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Chronic pain and use of NSAIDs daily with stomach problems

Hi there! I'm a 28 year old male, and I have a question about NSAIDs for chronic pain. I use ibuprofen daily most of the time for a torn meniscus in my left knee that I had surgery on and I have arthritis too. I also take it for a herniated disc (L-5) and ankle pain. I have acid reflux disease and esophagus problems as well. Is it safe to take all this Ibuprofen with the stomach problems I have, or should I talk to my Dr. about possibly prescribing another medication? Would it be safer to go back to Meloxicam or try something like Celebrex? Thanks very much! :)
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700223 tn?1318165694
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Daily use of NSAIDs over a long term, can have serious side effects and is not recommended.Substituting, another NSAID is not the answer.  If you truly have developed post-traumatic arthritis as a result of previous meniscus injury, there are several alternatives. Viscosupplementation with hyluronate injections, such as Synvisc, can be very helpful.  Natural anti-inflammatories such as Glucosamine or Omega-3 are very useful alternatives. (I favor the omega-3)  In addition, if you are overweight, then weight control is imperative.  Finally, I have become a big proponent of acupuncture for orthopedic problems, and my experience has been that when combined with traditional orthopedics, acupuncture can have a synergistic effect.  
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Avatar universal
I'm not a Dr. but I do know that NSAIDs such as motrin are not safe taken everyday. It is hard on your stomach but also can cause kidney issues. In talking to a nephorologist (msp? -kidney Dr.) she said that they have wanted that disclosure put on such meds. Every drug has something bad about it but one definetly has to try a pick the lesser evil. Talk to a pharmacist & then talk to your Dr.     Take care!
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