knees greatly. As for knee replacement, surely it must work for some people.

Penetrex, Topricin, Capsazin, Biofreeze, Myoflex, Arnica products, Zostrix are some topicals. You can also try icing or heat, whichever helps.

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

I have been on Voltaren, no side effects but I ended up having a knee replacement this past May. I will be retuning to work this week, my knee is much better, glad I had it done. The suggestion of Votaren gel may work for you.

Himi lover · ‎03-10-2010

@fortune wrote:
I'm between a rock and a hard place. I really had bad knee pain. Several orthopedic specialists. said I needed both knees replaced. My internist said he wouldn't have a knee replacement even if it meant he'd have to crawl everywhere.

One orthopedist gave me a RX for Voltaren. Wow! I could suddenly do a lot that I hadn't been able to do!! My knee pain was almost gone! Then came the side effects--gastro-intestinal bloating, cramps, and discomfort. It's bearable, but I can't sleep at night and am thinking of going to a lower dosage or getting another medicine that works as well but without the side effects!

Anyone have any experience with Voltaren? I think it comes in a topical gel and suppository, as well.

I don't know why your internist would say that to you. My ex-boss had a knee replacement and was glad he had done so. He's an M.D. too. There are a few or more weeks of rehab, but it's worth it. My doctor gave me naproxen cream for my lower back pain. I think it works pretty good.

flickerbulb · ‎03-09-2010

I am appalled that a doctor would advise you NOT to have knee surgery after a specialist recommended it. I would be on the search for a new internist!!

Knee replacements are so common today and everyone I know who has had one has had excellent results. I would sign up to get the knees done.

Putting a topical ointment on bone on bone pain is like putting a bandaid on an axe to the leg! Your quality of life will improve after the surgery!

aubnwa01 · ‎03-09-2010

The oral form really messed with my stomach, so I continued with OTC ibuprofen, but when I moved, my new internist gave me about 5 tubes as samples of the Voltaren topical gel, which worked very well. I've still got one unopened tube & when I use it up, I'll ask him for a Rx for it.

I bought a tube of diclofenac cream at a pharmacy in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico about 9 years ago, because you didn't need a prescription for it over there & that worked well, too.

dubll2011 · ‎01-25-2011

Allergic to NSAIDS and aspirin. I can use this gel with no side effects however not much relief.

hckynutjohn · ‎06-15-2015

@fortune wrote:
I'm between a rock and a hard place. I really had bad knee pain. Several orthopedic specialists. said I needed both knees replaced. My internist said he wouldn't have a knee replacement even if it meant he'd have to crawl everywhere.

One orthopedist gave me a RX for Voltaren. Wow! I could suddenly do a lot that I hadn't been able to do!! My knee pain was almost gone! Then came the side effects--gastro-intestinal bloating, cramps, and discomfort. It's bearable, but I can't sleep at night and am thinking of going to a lower dosage or getting another medicine that works as well but without the side effects!

Anyone have any experience with Voltaren? I think it comes in a topical gel and suppository, as well.

Many have to make choices when it comes to their health and or physical problems with the joints or spine. Nobody can make that decision for you.

If I based the "possible side effects" of the meds I have and am still taking? I could tell you a choice I had to make and it just may be the cause of my death.

I had/have 2 choices and I chose the one that would allow me to live as close to "my normal life" as possible. At the same time, it may be what kills me.

As for your knee pain? Only you can decide which option is worse for you, the knee or your gastrointestinal tract.