Anti-inflammatory

[letteski]

Hi Dale

After a CT scan last spring Dr D recommended that I switch from Advil to Alive (don’t mean to sound like a commercial but..). After a week of the Alive saturating my system, I experienced a big difference. The pain in my hip was gone and I could exercise more. Now that was some expensive advice as the CT scan cost my insurance over $5,000. I can tell when I forget my dose, as the pain is right back. I also have the knee stiffness and achy feet. Arthritis runs in my family.

I too worry about the repercussions affects from long-term use and get labs to keep an eye on things. I also don't drink alcohol on a regular basis. Personally I would rather have my a-i’s then a drink.

[Maria]

Oral use of nsaids seems to give me great GI distress. Cox inhibitor had same effect. Injex of Toradol of late have been awesome for cervical discomfort and abated lumbar spasms almost instantly. Maybe placebo effect...nah.

I cannot imagine not taking Neurontin or Methadone at this point as the last few days w/damp rainy weather (or beginning of the week) had my knees and back aching so much I could hardly be out and about. Knees were both killing me at nighttime re aching.

Have a script for Arthotec but it's so expensive I decided to just hang on to it as I'm not sure it will work well enough for me.

Re long term nsaid use if one can tolerate them and take them correctly and they help then go for it. I took them back in the early 80's and 90's and didn't take them w/meals ~ had GI probs back then just not diagnosed as I didn't want one more thing on insurance while working.

There are times I wish I could pop an Aleve!

[ans]

I take my NSAIDS with Prilosec in the hope that this will protect my stomach lining. Not sure how well this works 'tho; get differing opinions from pharmacists.

Good luck - Allan

[Maria]

In the latter years of prescribing nsaids I was always given something for the gut yet I still got this epigastric wrenching pain, as tho I had taken Erythromycin (does a similar thing to me) as does Vioxx. Usually end up w/twisting low gut pain w/nsaids as well. Was dxed w/hiatal hernia, GERD and other...

Spent long time on GI meds for healing and haven't taken any for nearly a year now.

[dshobbies]

It's weird since I'm the side effect queen but I get no stomache distress from nsaids at all. I've been warned to watch my stomache but so far, (pth, pth, pth) I'm good. Still worried about long term use though.

[B13s]

Originally Posted by Maria

Have a script for Arthotec but it's so expensive I decided to just hang on to it as I'm not sure it will work well enough for me.

Expensive ? At least in Germany 100 pills costs ~65 Euro - don't think that's expensive at all, in comparison Katadolon & Cymbatla go for ~200 Euro...

[Maria]

Recently prescribed this after Urgent Care visit for neck and can't remember the number of pills on script but cost was going to be $125 so I decided to "wait and see". It may not be that much to some people but for me on a fixed income that was a bit much for that day at least.

[dshobbies]

Can't comment on Germany's medical insurance styles but Maria, did you ever consider including prescription coverage in your insurance? Though I have an annual deductible separate from medical coverage, once met, brand names are $25 and generics are $15. Compounding isn't covered.

If you're on a group plan that doesn't offer it, a little internet research might reveal buying your own or check out AARP. I hate that fact that I'm old enough to belong but enjoy some of the benefits like senior citizen discounts.

Dale (Happy holidays)

[Maria]

I have BCBS of Ma. for medical w/prescription coverage. I do check 'round usually for cash pay scripts if not something urgent. I didn't feel the Arthotec was something I desperately needed and didn't want to chance paying the full price and finding out it was not a helpful script for me as sometimes varying ones can be. I still have the prescription should I desire to have it filled at some point. I'd like a few samples to see how it goes at that price if possible!

thanks for suggestions Dale~

[B13s]

Arthotec is the same as Voltaren - diclofenac, however it has misoprostol added to protect your stomach - and this is why it's expensive. Initially I was taking Voltaren + something else for stomach, but latter decided to switch to something 'all in one' - just for the simple reason of reducing amount of pills to take...