Advil

Posted by glinda47 @glinda47, May 20, 2024

First let me say, I know all the evils of taking Advil and other NSAIDS.

I'm asking this question of people who *know* the answer, whether they are physicians, scientists or others in the field. Also interested in those who might have experienced what I have and know the answer.

A little history:
I began having pain in my thighs (hams, groin, quads, inner and outer) this past Jan. Had PT which made it worse. Then the shoulder and rot cuff started. Very painful Baker's cysts for a month or more. Rheum seen a couple of times but since she's quitting medicine, although a wonderful doc and person, her head was just not in it. I had only seen her once over a year ago before this happened.
She took some labs (did not check for RA or other AI's) - all normal.
I have an appt set up w/my daughter's long covid doc, who put her on LDN which has really helped and I'm hoping she'll do the same for me. Long shot. But have read of others' positive experiences and I am in no way a candidate for pred. So kinda stuck over here.

At any rate, I will set up an appt w/another rheum for after my LDN doc appt if necessary. I need someone to do labs on a regular basis.

So that's where I am at at this pt. I did have labs last wk at my internist's office and there was an uptick in inflammation, not very much but don't like the direction it's going in. ESR and all other measures were fine, CBC, cholesterol, etc.

So, here is the issue I'm asking about:
I have been taking *1* 200mg Advil every night at bedtime with milk and bread for about 2 1/2 months. Have had no issues and does help some with both pain and sleep.

I also have reflux which is very well managed with 1 Pepcid Max per day. Also, with Lynch Syndrome, I am checked every other year - colono. and endo. I may have Barrett's esophagus, not sure, and also some tender spots inside the abdomen. But nothing that looks serious to the gastro. In fact, the gastro who said I had Barrett's also said there was no reason I couldn't take Fosamax! Just the thought of it sets my throat on fire.

A few days ago, I had breakthrough reflux about 15 hours after taking my bedtime Advil, then it happened again the next day. I don't know if my very tart blueberries are turning on me as they have in the past or if it could possibly be the Advil. I Googled about this but finding it difficult of late to get exact responses when searching the net. Found one answer that stated within 10 hours one might feel reflux from Advil. Mine was long past that. Last night, I didn't take it and there was a noticeable difference - pain and no sleep.

I have contacted my gastro but he is not always very responsive as it sometimes goes these days.

If any has knowledge or experience with this, I would very much appreciate your response. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Yes, am aware of the issues. Just had labs and kidney function was ok.
Not excited about cannabis but would try micro dose.
May I ask what NSAID you are taking? No pred for you, I guess.
Melatonin, turmeric and statins have their issues of which I'm sure you're aware. I already take statins but the other two are not ok for me.
Can't even eat chocolate. The Med diet is basically all OK for me except anything acidic but it's so unappetizing. LOL. Actually, I've pretty much adopted a similar diet over the last few decades just from developing reflux and high cholesterol.
Thanks for the helpful post.

REPLY

I have had burning in my throat for 3 months, and I blamed it on Advil. I stopped the Advil and I still have the burning (heartburn). I'm fine, otherwise, have even gained weight this week, but it's extremely bothersome. I still think that Advil set off a digestive issue.

REPLY
@reets70

I have had burning in my throat for 3 months, and I blamed it on Advil. I stopped the Advil and I still have the burning (heartburn). I'm fine, otherwise, have even gained weight this week, but it's extremely bothersome. I still think that Advil set off a digestive issue.

Jump to this post

You might want to check with your gastro. I did re: how he felt about my taking 1 Advil per day.
I already take Pepcid Max each day for reflux which I've had for years. So far, it has really helped. I'm not a doc, but I would def at least have a convo with a gastro knowledgeable internist about the heartburn. I hate that ball in my throat so I treat it.
Best to you. A gastro might also know if this started because of Advil.
How long did you take it and how much?
Thanks for sharing, hope you feel better.

REPLY

My experience with Advil was when I was desperately working to get off Tramadol and Gabapentin. I had been taking two Tramadol and two Gabapentin four times a day for spinal stenosis before my back operation. I only took three a day. But I didn't quit after three days. Neither doctor warned me taking it for an extended time. I ended up in the hospital with such high pressure, the doctor thought I was having a mini heart attack. Not funny!

It caused me to update my will and throw out all Advil in the house.

REPLY

Extended consumption of ibuprofen resulted in microscopic colitis. Lay off Ibuprofen, PPIs (nexium,
Prilosec, etc) and then pray you don’t also have to jettison your SSRI anti depressant and your statin. All are causes and lifelong triggers of developing or triggering microscopic colitis.

REPLY

Long-term use of NSAIDs over time can increase the risk of GERD or ulcers, so it could be the blueberries because of the acid, or maybe a one-time thing.

I know that’s not really the definitive answer you were looking for.

I take LDN, but it has done nothing for my inflammatory arthritis (it’s my father who has PMR). We both take it for fatigue related to our autoimmune conditions.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.