High blood pressure and arthritis

My doctor suggested ibuprofen for my arthritis and seemed surprised that I was reluctant to take it. And yet, when I worked at the very same practice years ago even I knew that we shouldn’t prescribe ibuprofen to older people. I’ve had IBS for years and was worried that the iron tablets I’m currently taking would make me constipated but have been making a chia pudding each day and it seems to have helped with both problems.

I have severe osteoarthritis but was advised by several doctors that I should not take ibuprofen or NSAIDs. I am still not sure if it is safe to use the gel. The doctor prescribed codeine but I have also had IBS for 64 years and unfortunately the side effects of codeine make it worse, so I stick to paracetamol.

Twopence

My mother used to find that soaking her arthritic hands in a solution of Epsom salts and warm water helped relieve the pain.

A bath with Epsom salts or similar is good - if you can get in and out of the bath, of course!

Arthritis in hip, back and hands. Blood pressure being checked this week, first time in years but GP advised against taking any anti-inflammatories when arthritis diagnosed. Just paracetamol tecommended. Also having first ever tests for cholesterol and diabetes, all at request of optician who was shocked I'd never had these tests before.

My mother used to find that soaking her arthritic hands in a solution of Epsom salts and warm water helped relieve the pain.

Mojack26

Co codamol and Naproxen are ok. I have had 2 heart attacks and also high blood pressure so cannot take anti inflammatory,(ibuprofen etc) either. Find naproxen not great but better than nothing. My hands are bad too.

I found naproxen worked but the surgery will not prescribe it now. It is an anti-inflammatory.

I use topical anti-inflammatory cream (ibuprofen or diclofenac) on my hands - it does do something to help. I just buy it - but they might prescribe it.

Co codamol and Naproxen are ok. I have had 2 heart attacks and also high blood pressure so cannot take anti inflammatory,(ibuprofen etc) either. Find naproxen not great but better than nothing. My hands are bad too.

There are a few alternatives, like ginger capsules (250 mg, four times daily), Topical Arnica, Combination: Astaxanthin, Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C, Panax Ginseng.

I take very low dose tramadol.for my arthritic pain Can make you feel a bit spaced out but does help with pain control and sleep problems.

Also try Canaray
CBD oil and gummies fro Holland and Barrett. Get advice in one of their shops..

Hope this helps.






i

I think Voltarol is a specific no but generic ibuprofen gels are less bad.

My Mum has Gabapentin prescribed to her for her arthritis.

I take Co-codamol, as i suffer with both too , doc gave them to me ages ago, I don't go anywhere without them now ( but I only take them when I cant stand pain any more , as they could become addictive?

Bea65

Allira

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

I await answers!
The GP will not prescribe anti-inflammatories for anyone over 65, apparently.

She just prescribed codeine which has side effects, one being constipation.
And so it goes on.

Nothing works like Naproxen!

I’m prescribed Naproxen for arthritis and spinal fractures and well over 65….where did this new guidance come from?

I was also prescribed Naproxen in my seventies. I haven't heard of this guidance before.

I cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin as I only have one kidney (lost the other kidney in 2020 due to kidney cancer).
so i only take paracetamol for my aches and pains. gabapentin is, to my mind, an awful medicine - i ws prescribed this following a knee replacement op for nerve pain. never have i felt so awful - i was hallucinating badly.
I have arthritis in both hands especially my right thumb and have an steroid injection into the joint every four months which helps with the pain.
thankfully I don't have high blood pressure.

NB. Turmeric is also a no, no , so check before using herbal remedies.

I have high BP (controlled) plus am on blood thinners as have AF. I have also been told no Ibruprofen.
I use topical Ibruprofen on the area affected or Tiger Balm also gives some relief.
Also worked out that deep massage around knee joint, moving from surrounding area towards knee, is helpful.
I do also have Zopiclone (sleeping tablets) on the understanding that I only use them when I get desperate for a good nights sleep.

And have high BP with hypertension managed with medication- wish someone would clarify 🤞🏻

Allira

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

I await answers!
The GP will not prescribe anti-inflammatories for anyone over 65, apparently.

She just prescribed codeine which has side effects, one being constipation.
And so it goes on.

Nothing works like Naproxen!

I’m prescribed Naproxen for arthritis and spinal fractures and well over 65….where did this new guidance come from?

I have Algesal cream on prescription. That's diethylamine salicylate. It helps with the arthritis in my fingers.

FranP

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

My mother was prescribed a low dose of morphine, called Oramorph for pain.

My niece was given Gabapentin, but this badly affected her moods and actually made her manic. She is now under the hospital for pain management.

I took a slightly different route and taken Glucosamine and chondroitin for my painful knees, which helps a bit, but a bi-monthly trip to the osteopath is a god send

My best friend was totally crippled with arthritis wearing braces on her hands and arms and totally bent over. This was until they put her on Gabapentin, it works a treat for her and on some days she takes up to 800 mg. You would never know there is anything wrong with her at all. She states she never has any pain now. I too was prescribed gabapentin but only 50mg and felt so dozed up it was impossible to function. I now take Oramorph as a top up and twice daily 12 hour relief Morphine capsules together with 2 co-codimol 30/500 up to 4 times a day. I feel half asleep most of the time and still in pain. I have been referred to the pain management clinic for the 3rd time. I have had loads of steroid injections and a back operation too but nothing has helped so far. Pain it so debilitating and life changing. I really feel for you and all other sufferers.

I’m very wary of ibuprofen after a friend had to be put in an induced coma after ibuprofen caused stomach ulcers. And another friend because very ill after self medicating with it. I do take it occasionally but with plenty of food. I don’t worry about using the gel although it does dry my skin out.I buy Boots own brand Voltarol although it’s a lower strength; sometimes mix it with the Voltarol higher strength gel. Tend to sit at night with a tens machine on my bad knee.

My Gp neither, he told me it affects kidney function in older people

I, too, have raised blood pressure and was advised against Ibuprofen. However I had a bought of shoulder bursitis and was in agony. I spoke to my pharmacist and she told me that I could take a dose of Ibuprofen occasionally but not on a regular basis. I was so grateful as one dose helped so much.

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

My mother was prescribed a low dose of morphine, called Oramorph for pain.

My niece was given Gabapentin, but this badly affected her moods and actually made her manic. She is now under the hospital for pain management.

I took a slightly different route and taken Glucosamine and chondroitin for my painful knees, which helps a bit, but a bi-monthly trip to the osteopath is a god send