NSAIDs and serious stomach problems, is this common?

[mandmsmummy]

Hi all
As a regular taker of diclofenic for ankylosing spondylitis I just wondered if the scare stories of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding, heart attack and strokes are that common? If they were why are they so readily prescribed?
Any thoughts? X

My doctor tells me she won't even use ibuprofen because of this. Make sure you are on omeprazole.

I'm on omeprazole.
Coffeespoons why? Bit extreme! X

Leverette, thanks but that's put me off been more! I've only been on them 9 days x

It's all about balancing the benefit you get with the risks. When my MCTD flares the pain is mind blowing as it is immune mediated non steroidals that reduce the inflammation as well as helping the pain are the best drugs. I take my omeprazole and consider the small risks re far outweighed by the fact that I can live a normal life.
All drugs have side effects so there is always a risk benefit calculation to be made.

What's mctd? That's my point is it a small risk that actually all these warnings are over the top x

MCTD mixed connective tissue disease an immune mediated disease inflammatory disease of all the connective tissue in your body.
The majority of people do not have side effects from NSAIDs, but legally the company as to list them all so you are aware. We all have to make our own risk benefit assessment as an informed decision.

Ok thanks excuse my ignorance I haven't heard of mctd before. Xx