NSAIDs and severe stomach pain

[worried83]

I've been taking high doses of aleve and advil for several months for chronic pain due to athletic events I participate in. Normally I do not notice an effect of this on my stomach as many people do, but within the past day I have suddenly begun having very major pain in my upper abdomen, essentially in the middle. I am also nauseated, but no vomiting.

I know that long term use of NSAIDs can cause an ulcer, which is what I am concerned about. I do not have a primary care provider because I am on my parents insurance but living out of state for school, where I am not covered except for emergencies.

If the pain continues to be this bad, or it gets worse, is it worth a trip to the ER to get it checked out, since I don't have the option of seeing my own doctor? If so, what can I expect to happen at the ER - and is there any chance they would admit me, for example if they found the ulcer was bleeding? I can't really afford to take time off school right now but I also don't have anyone to stay with me, etc.

I'd appreciate any input from your experiences. Thanks

[shinobi]

NSAIDS always need to be takin with food or milk......In the Infantry we call this Vitamin M (Motrin) we were taking 1600 MG at a time 3 times a day......lots of consults at the end of that year let me tell ya. Dont kill yourself buddy by burning through the lining of your stomache and burning a hole in an artery or getting paritonitis.

[star queen]

High doses of NSAIDs isn't a good thing and can cause liver and kidney damage/failure. You need to discontinue the use of these meds NOW. The continued exposure of these meds to the lining of the stomach can cause ulsers, and continued use can cause ulsers to bleed.  Not a good thing.  You really need to be seen by an MD and get evaluated.  Since you are a student, your school should have a health center covered by your "health service" part of your tuition fees. Try going there first for Urgent Care.  If they can't help you, then I would suggest you go to the ER for evaluation. Stomach pain with suspicion of a bleeding ulser can be considered an emergency and should be covered by your parent's insurance. Hope this helps