Rheumy and gp disagree about meds meanwhile I feel crap!

[mandmsmummy]

I was put on naproxen for ankylosing spondylitis but had breathing problems. Not sure if it's naproxen or costocondritis. Anyway rheumy suggested trying diclofenic but gp refuses to prescribe as I'm breathless.
Totally cheesed off x

[denialandpanic]

ask the gp what investigations they would recommend to investigate problem.ask the Rheumatology department what else they would recommend. bang their heads together My gp generallyrefuses to discuss anything recommend by rheum which can be equally frustrating

[Thevelveteenrabbit]

Would gp consider retrial of naproxen? If naproxen caused shortness of breath chances are diclofenac will as well it is generally a "class effect" lots of recent info regarding cardiac risks of diclofenac so there is a general reluctance to start people on it especially if they are likely to need long term. Can you tolerate ibuprofen?

[PickledMoomin]

Are steroid injections an option? DP has just had them for his AS in his sacroiliac and pubis symphysis(?) with a CT scan and has helped lots. He's not taking any pain killers at the moment

[mandmsmummy]

Thanks all. I've been reading how as affects the lungs and not convinced the tablets are making me breathless. Might retry naproxen, like the idea of steroid injections too x x

[denialandpanic]

it's absolutely ridiculous your gp saying no nsaids because of a possible reaction to one.I think it's lazy medicine. nsaids are the main treatment for as. If no luck with naproxen ask for celebrex. your gp will have kittens as it is more expensivebut I found it significantly better.My rheums theory off nsaids is that everyone reacts differently and needs to try quieter a few to find the best one for them.after ibuprofen, diligence,naproxen and celebrex,I am now trying arcoxia.

[denialandpanic]

argh predictive text I meant diclofenac not diligence

[mandmsmummy]

Thanks denial! I agree. I'm thinking of retrying naproxen? I've read that as affects the lungs anyway so it's probably not the meds as I've been breathless without them x

[sashh]

I had problems with my BP and GP wanted to stop Naproxen but sent me to the rhumatologist first.

I did a 1 week trial without Neproxen and with tramadol, I was OK so we dropped Naproxen until my BP was under control.

I know not the same, but similar situation, one medical condition making prescription of pills contraindicated.

I would go with the rhumy every time.


Steroid injections - I had one a few weeks ago and they make a huge difference to me, but they don't for everyone and there can be some nasty side effects.

[mandmsmummy]

Thanks Sashh xx