Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group getting off NSAIDs

I'm currently doing NSD with quite a bit of success, except for occasional slip-ups so far that cause a flare (still learning!).

My rheumatologist recommends I take Celebrex for those occasional flares, even if the pain is bearable, because the inflammation puts us at greater risk for cardiac issues down the road.

However, my understanding is that NSAIDs, even Celebrex which is said to be "mild", destroy the gut lining worsening the problem. The goal should be to follow NSD and work to getting off NSAIDs entirely.

So, for the occasional flare/stiffness/discomfort/etc., I am unsure what the best course of action would be. Better to take a dose of Celebrex or just swear off it entirely?

Didier

I used to suffer terribly through flares, it was exhausting and all that inflammation wasn't good for me long term, but back then the doctors wouldn't treat me.

Now, when i flare, I do a short methylpred taper. I've also added Aleve to the mix when I needed to. Whatever it took to be somewhat functional and not totally in pain.

That's the tradeoff I've decided for me.

Now on Humira, hoping the other drugs will be needed less, but a few weeks back I flared, even on Humira; then I took the methylpred to get me through...really no choice for me.

Hello, Didier:

I am not familiar with Celebrex, but do believe it is milder on the tract than non-selective agents.

However, with otherwise good results from NSD, we still get the occasional pain or flare-up albeit not lasting very long. For these I would take GLA (borage seed oil, evening primrose, or black currant) at 2g effective (many capsules) upon retiring, and during the day some EVOliveOil, by the teaspoonful five or six times or not so much as to reach the gag factor tolerance level. If serious flare persists, for about three days in a row, it is good to take 4-6oz fresh wheatgrass juice.

Be sure to supplement and especially with vitD and magnesium, zinc is also very important.

These are not the only 'tricks,' but the best for now and if issues keep stalling out Your progress, The Road Back Foundation has a listing of physicians in Your area who are willing to prescribe antibiotics for autoimmune conditions.

This is only the start of Your journey back to "normal," and it can take several years, just as AS did to finally manifest.

HEALTH,

John

NSD has worked great for me, but I do flare occasionally. At those times, I take an Aleve. I don't believe that an infrequent NSAID will cause any problems, and it definitely helps me.

--Greg

Thanks all this is really, really helpful. Looks like I'll be spending the weekend investigating supplements

Hello Didier,

In my opinion the first goal is to have quality of life as best you can. If it involves multiple treatments so be it...

In my opinion the second goal is to reduce medications, as not the best to live with potential side effects if there is no need.

Best to you,

Tim