Ibuprofen for joint pain

[Emma82]

Hi all

I have mild Crohn's disease currently with minimal gastric symptoms but bad joint pain. The two GIs I have seen so far have said I can take ibuprofen for the joint pain and that it has absolutely no effect on Crohn's whatsoever. This is different from what I have read? So I'm now really confused and don't want to risk progressing the gastric symptoms. However the joint pain is severe and the ibuprofen would help.

Thank you!

 

[my little penguin]

Can you see a Rheumo ?
They handle the joints best and would be able to direct you better on treatment options .
Ds has JSpA.
We did agree to try mobic (nsaid prescription ) to help his joints at one point
This led to severe abdominal pain and watery D .

 

[DEmberton]

You can get ibuprofen gel, which is probably better as it doesn't go in your stomach and means you can target the affected area.

 

[Emma82]

Thanks that's a great idea - didn't think of that

 

[apl2018]

Hey I'm a medical school student and yea basically this is an area of big debate in the research literature right now. It likely wouldn't hurt to try it and see how you tolerate just Dont take too much. Take w food too that may help. I've got severe crohns and I take it without noticing an effect. Good luck feel better

 

[2thFairy]

I had UC for years. Whenever I took ibuprofen, I had a flare--lots of bleeding, cramps, diarrhea. Just because you can't see the damage like I could, doesn't mean it isn't happening.

Apl2018--you just recently had a perforated bowel, right? What was the cause of this? Isn't it possible that your ibuprofen use contributed to this?

 

[apl2018]

2th fairy- yes I just had perforated bowel/peritonitis 12/11. I think it is unlikely that my perf was related to ibuprofen use as I only rarely take it for muscle aches or fever and never for long duration (maybe 24 hours tops-took 250 mg earlier in my semester but its uncommon for me)

My recent event I think was due to a flare over the summer associated with the development of antibodies (confirmed with Prometheus Anser ADA). I dont think this flare ever resolved as I was on Cimzia therapy for a short period of time and was messing with 6-mp dose because of problems with severe bone marrow suppression.

this is a tricky issue for sure I mean ultimately UC and CD are two very different beasts and we know people are so individualized in each disease its just a tough call it may work great it may flare her up. I hope you can figure this one out. Definitely probably best to see the rheumatologist. Feel better ASAP!

 

[mstirling]

Where do you get ibuprofen gel? I never heard of it.

 

[Emma82]

Thank you - I'm thinking I will leave it to be honest . If thus joint pain sticks around the only relief I'll get is if I can use it constantly really and that could be just too much for my tummy! Ibuprofen gel is available in all chemists certainly in the UK, there are lots of brands but the one that springs to mind is neurofen gel x

 

[mstirling]

I will check around but may not be available here in the USA