New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

PilatesLover · ‎08-20-2014

My old rheumatologist retired, and I have been referred to a young woman doctor who I love. My former doc had a kind of laissez-faire and "don't fix it if it ain't broke" attitude. My new rheumie is a go getter, up on all the new protocols, and wants to treat me more aggressively.

All that's good and fine - but she wants me off NSAIDS. I just don't see how that's possible. I tried to tell her I need my daily Voltarin for the inflammation, not just pain. She wants me to transition from Voltarin to Cymbalta, but I've heard so many horror stories about Cymbalta. My husband was put on it for his osteoarthritis and he told me it made him feel horrible, like he had taken some kind of mind altering drug.

Guess I just want to whine. I haven't heard anything good about Cymbalta on these boards, either.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@PilatesLover

I am running out the door and will come back to this later; I'm very interested in this.

I have told all my docs that, as a general rule, I will NOT try any drug that hasn't been on the market for at least 7 to 10 years. Meds go through clinical trials and are approved by the FDA. After release to the public, other issues may arise and become "concerns".

How many times have we seen the commercials of some law firm that says some version of "If you took this pill and your left arm fell off, call us at 1-800-class action ... blah blah blah ...."

Personally, I prefer them to have a drug out in public and "work the bugs out". Seven to ten years. JMO

It may be right for you to be treated more aggressively .... and this may also be a good time to consider changing docs if you don't like the approach. Nevertheless, give her a chance. You have a chronic illness, and a fresh set of eyes can be very good for your health, long term.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@Tinkrbl44 ITA!

@PilatesLover You love your new doc so give her a chance. Just because your DH had a bad reaction does NOT mean that you will. Follow her directions and see how it goes. You may be pleasantly surprised and I wish you well.

Glad you have a new doc who is on the ball! Listen to her

PilatesLover · ‎08-20-2014

@Tinkrbl44 , @Love my grandkids thank you so much for your input. I do want to give her a good try. I will say, my prior rheumie never had my hands and feet x-rayed. After 25 years living with RA, she ordered the first x-rays that were not pre-surgery related.

I like to be armed with information for our next visit. I like that she takes time with me, too.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

You admitted your former Rheumatologist was "laisse-faire" and this new one is a "go getter and up on new protocols and wants to treat you aggressively." Doesn't that answer your own question?

I've always refused all NSAIDS, but my Rheumatologist has never suggested them as a treatment. He (and his partners) are more interested in the "why" of a patient's pain. They want to know scientifically what is going on within our bodies in order to treat us the best way possible. NSAIDS simply mask the aches/pains without telling a physician anything.

ETA: Just read that your previous physician didn't even provide x-rays. That's horrible! What about regular labs? That's what provides so much information about your body and its functions. Not sure how your previous Rheumatologist kept his/her license for so many years. Why didn't you question the lack of normal treatment? It's available on-line for anyone to educate themselves.

Give this bright, knowledgeable Rheumatologist a chance! She sounds like she went to a great medical school and is ambitious to help her patients live a comfortable life. Your husbands body is NOT yours and reacted differently to the med for a variety of reasons (i.e. age, sex, dosage, etc.). BTW: There are much better meds for Osteo!

Trust your new Rheumatologist! And, the more you walk the better you will feel. Yes, daily exercise helps eliminate pain and limbers up all joints, muscles and tendons. Start with a short walk and work your way up within a couple of weeks. You'll feel much better. Best wishes.

Money screams; wealth whispers.

code99 · ‎03-04-2012

@PilatesLover

I have fairly extensive osteoparthritis, and I've taken cymbalta for several years. Also, gabapentin, and...celebrex. I've had 4 joint replacements, so I've had my share of pain. I've had no ill effects from the celebrex, cymbalta or gabapentin. My dr orders fairly frequent blood tests to monitor my kidney function, and it has remained very stable. The celebrex is very helpful for my current back pain. I don't tolerate regular NSAIDS due to the GI symtoms they create. If you try a variety of meds, hopefully you will be able to find a good "recipe" for your pain. Tylenol arthritis strength works well also! But not the extra strength.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@PilatesLover wrote:
My old rheumatologist retired, and I have been referred to a young woman doctor who I love. My former doc had a kind of laissez-faire and "don't fix it if it ain't broke" attitude. My new rheumie is a go getter, up on all the new protocols, and wants to treat me more aggressively.

All that's good and fine - but she wants me off NSAIDS. I just don't see how that's possible. I tried to tell her I need my daily Voltarin for the inflammation, not just pain. She wants me to transition from Voltarin to Cymbalta, but I've heard so many horror stories about Cymbalta. My husband was put on it for his osteoarthritis and he told me it made him feel horrible, like he had taken some kind of mind altering drug.

Guess I just want to whine. I haven't heard anything good about Cymbalta on these boards, either.

Although it is my understanding that Cymbalta is an anti-depressant and anxiety drug, I have read it has been used for pain relief. My cousin took it for depression but had a problem with weight gain. Since weight affects mobility, you might want to ask your doctor about that possible side effect.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

A few years ago, I was prescribed Cymbalta for nerve pain and found significant relief of pain, and although not a dose for depression, I found my general mood and well being was improved. I would have stayed on it forever, except I began to have GI side effects, which I learned is more common with seniors taking the drug.

If you web search ER stat's re: side effects, including death, from NSAIDS, it's pretty scary, but I'm back on it again myself. I'd gladly trade for Cymbalta if I could.

I'd say give it a chance. We are ALL individuals and have different responses to medications. It might be right for you and actually safer than NSAIDS. Won't know if you don't try.

Silverfox1 · ‎03-11-2010

I think it is for you own good health to get off the NSAIDS. Aside from stomach problems caused by medications like NSAIDS and similar drugs they can cause kidney problems. Because of migraines I lived on Advil aside from prescribed medications. I have lived for the past 10 years with Stage 4 kidney disease... I can longer take many prescribed medications but if I need them my doctor gives me such a low dose that sometimes I don't think they really work. For pain my go to is Tylenol which really does nothing for me. I have to watch my salt in-take and I am only allowed 12oz of liquids every day.

I have taken a very low dose of pregabalin (lyrica) for my fibromyalgia for years. I can not take NSAIDS, antibiotics and so much more.

This is my way of life which I do not dwell on...it's my new normal aside from other health problems but I am doing very good!

Please have a long talk with your doctor. IMHO she has started you down the right road. Take care!

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@PilatesLover wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 , @Love my grandkids thank you so much for your input. I do want to give her a good try. I will say, my prior rheumie never had my hands and feet x-rayed. After 25 years living with RA, she ordered the first x-rays that were not pre-surgery related.

I like to be armed with information for our next visit. I like that she takes time with me, too.

@PilatesLover

Okay, now that's very alarming. With my previous Rheumatologist, she had a full set of xrays done every year. Whole body, neck down to toes. Those xrays track the progression of your joint disease.

Since I was on Enbrel, a biologic, blood was taken at every visit to monitor various levels.

Seems to me you liked your previous doc, but, for a specialist, I would expect much, much more for both present conditions, and preventative steps to reducee further deterioration.

IMO You are very lucky your previous doc retired.