Ibuprofen
I think really messed myself up and I knew better. Back in December 2 nights in a row my knees were hurting really bad(arthritis)and I took 600mg of ibuprofen on a Wednesday and Thursday granted I also started a new blood pressure medication that week also. By Friday morning my stomach was a mess from constipation,cramps on my left and right side, diarrhea etc. Before that week I had my ibs under control. I did a colonoscopy was ok couple of polyps with no issues. I did endoscopy in 7/23 found gastritis which I knew. Just did stool sample clear. I did a ct scan of stomach fine with the exception of elevated liver enzymes doctor done seem concerned. It’s been 3 months and both doctors(gastro and primary) are saying it’s a result from the ibuprofen and prescribed dicyclomine which helps a little. I am at a lost and thought it was the blood pressure medication but there saying its not possible. I am at a lost.
It's true that Ibuprofen can definitely irritate the stomach and gut. Many people without gut issues could be fine on it for short periods of time. I know, I used to take it monthly for a couple of days for bad period pains. And have occasionally used it since for nerve inflammation in my arm, toothache etc. But not for a few years now.
It was my only painkilling drug that did any good. (normally I have to be in bad pain before taking a painkiller)
Fingers crossed I won't need a painkiller for a while because now I am completely scared of taking it ever again owing only to what I have heard about its effects on the tummy.
I wonder about Paracetamol, and whether it's any good for relieving pain?
I'm so sorry that your symptoms have been so bad. In my personal experience, everything can potentially irritate the gut, so I'd definitely look into the blood pressure medication to see if that could be the culprit, even if the doctors say it's not possible. Could you switch to your old medication for a couple of days to see if that does anything?
As for ibuprofen, I've also become quite sensitive to it and know of other people who have had issues. Assuggested, Paracetamol can be an alternative but it's not as effective for me personally. I do still take it for headaches and it does help, just not quite as well.
I really hope that you'll get some relief soon. Please keep us updated.
Karina (team member)Yes, I do eat soups. I am also on a medication that helps with the cramps and bloating as well I'm glad you were able to at least rule out the blood pressure medication as the cause of all these symptoms. Did the doctors say how long the effects of ibuprofen can last?
I'm also wondering if a heating pad or hot water bottle could help with the bloating and cramping. We have this entire article collection all about pain, maybe some info in there could also be helpful: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/chronic-pain. Hopefully, you'll start feeling better very soon.
Karina (team member)
