Can’t take NSAID drugs like ibuprofen or Co-codamol. What else can be done?

I'd be interested in hearing what they recommend. Maybe relaxation tapes might help, too. I don't know what I'd do without relaxation tapes, my knee peas and my good old hot water bottle.

I asked - begged - the GP for Naproxen the other week but she refused and said it wasn't advised for older patients.

Paracetamol just doesn't hit the spot, does it, and I can't take co-codamol.

Is it ok to use ibuprofen or Voltarol gel, I wonder?

Ibuprofen gel just seems to dry quite hard on my skin and makes it a bit sore. I've used Voltarol for years. You have to be careful about exposing your skin to the sun if it has voltarol on. Boots do a cheaper generic version.

I have needed a knee replacement for about 10 years. Perhaps 12. Last month I finally got an appointment with a sympathetic doctor who finally got me an X-ray. Now I’m seeing a physiotherapist and been offered an appointment every two months. Do the rest at home. I’m 74 and many of my neighbours in Willesden have had their knee replacement in their sixties. Not sure why.

I’ve just seen a physiotherapist about my knee. She’s given me 13 exercises to do each day; I’m not very good at following instructions so I’m not sure if I’m doing them correctly. They’re really boring but must be doing something because my knee really ached afterwards.

Try MSM methylsulphate, natural and at most chemists.

SEE YOUR GP. They've got to give you something for pain relief and find out why you keep falling. There are things they can do to help you to stop falls.

Harris27

I’m taking codrydamol can’t take codeine or anything stronger. I do use voltarol though.

Co-codamol contains codeine. You can buy the weakest ones (500mg/8mg) over the counter (there are various brand names), but need a prsecription for the stronger ones.

Co-dydramol, Paramol, Remedeine and Remedeine Forte are brand names that contain dihydrocodeine and paracetamol.

Claremont

MayBee70

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

it is truly scary to read such dangerous, possibly lethal advice. GN should not allow medical advice to be given here, truly.

I agree with that comment but I completely understand why people come to GN for an answer: because they aren’t getting the answer from our failing health service.
It’s hope against hope.
This is what we have come too 😥

Lovetopaint Thank you for getting back to us. I can only repeat what Kim@GN and others have said. If you're having frequent unexplained falls, they really do need to be investigated. I also think that if paracetamol can't ease fall-induced pain, you should be examined. Pain for a few days from bruising is to be expected, but you might have a sprain or breakage which needs treatment.

Seeing a pharmacist would be a good idea. They know more about drugs than most people on GN or even some nurses and doctors. I'm sure you would be signposted to further treatment, if the pharmacist thinks it's necessary.

FWIW You seem a bit confused about NSAIDs. I have a horrendous reaction to Ibuprofen, so it's on all my medical records. I've never tried any other NSAID, so I don't know if I'd react to all of them. I've had a heart attack, so it's not recommended anyway. It's the same for anybody with internal bleeding, which you've had. Tell the pharmacist what you've told us.

Co-codamol isn't an NSAID. It contains paracetamol and various strengths of codeine. You don't say why you can't take it, but again you can discuss that with a pharmacist.

I believe some areas have a ‘falls ‘ clinic in hospitals. Could you look into that perhaps ?

There must be a reason why you have fallen over a few times recently and that should be investigated.

Actually come to think of it, I believe physiotherapists can help with exercises to improve balance, so if you are offered an appointment that could help in the meantime.

I would always suggest speaking to a pharmacist.

Some time ago I was prescribed a drug by my hospital consultant, the letter they send to the GP's surgery had either been delayed or gone astray because when I went to the chemist to collect my usual prescription, the pharmacist told me to speak to my GP as both drugs couldn't be taken together.

MayBee70

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

Yes, it is not recommended.
Nor is Voltarol.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/causes/

Allira

MayBee70

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

Yes, it is not recommended.
Nor is Voltarol.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/causes/

I've taken low dose aspirin since my heart attack. When I have medicine reviews with the practice pharmacist, she always mentions aspirin and asks if I have any abdominal problems and checks my blood test results. AFAIK I don't have stomach ulcers. She told me that although there are slight risks with aspirin, in my case the benefits outweigh the risks. I know that aspirin isn't recommended unless people have had heart/circulatory problems, in which case they're prescribed for life. Incidentally, I always keep a 300mg aspirin in my wallet because it's recommended to chew and swallow it, if having a heart attack and waiting for the ambulance (check with the NHS).

Claremont

GN or any internet forum is really NOT, NOT, NOT the place for your question, especially as you have other health conditions. Please see your GP and stay safe.

Absolutely right. Physio can also be beneficial. Many falls in us older people is down to muscle weakness, which can be strengthened by gentle exercise, even from a chair.

For years now I’ve been doing exercises to strengthen my knee but the physio has given me exercises to strengthen my thighs. They are the muscles that enable you get up from a chair. I stumble and trip a lot and I know it’s because I don’t lift my feet the way I used to. I wish I’d been to see a physio years ago. I second the comment about the falls clinic at the hospital.

Cant take anything stronger than Paracetamol as NSAID’s wreck my stomach! Codeine breaks down into Morphine very fast for me & after being told by the nurses on the ward after my first hip replacement that I was talking to the people in the lights, that is a big NO! Doctor said the reaction I get from Codeine is a form of hallucination! Fun & games trying to find something to help the pain so stick with Paracetamol!

I’ve no medical advice for you but just wanted to say keep safe lovie and perhaps get some advice around all the falls you are having 🙂

Claremont

GN or any internet forum is really NOT, NOT, NOT the place for your question, especially as you have other health conditions. Please see your GP and stay safe.

Absolutely right. It seems the OP has falls regularly so that needs investigating rather than random advice from non qualified people.

Slightly off in a different direction... In our area you can join very gently tai chi classes which help with learning to balance, move and turn more safely. You wouldn't be the oldest there.

KimGransnet

Hello, all. Please do remember that Gransnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional. We hope you feel better soon, OP.

Hear, Hear!!! I was just thinking of posting something to the same effect. Even any GP's on this site are unaware of your medical conditions so you do need to consult your doctor and not Gransnet in this instance although for many other things this site can be a great resource.

I find CBD balm and also mouth spray v gentle and also help w pain management (of back & neck). Their use means I need to take fewer “conventional” pain killers with their potential side effects.
The use of these CBD products was recommended by a qualified doctor. They’re legal in the UK

Being on chemo I can’t take ibuprofen etc so when I had a nasty fall in April the hospital gave me paracetamol and cocodamol. The latter worked but sent me very woozy so I soon used only paracetamol. Just wondering if you have had a UTI, which I was told causes falls? Meanwhile, I do wish you as speedy a recovery as possible, and am sorry I can’t be more help.

growstuff

Incidentally, Voltarol is an NSAID.

Although Voltarol is an NSAID like Ibuprofen both can be taken topically without affecting internal organs. It only works in the region that it is applied. I only know because I asked my GP.

In my area too there are Strength and balance classes.You can a referral from the G.P. or just turn up. They are geared for over 50's upwards and have a variety of exercises to keep people moving.