best OTC pain reliever...need some ideas

[Brbegrl68]

I am celebrating 11 days off of Lortab but am concerned. I am going to Hawaii in 10 days and the lenght of the flight is going to cause a lot of pain for me. Reason why I was on the Lortab was due to my limited mobility and my tailbone injury. I sit alot, so I hurt alot. In case mid-flight the pain gets so bad I want to have something with me for the pain that I can feel confident in. Not going to bring the Lortab as I refuse to take that type of drug ever again. Any suggestions I could discuss with my doctor? Taking the kids for spring break and dont want to spend the entire vacation laying in bed because I hurt.

[pharma9]

Its true michele..I see senior citizens treating chronic pain with otc pain meds like tylenol extra strength.Most just can't handle opiates and many are taking warfarin and can't even take ibuprofen.
I don't believe that their arthritic pains are any less than a young person's.They just don't have the rebound pain that opiates cause.They also do not have to do as many physical things as a young working person.
However very few take opiates and tylenol extra strength seems to do the job.
My own elderly mom fell and cracked her hip and only takes extra strength tylenol for pain.

[micheleTX]

Pharma is right.  Everyone I know has chronic pain, maybe it's because we are all aging and are now pushing 50.  I don't know, but truthfully every person in my life is on pain meds or has been at some time.  My pain is much much less since I quit using pills, and the motrin is doing a great job.  Some days are worse but most of the time it is bearable, and I also am so glad to not be a slave to drugs any longer.
I cannot seem to take Tylenol otc because it keeps my legs running>?  I have RLS all the time, and at night still have to take the restful leg pills but they do help!

[pharma9]

If you take a prilosec with the ibuprofen it helps protect the stomach,but you still have to be aware that high doses can affect the kidneys and stomach
I have found from experience that 800mg ibuprofen is very effective.Max safe dose is 2400mg/24hrs.
Also 2 x 500mg tylenol every 4 hrs max 4000mg/day works quite well for me as well.
For many people after the rebound pain of opiates subsides they are often all that is needed.

[Brbegrl68]

My problem is a protruding tailbone that two years ago developed a into a bed sore but it has healed but still hurts. I have very limited mobility because of my multiple sclerosis so spend a lot of time on my rear. It will always bother me. I enjoy traveling but not the plane rides. The Lortab made it bearable. But that is no longer an option for me.

[vicki595]

Hi~  It depends on the pain,what type etc.. I don't have chronic pain.  I take it according to label directions when needed.

Vicki xo

[micheleTX]

My husband who has a horrible back takes BC Powder.  He swears by them, but they have aspirin in them, along with caffeine.  They can be rough on your stomach too.  He couldnt get through the day without 4 of them at least.  Just a thought.

Wow Vicki, I havent heard of Percogesic since I was a kid!!  Are they good pain relief??

[Brbegrl68]

Vicki and Michelle thanks for that information. Vicki how much Percogesic do you take to control your pain? We had a couple of those in the medicine cabinet but they are expired and I have thrown them away.

[vicki595]

There is an otc med called Percogesic. It's at Walgreens and others.  I've used it with good results.

Great on the 11 days!!

Vicki  xo

[micheleTX]

I can only tell you what helps for me.  I take 2 800-mg motrin-dr. prescribed every day to take the pain out of my elbows, hands and neck.  It really does help me.  But that strong of a dose some people cannot take-it hurts their stomach.  I always take with my breakfast and again at supper time.  
Hey, you are doing wonderful!  Have a great time in Hawaii.  Im jealous lol.