Alternatives to NSAIDS for relief of osteoarthritis

VikingGranny

Hello everyone! I'm posting for the first time to ask for advice/experiences with relief of pain and inflammation for osteoarthritis.

For many years I have taken Diclofenac daily for this purpose, with reasonable success. I made one attempt to come off it when concerns about it's risk of stroke/heart attack were first raised but the result was so much pain and inflammation that my then GP allowed me to resume it.

I have recently been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and prescribed a blood thinner, which means I can no longer take any kind of NSAID, including Diclofenac. I am devastated and afraid at the prospect of being without it. My current GP has suggested Tramadol or Codeine as alternatives, but these are both potentially addictive and don't deal with inflammation in the same way.

Does anyone know of an effective alternative to Diclofenac that can be used with blood thinners?

Thanks

Ann

Christal

Hi Ann. I can't take NSAIs - I did in the past, but they ruined my digestive track. I am currently using Pregabalin. I did take Gabapentin for 7 months, then it stopped working so well. I think this may happen with Pregabalin too in the longer term. Fingers crossed……. I know they are not anti inflamatories, but they deal with nerve pain. Then there is of course Paracetamol that can be added to the mix. Hope this gives you some alternatives to think about.

Bevdav123

Have you tried Biofreeze? I can’t take anti inflammatory’s, but I found it helped take the edge off the pain, I used the roll on gel .

frogmorton

Same issue for me I have lost my anti-inflam due to now being on permanent blood thinners. It was my favourite (not over-used) medication for pain and inflammation😔

I am currently feeling quite sorry for myself.

Back to basics for me I suspect microwavable wheatbag, tens machine etc…..🙄

You have my sympathy @VikingGranny

Toni x