Taken off of anti-inflammatory meds !

My primary physician has taken me off of ant-inflammatory meds because of the danger to the kidneys and told me to take pain meds to control the pain.  Pain meds do not control the pain, either over the counter or prescribed and the stiffness in hips and knees and feet is affecting my balance.  I asked if continues joint destruction would occur if I stopped the anti-inflammatory meds and he replied "no".  I am under the impression that it is the inflammatory process that causes the destruction of the joint.  Who is correct ?  Thanks !

[spastic]

It seems very strange to me too.  I have to take prednisone and ibuprofen everyday to help keep the inflammation at bay.  My understanding (I may be wrong) that inflammation over time will cause destruction so I have to agree with you on that.  But if it is causing the danger to your kidneys, I can see why he would want you to not take them.  Maybe after the thing with the kidneys clear up you can go back on them.  I would also see if you can get in to see a rheumy.  They know the safe way deal with your particular situation.  What anti inflammatory meds were you on?

Your Friend,

Ada

[NKG]

I have not had any kidney problems, he is just trying for me NOT to have problems associated with anti-inflammatories.  I was on Arthrotec for a time and switched to Orudis because of dangers I read about diclofenac having a high rate of stroke and heart attack,

[txsilver]

Unfortunately all the drugs that help us have risks including the pain meds we take.  I would get a second opinion.  Has he said which type of arthritis you have?

[NKG]

I have been diagnosed with "the worse case I have ever seen" (per podiatrist years ago) of OA of the feet.

[smittygirl]

Wow, I must have fallen asleep with the laptop in bed last night,  I wrote you back with my opinion and must have nodded off before I could hit send!   Anyway, I will tell you that my response was almost exactly what txsilver told you.  I have never heard of a doctor not wanting to prescribe anti inflamm's.   Everything we take comes with some risk, we have to outweigh the risks versus the good they can do and give us back some quality of life while we battle our different diseases.   I am with tx on this one, find another  doc.  Best of luck to you.


Sue

[msfergy]

My Doc took me off them to since i been on Enbrel and I don't know why but i think i should be on them.

[smittygirl]

I don't think it was a coincidence that the very day I took the anti inflamm's the Enbrel "kicked in".     I had stopped taking them for a while, no reason just stopped.  I have been back on them for about 4 weeks now and they make a HUGE difference in how swollen my hands and fingers get.   My doc said to take them with the Enbrel since I can't take the methotrexate  with it.   Every doc has their own theory on how to deal with these diseases, I know they work for me.  How is the Enbrel working for you?   I thought I was doing great ( week 12 ) but this last week I am hurting a lot again.  Will be seeing a new rheumy soon and decide if we should switch to the Remicade,  Let me know how you are.   Take care.


Sue