Hi Mary,
I don't know about others, but I would say not to take anti inflammatry meds unless you feel you need to. They can cause stomach problems. I had to stop taking them because of a suspected stomach ulcer a couple of months back. It is a good idea to take a stomach protector with them, I took omeprasole, but still had trouble. It may be that you will be fine with them, and they can bring a lot of relief, I guess you won't know until you try without, but I would always say to take with caution.
Hope it goes O.K. Zena x.

Hi Mary

Most of the drugs we take for RA are 'bad' for us one way or another. However I personally wouldn't be inclined to stop any medication if the symptoms of the disease are being controlled. At the end of the day disease control is what it's all about! With a stomach protector such as Omeprazole anti-inflammatories shouldn't give you problems. I have been on Naproxen for over 20 years and no problems so far. Unfortunately we all tend to think once things are under control we can perhaps cut something out when in actual fact the very opposite is true.

With an appointment so close I would hold fire until you've spoken with the consultant and reviewed your meds. No point arriving in a 'flare' situation! Prescribed meds should only be stopped or changed on the advice of the prescriber. Too many people take these things into their own hands then wonder why it all goes horribly wrong!!

Hope the pian free period continues

Lyn x

Hi Lyn,
I was hoping you would reply, thanks for the advice. I know from all my reading on here that you have a lot of experience.
My fingers have been giving me a bit of pain tonight. I will talk to my consultant at next appointment.
Thanks again
Mary

When I told my rheumy doc that the Naproxen seemed to be upsetting my tummy, he told me to eat a banana before hand. At the time I was actually having a stay in hospital with a really bad flare !!!! Some help. It was my own G.P. who picked up on the problems I was having and took me much more seriously! Hope your doc. is more helpful Mary. Sometimes I just feel as though I am being a real nuisance even saying that there is a problem and yet at other times he can be very helpful. Stress of the job I suppose! I certainly would not like the responsibility of his job.
Anyway good luck at your next app. hope you get some answers. Zena x. Let us know what he says please, I am interested to know. Thanks.

My consultant told me to stop taking the NSAIDs as soon as my pain and inflammation were relarively under control, even though I take omeprazole. I take them if and when I have a flare, but otherwise I follow her advice.

Kathleen x