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Q. I am a healthy 65-year-old woman who's acquired little aches and pains over the years. Recently I had painful bursitis, for which the doctor prescribed 800 mg of ibuprofen three times daily.The ibuprofen helped with the bursitis over a three-week period and my aches and pains also improved. I hate to quit taking this wonderful stuff. If the ibuprofen makes me feel so great, can I continue with it forever, in smaller doses?
A. Ibuprofen, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve a variety of painful conditions. The downside of prolonged use (even in lower doses) is stomach upset, ulcers and even kidney problems. Blood pressure control may also become more difficult.
The FDA recently approved a topical product containing a powerful NSAID called diclofenac. It is prescribed as Voltaren Gel. This medication is applied to the skin around the painful joint (knees, wrists, fingers, etc). It is effective and less likely than oral NSAIDs to cause digestive upset (Current Medical Research and Opinion, April, 2008).
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Last year, my kidney function test (glom filt rate) was a 59, this year it is a 50. The lab value should be 60-128. I asked my M.D. why it has gone lower, and she stated it's ususally medically induced. In my case that is not the situation. I take only two prescription meds, Fosamax 70mg once a week and 0.05mcg Levothroxin, plus a vitamin and calcium and glucosimine. Could you give me some insight as to why it is lower, and more importantly, is there a wayto stop it from getting any lower or is there a way to increase the value?
My rheumatologist had a pharmacist compound a 20% diclofenac creme which I tried for about half a year for severe OA in hands/feet. I can't say I noticed any improvement in joint pain... though it DID seem to help w/ muscle soreness from exercise, cramping etc. Even though it's a drug that's more commonly used for RA, she suggested I try hydroxychloroquinine/plaquenel (sic), and, over the last year I've gone from not being able to use table implements to 80-90% joint mobility and generally sig. reduced pain.
I have had arthritis since childhood. The pediatrician said it was growing pains. But, I have continued to have problems with it. My mother had osteoporosis diagnosed when she was older and is deceased now. I am 52 and have problems with my back. I am a nurse and also work in a micro lab. Bending is given with the jobs. My left mid back gets "stuck". I have a very difficult time straightening up. Any suggestions? I do take vitamins and eat foods with calcium. Thank you.