Osteoarthritis, NSAIDS, and pouchitis

DJ H

I got into the back specialist today and was diagnosed with facet issues, likely osteoarthritis in my lower back. Hurts real bad in certain conditions.

So I know that in the past ibuprofen was bad for my pouch, but that is what they want to do for the OA, along with PT, and possibly radiofrequency neurotomy if I'm not getting anywhere with less invasive methods.

Not sure what to do, I don't want to make the pouch worse but oh boy does my back hurt. Like my dad used to say, "When it rains it pours".

Any thoughts? Thanks.

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

If you already have a history of GI side effects with ibuprofen, you probably should inform your back doctor that you cannot take it. Ibuprofen is one of the worst NSAIDs for GI side effects, but they like to prescribe it because it works and it is cheap. You can ask about trying a different NSAID and see if you tolerate it better. I take Relafen (nabumetone) when I am in a severe flare, but limit it to two weeks. If that does not work, we move on to prednisone. I have also taken Mobic (meloxicam) in the past.

Intolerance of NSAIDs is what got me on biologics. But I have inflammatory arthritis primarily, and OA as a secondary thing.

Jan