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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,517
Registered: ‎08-20-2014

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

[ Edited ]

Yes, I am glad my old doctor retired.  Believe it or not he or another cranky old man who cared even less were my only choices.

 

The new doctor explained to me all the harm NSAIDS cause over long term.  I did not realize liver and kidney damage are among them.  

 

@code99 , she  recommended the Tylenol arthritis strength and we talked about daily dose limitations for using it.  

 

@Silverfox1 it sounds like you are doing the best you can in spite of your limitations - I wish you well, you have a good attitude.

 

@BirkiLady she did mention that the NSAIDS are a Band-Aid and she wants to find a root-cause solution to stop the joint damage.  The old guy ordered labs but not like the first batch she ordered for me.  I'm definitely hopeful and giving her a chance for sure.

 

Thank you everyone.  I really appreciate your input.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,166
Registered: ‎04-02-2015

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS


@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. Smiley Sad  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.  


 


@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. Smiley Sad  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.  



@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. Smiley Sad  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.  


I hope you are not taking Voltarin with nsaids, I ended up  in ICU in antiflatic shock with the two. I put Voltarin on my alergic list every time I go to any medical Doctor.or hospital.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,396
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

I was on Cymbalta for off-use pain med (it really is for depression and anxiety). I didn't have great results but stayed on it because it helped a little bit.

 

After a while it did nothing. I decided to go off it. Be aware this med is very hard to get off of. I think it took me a whole month to get to get completely off it. I had to titrate down so slowly it was annoying. If I went to fast there were definitely withdrawal symptoms that were uncomfortable enough for me to go back up for a few days and then start titrating down again. It was a ridiculous game of feeling like ****** for a whole month, and I was not on a high dose.

 

Just FYI for ya

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

[ Edited ]

@PilatesLover 

 

No Rheumatoid here, but several Osteo parts of my body. Was on Celebrex for my fingers for a few years. My Ortho friend had me have my kidneys checked, I think every 6 months.

 

Then a different Major Prescription NSAID was taken off the market(can't remember it's name it was Vioxx)because of causing heart valve problems. Talked with my Ortho about this and since I have had 2 heart attacks, he told me it would be better if I could stop. I did.

 

Then because of my chronic colon bleeding problems, I now can take nothing but OTC Tylenol type meds. 

 

As others have said, if you can't work something out with your new doctor to your satisfaction, might try looking for a new, new doctor.

 

Wish you the best,

 

 

hckynut 

hckynut(john)
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,665
Registered: ‎07-18-2013

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

I took NSAIDS for any years and stopped due to gut problems.  My new and younger doctor stopped those shortly after I became his patient and referred me to a gastroenterologist who handles those problems.  Doc also put me on Cymbalta and it was absolutely a miracle for my joint pains.  Worked beautifully and really enhanced my quality of life.  It didn't make me feel like I was taking a mind altering drug.  Then it began worsening my hyperhidrosis and I had to stop taking it because I was sweating so much.  But that has happened with several other medications so I wasn't surprised with that reaction.  @PilatesLover I would encourage you to follow your new docs recommendations and see how you tolerate Cymbalta if that is what she recommends for you.  Like others have said, our individual bodies react differently to the same medications and even skin care.  Your husband's reaction to the medication doesn't mean that you will react the same.  I found even a low dose of Gabapentin gave me "brain fog" but my husband takes it without a problem and it helps his back and joint pain. 

 

I understand your concerns and hesitation.  It boils down to choices we must make on what we feel is best for us.  In my case, I decided to live with more stiffness and a bit lower level of functioning by not taking Cymbalta.  To me, you aren't whining but trying to make a reasoned decision.  

 

 

If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,484
Registered: ‎11-24-2013

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

[ Edited ]

@PilatesLover You sound very optimistic and that's great! My doc also took me off of NSAIDS as I was having repeated GI problems and told me all of the possible damage.

 

I also take extra strength/arthritis formula tylenol for my arthritis and it helps a lot, tho I don't think mine is to the extent yours is.

 

So glad your doc retired, and glad you are in such good hands!! Hope you'll update as you feel like it!

 

And I am another who is appalled that "he" didn't take X-rays. That's just wrong on so many levels.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,665
Registered: ‎07-18-2013

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

@gabstoomuch makes a very valid point.   Cymbalta, like many other medications, is hard to discontinue.  It does take time and you go through a significant withdrawal period.  You feel really bad and wonder if you have the fortitude to hang in there, but it gets better as you titrate your dose downward.  This isn't exclusive to Cymbalta but is a consideration if you want to be informed before you start taking it.

 

 

If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,918
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

[ Edited ]

You should not compare your body to your husband's and you should not listen to what anyone says about Cymbalta.  You should ONLY listen to your doctor.  I remember reading some negative things about Cymbalta years ago.  If you are not comfortable with the idea of taking it, have that conversation with your doctor.  Ask her why she is prescribing it,  if there are any side effects to it,  ff there is another medication she can prescribe.  You should have enough confidence in a doctor that you can have a dialogue and work together.  It's your body, if you are not comfortable with something or doesn't understand something....speak up.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,315
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

This is very interesting.  I saw my Rheumy several weeks ago and she suggested the same thing.  I have been taking the higher dose of Meloxicam and she wants me to wean off that and start Cymbalta.  She said its very effective for nerve pain and arthritis pain.  I had been taking Lyrica and just didnt know if I needed it anymore but wanted to know if there was something I could take that was more effective than Meloxicam but not as addictive as Tramadol and wouldnt cause serious side effects as the Lyrica.  Im hopeful to hear people have had good results.

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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,166
Registered: ‎06-30-2018

Re: New rheumatologist wants me to stop NSAIDS

[ Edited ]

I am on several facebook health forums and have read countless horror stories about Cymbalta over any other drug.  May I suggest you thoroughly research that and any other drug(s) your doctor prescribes before you take it.  I would also suggest joining one or two facebook forums for your condition to hear what people are doing.

 

Traditional western docs and particularly specialists such as rheumies, endos, etc., are in the business of prescribing drugs.  They are not interested in finding the root cause of your problem, but merely treating symptoms.  Be very wary of the doc who pulls out a prescription pad at the end of your visit.

 

I suggest working with an holistic or integrative doctor and, if you can afford it, a Functional Medicine Doctor or Functional Medicine Nurse, who will help you get to the root cause of your issue.

Wear a mask. Social distance. Be part of the solution - not part of the problem.